One of China’s most recognizable television personalities, Xie Na, has found herself at the center of another major controversy after announcing plans for a nationwide concert tour.

The first stop of the tour is scheduled for July 11 in Beijing. However, instead of receiving widespread support, the veteran host has been met with significant criticism online, with some netizens even labeling her an “amateur singer.”

The controversy traces back to April, when Xie Na held a music performance in Chengdu. At the time, she described the event as a personal project aimed at fulfilling a lifelong dream of singing and making up for regrets she had carried throughout her career. She emphasized that the show was intended as a commemorative performance rather than a commercial venture. Many fans sympathized with her explanation.

The Chengdu event was considered a success, thanks in part to support from numerous celebrity friends. Her husband, singer Zhang Jie, attended the show, while longtime colleagues and friends also made appearances. Among the guests were Li Xiaoran, Yang Di, and Qi Sijun. Xie Na’s longtime idol, Jimmy Lin, even joined her on stage for a duet. Because the event was framed as a passion project rather than a professional concert, audiences were relatively forgiving of her vocal limitations.

The situation changed dramatically when Xie Na announced plans to expand the concept into a full commercial concert tour. Many netizens accused her of turning what was originally presented as a heartfelt personal dream into a large-scale profit-making venture.

The biggest source of criticism has been ticket pricing. Reports indicate that tickets range from 380 yuan to 1,180 yuan (approximately $53–$165 USD), prices comparable to those charged by some of China’s top recording artists. This immediately sparked debate over whether Xie Na possesses the musical credentials necessary to justify those prices.

Although Xie Na has released music in the past, her reputation was built primarily through television hosting. For years, she was one of the central figures of the hugely popular variety show Happy Camp, which helped make her a household name across China. Critics argue that despite her popularity, she lacks a signature hit song and has never been regarded as a top-tier vocalist.

Some online users pointed out that she has occasionally forgotten lyrics during live performances, using those incidents as evidence that she should not be staging large-scale concerts. As a result, many have questioned whether audiences are paying for musical quality or simply for celebrity status.

The controversy surrounding Xie Na has also reignited a broader discussion within the Chinese entertainment industry. In recent years, several actors and entertainers have ventured into the concert business despite not being known primarily for singing. Among those frequently mentioned in the debate are Zhao Lusi, Dylan Wang, Bai Lu, and Ding Yuxi. Critics argue that the issue is not artists exploring new creative fields but rather the growing commercialization of fan culture, where concerts are increasingly viewed as lucrative business opportunities regardless of artistic qualifications.

Ironically, despite the wave of backlash, tickets for Xie Na’s Beijing concert reportedly sold out shortly after going on sale. This contradiction highlights her enduring popularity.

Born in 1981, Xie Na remains one of China’s most influential entertainment personalities. She rose to fame through Happy Camp and became known for her energetic hosting style and comedic personality. At the peak of her popularity, she even held a Guinness World Record for having the most followers on Weibo. Her marriage to singer Zhang Jie has also made her one of China’s most recognizable celebrity couples.

However, her career has not been without controversy. Over the years, Xie Na has faced various allegations and public disputes, ranging from accusations of stinginess to controversies involving business dealings and fan-related issues.

The latest concert controversy underscores the paradox surrounding Xie Na’s career. She remains one of the most famous and commercially successful figures in Chinese entertainment, yet she continues to attract unusually intense criticism.

Whether viewed as a beloved television icon chasing a personal dream or as a celebrity overextending her influence into music, one thing is clear: Xie Na still knows how to keep the public talking.

Sources: K14