Fred Cheng Lives for the Stage
Starting from the bottom of the entertainment hierarchy, Fred Cheng (鄭俊弘) has really come a long way. In 2001, Fred joined the TVB New Talent Singing Award in hopes of starting his own singing career, but when his label Capital Artists ceased music production, Fred was transferred to TVB’s artist department, and was cast in insignificant roles in various TVB dramas.
One episode of The Voice of Stars <星夢傳奇> turned Fred to one of the biggest rising stars of 2013. The publicity he garnered after his successful run in the talent show was overwhelming, and sometimes even Fred thought he may be moving a bit too fast.
“For a while, I was worried I was going too fast and I would lose my chances,” said Fred. “But I’ve stopped thinking that way because it just gave me more pressure and more negative thoughts. I should think positively. Anyways, I don’t mind the gossip that comes with being famous. It’s a normal thing. If you’re curious about me, just ask!”
It was a slow walk to fame for Fred, but the 30-year-old does not mind the wait. In fact, he prefers it. “I’m a pretty laid-back person, which is probably why I have a high EQ. I’m not very ambitious. I don’t mind the slow improvements. As long as I get to do what I want, nothing else can affect me. [The media] says I’m someone who has good audience fate, or that my seniors take care of me well, but I’ve always just been myself. I try my best to do what I can within my limits. I will not purposely and manipulatively please others.”
Currently preparing for his debut studio album and shooting the TVB comedy drama Ox Head Loves Horse Mouth <牛頭愛搭馬嘴>, Fred has never been this busy and exhausted in years. “Trying to balance singing and acting is difficult, but I will remain committed. I’ll just get up two to three hours earlier to practice my songs! I don’t want to keep on performing the same songs over and over again.”
Fred’s pre-debut single is “Two Sentences” <兩句>, the theme song for his latest drama, Return of the Silver Tongue <舌劍上的公堂>. Fred recalled, “I remember I was still busy with The Voice of the Stars at the time. The producer Lee Yim Fong (李艷芳) suddenly called me and asked if I was interested in singing the theme song. Of course I said yes immediately! Before recording, I asked for feedback from the producers and I would try my best to coordinate. This song isn’t my own work, so I need to perform in a style that complements the drama. Everyone says I’m obedient. Maybe, but I’m just easier to work with. A person can never really achieve to be the best, so we should all keep an open mind.”
In November 2013, Fred performed on the red carpet for the K-pop Mnet Asian Music Awards, which was held in the AsiaWorld-Arena. Meeting numerous international stars, it was an experience that Fred would not easily forget. “I never thought I would get a chance to meet Stevie Wonder. To be able to perform on the same stage, and use the same sound system, haha, it gets me so hyped up!
“I live for the stage. I never want to get off!”
Source: ihktv.com
This article is written by Addy for JayneStars.com.
I’m so happy for Fred. He deserves it!
Fred makes it so easy to adore him. His personality is so down to earth and humble. I wish him success in the new year!
I love Fred’s performance, he always sings with his heart.
Awww, love Fred and extremely happy for his current success! Definitely glad to see Fred getting so many opportunities, though I also hope that he takes good care of himself health-wise and not overdo it (he has been looking a bit tired at recent events). In any case, I’m looking forward to his debut album and will definitely have it on my ‘to buy’ list. Best wishes to you Fred!
Thanks JayneStars for the article. That’s a nice pic of him and can see his fans’ signs in the the background. I’m anxiously waiting for his new album which will be released in May/June. Add oil Fred and best wishes to you for 2014!!
I love his look and his singing but it’s his personality which attracts me to become one of his crazy fans. I really enjoy reading this article because it reinforce my belief in him. Support you forever, Fred!
Fred definitely belongs to the stage! Love his down-to-earth and positive personality; and true passion for music. Great to see someone with real talents achieve success in doing what he loves best. He has risen to the occasion with every new opportunity presented to him since winning VOS. 2014 will definitely be an even bigger year for him. Wish him all the best and good health. Will definitely buy his album:)
Raymond Lam or Fred Cheng? Who is the best singer in TVB?
I don’t think it’s fair to judge Fred and Raymond. Plus, Raymond Lam knows Fred and supports him. No need to compare the two.
Ever since I listened to Raymond Lam’s debut song (The Last Breakthrough subtheme), I fell in love with his acting and his singing. Ever since I saw Fred Cheng on screen (earliest drama was Forensic Heroes), I started taking notice of him and loved him since then. As a fan of both, I support both.
As for whos’ the best singer in TVB honestly, I can’t differentiate. Both have had grown up with music and were taught music. I guess, you can say that both are musically talented. Although I wasn’t fond of Chok and Raymond Lam, the recent songs Raymond Lam released reminded me of the reason why I fell in love with his singing in the first place. As for Fred, he sings with his heart, very passionate about it, which is why I fell in love with him and the fact that he came from Vancouver and will continue to persevere for his dreams! On a side note, I also like Alfred Hui, Hubert Wu (born in 1990). I feel that coming from near my generation (early 1990s- mid 1995), these two are hopefuls and can become as successful as Raymond lam and Fred 🙂
Totally agree…I am a big fans of Raymond Lam…and I support Fred (I voted for him on the contest). On one of Raymond’s radio interview, he said he has known Fred and like him, said that Fred is honest and love music. He is happy for him too. No need to compare, they both can successful in his own way. For me, of course, I am still a big fans of Raymond Lam, but still wish Fred luck! Of course, Alfred is a good and humble singer too!
@AL do you know what interview did Raymond talk about Fred?
Rachel, it is Raymond Lam’s interview 2013-12-23~28 林峰《1圈圈 星光背後》
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9I_qc9u-L4&list=PLnjJ9u2nJYkdPuH0C9zTY36to4iHUQNwz
Between 0:10:30 to 0:10:55, talk about Fred.
agree…….^_^
No Need to compare Fred with other singers. Fred is himself. Fred has his own style of performance & he sings with his heart & feeling in the song. That’s why we love Fred & will always support him. We are very proud of him too.In our hearts Fred is the best of the best!
yeah me too!!!!!!!
yeah i agree i mean!!!!!!!!sorry
MISTAKE!!!!^_^
Support you Fred!! Looking forward buying your first album!!
Good on you Fred! I hope Voices of the Star runner-up Hoffman Cheng will also get the attention he deserves.
Yes! I support you.
yes!!!!!i support u fred!!!!!!^_^
me too!!!!!i am looking forward for your
first album!!!!!!!!!!^_^
i think is both of them raymond lam and
fred cheng!!!!!!!!i use to love raymond lam’s album songs but now i don’t really support him that much at all Well……..kind of……….i mostly support fred everytime when i see him on tv!!!!!!!!!!!!
support freddy 🙂
Very happy for him !!! 🙂
He does got a good voice from the competition. HE also does look obedient. He looks like a nice young fellow. Very youthful looking. Got some baby face going on. It would be nice of the media also gives attention to ther winners because they all deserve it.
Fred seems like he’s got a great personality. He deserves his current popularity!
I’m proud of Fred for always putting 110% into everything he does and even as his popularity rises, he is still the same humble guy that he was six months ago. His wonderful personality, hardworking spirit, and attitude towards others really paved the road for his success and he deserves every little bit of what he has today. I’m looking forward to this summer for the release of his first album, I will definitely continue to support him in his music and acting career. 加油Fred! 🙂