Country gal finds her twang in China

American singer-songwriter Mickey Guyton is no stranger to breaking barriers in the music industry. As an African-American woman in country music, she defied expectations by grabbing three Grammy nominations in 2020 for her hit song Black Like Me, making her the first black female solo artist to be nominated in a country category. But her journey took an unexpected and transformative turn in 2025 when she joined the popular Chinese reality show, The Singer.

Her participation not only won the hearts of Chinese fans but also marked a personal and professional turning point, offering a unique cross-cultural experience that deeply impacted her and her young son.

Guyton, who was in China for a whirlwind 19-day tour from Jan 23 to Feb 1, visiting Beijing, Chengdu in Sichuan province, Shenzhen in Guangdong province, and Shanghai, shared her journey during an exclusive interview with China Daily, recounting the ups and downs of her time on the show.

"Being on The Singer was one of the craziest, yet life-changing experiences for me," Guyton said in Beijing on Jan 22. "It was breathtaking and beautiful to experience China and the Chinese people. I'm forever changed and love it here so much."

Her time on the show wasn't without its challenges. She and her son fell ill right before they arrived in China, and the singer had a fever during her first performance.

"I was really sick that first week after flying 24 hours and having cameras on me. It was total chaos," she recalls. Despite her struggles, Guyton powered through, delivering standout performances that captivated the audience.

Before she joined the show, Guyton hadn't even imagined visiting China, let alone performing on a national stage. "I never thought I'd get the chance. It was such a blessing," she says.

Her initial impressions of China were not influenced by stereotypes or preconceived notions. "As an American, I was ignorant — no thoughts, no expectations. One of my best friends is half-Chinese, but I came with an open mind and heart," she says.

What she found in China amazed her. From the food to the respect for the elderly and children, the culture touched her. "The Mandarin language is so poetic, and I was struck by the kindness and love I felt from everyone," she says.

On The Singer, Guyton's performances resonated not only with the audience but also with herself. "I wanted people to feel my heart, which was my main goal," she notes."Singing other people's songs is hard, so I tried to make each one my own."

A standout moment came when she performed Lady Gaga's You and I, adding a country twist that showcased her unique style.

Despite the show's intense schedule and competitive atmosphere, Guyton's connection with Chinese fans was undeniable. "I just wanted them to know I loved them, and I fell in love with the show's artists, audience, and the whole experience," she says.

While Guyton's time in China was a dream come true, it was also a family affair. Her son, 4 years old at the time, joined her on the trip. "He loved it! Now back in California, he says he misses China and his friends from the Chinese international school," she says. "It was a beautiful experience for him." This, in turn, has sparked her desire to return with him in the future, as she feels deeply connected to the country and its culture.

Guyton's success on the show is just one part of her remarkable journey. As a mother and a trailblazer in country music, her perspective on success has evolved. "Being a mom to my son is my greatest achievement. Nothing compares to it," she says. "After having him, my perspective changed completely; even big stages don't top watching him grow."

Reflecting on her future, Guyton remains focused on her music. "I wanted to be nominated for and win a Grammy. I've been nominated four times, and I'm not giving up," she says.

Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, said in Beijing on Jan 22: "The rapid rise of China's music market has led to an increasing number of international artists entering the Chinese market at an unprecedented pace. Music consumption and the live performance market have continued to flourish in recent years. International artists are all full of anticipation for this magical Eastern market."

As one of the leading global music companies, Universal Music has announced a new initiative, "Go East", together with a newly established international cooperation department, to offer a bridge connecting international artists with the Chinese market and a one-stop service for their promotional needs, with full-scale operational and commercial support included.

The department plans to combine its international project management experience with a deep understanding of local partnerships, ensuring that global artists have a comprehensive support system to thrive in China. It reflects China's growing importance as the world's third-largest music market and its booming live performance scene, which continues to attract artists worldwide.

Zhang Chongshuo, the founder of the outdoor music festival Bubbling Boiling Music & Arts Festival, shared on Jan 22 that music festivals today are no longer just celebrations of subcultural circles. More than 50 percent of the Bubbling Boiling Music & Arts Festival attendees consist of the post-2000s generation, whose aesthetic tastes are more flat and globalized.

"We not only bring in renowned artists but also focus on discovering international artists who are gaining attention abroad but have yet to be fully developed in China. Clearly, for music festivals facing competition from homogeneous lineups, international artists are an essential content resource for creating the event's appeal and branding power," he notes.

In terms of city distribution, the footprint of international artists has expanded beyond first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Guangdong province, moving into new first-tier and second-, third-, and fourth-tier cities in recent years. In terms of venue size, international artists are also performing in venues such as clubs, livehouses and theaters, as well as in sports arenas and stadiums with tens of thousands of seats.

Huang Jiangping, the director of the arts department of the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV and Tourism, shares that in 2025, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, hosted 164 concerts and music festivals throughout the year, including 129 large-scale performances that attracted 2.44 million attendees and gained box-office revenues exceeding 2 billion yuan ($287.7 million). Among the large-scale international artist tours in Hangzhou last year were flagship projects featuring Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry, Imagine Dragons, and OneRepublic.