China's idols deserve a perfect pitch (extract)

(學習重點：加了黃色螢光標記的詞組)

The name of seven-year-old Yang Peiyi is splashed around the world a few days after the Beijing Olympic's gala grand opening.

While one could only speculate whether it was an official decision whereby musical director Chen Qigang disclosed the truth to Beijing Radio that the hymn Ode to the Motherland during the opening was in fact lip-synched, it s heartwarming to see the recognition bestowed on the little girl whose beautiful voice won international acclaim.

It turns out that Peiyi did the actual singing behind the scenes after she was deemed not to be attractive enough to be put on stage because of her chubby face and crooked teeth.

In her place, the more photogenic Lin Miaoke was rolled out, with her cute pig-tails and bright red party dress, but she was miming the song.

The barrage of questions following Chen's revelation is only predictable as anyone would love to receive assurance that neither Peiyi or Miaoke would be hurt by the organizers’ questionable judgement.

Mary Ma
The Standard, 14 August 2008