ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) has signed a landmark deal to distribute Star China’s hit primetime entertainment series, Sing My Song to the global television market. This marks the first time that an original Chinese talent show format has been exported internationally.

Sing My Song is a studio-based music contest, searching for the best original songs in the nation. Four of the music industry’s most accomplished singer-songwriters share their experience and expertise as producer-judges, providing feedback and guidance to the contestants. The judges also have an important goal: each is scouting for songs to be part of their own original music album. The series aired on China’s national TV channel CCTV-3 earlier this year, reaching 480 million viewers over the series, with a total audience share of 37% in China (CSM) and CCTV-3’s slot ratings up 59% year-on-year.

Sing My Song

Sing My Song takes the talent show genre in a new direction, highlighting the musical creativity of the contestants. The competition uncovers the singer-songwriters who have the ability and talent to compose and perform their own unique songs. The ratings success and high levels of audience engagement with the show on social media have illustrated the appeal of this new approach. In China, where voting is prohibited, downloads of the original songs have proven the popularity of the music and turned the show into a cultural phenomenon, extending its life beyond the TV airing.