Zhu Zhiwen, now known as "China's real farmer singer", won overnight fame after auditioning on the Chinese talent show, I'm a Big Star. I was deeply moved by his voice as well as his spirit.

On his debut, he walked on the stage, dressed in a shabby overcoat, (that's why people later called him "overcoat brother").

The audience at first made fun of his humble, unpolished, middle-aged farmer image. But when he began singing the theme song of the TV drama, Romance of Three Kingdoms, his voice and style left everyone stunned.

The standing ovation that Zhu got from the audience was testament to his talent.

What moved me the most is that he was not singing for money or fame but, as he said, for the country's ordinary people. I hope he lives up to his brilliant talent and flourishes as a singer, and wish him success.

Lao Zhang, via e-mail

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(China Daily 06/01/2011 page9)