A pretty girl who won national fame after singing at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games was only miming. Wearing a red dress and pigtails, Lin Miaoke charmed a worldwide audience with a rendition of "Ode to the Motherland". But the singer was Yang Peiyi, who was not allowed to appear because she is not as "flawless" as nine-year-old Lin. The show's musical director said Lin was used because it was in the best interests of the country. The revelation follows news that a fireworks display used during the opening ceremony was apparently faked. 'Smiling angel' Speaking on Beijing Radio station, musical director Chen Qigang said the organisers needed a girl with both a good image and a good voice. Lin Miaoke performs at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games They faced a dilemma because although Lin was prettier, seven-year-old Yang had the better voice, Mr Chen said. "After several tests, we decided to put Lin Miaoke on the live picture, while using Yang Peiyi's voice," he told the radio station. "The reason for this is that we must put our country's interest first," he added. "The girl appearing on the picture must be flawless in terms of her facial expression and the great feeling she can give to people." Singer Lin, who is being called the "smiling angel", has already become a media celebrity because of her performance. She told state-run China Daily that she felt "beautiful" in the red dress she wore during the performance. Her dad told the newspaper that she already had fans all over the country. According to Chinese news reports, Yang said she did not regret the decision, saying she was satisfied to have had her voice featured in the opening ceremony. This is the second "fake" story about the opening ceremony Viewers around the world saw a display in which 29 firework "footprints" travelled across Beijing from south to north. But a senior official from the Beijing organising committee (Bocog) confirmed on Tuesday that footage of the display had been produced before the big night. This was provided to broadcasters for "convenience and theatrical effects", according to Wang Wei, Bocog's executive vice-president. "Because of poor visibility, some previously recorded footage may have been used," he told a daily press conference. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7556058.stm" target="_top">http://http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7556058.stm
Lin Miaoke performs at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games
They faced a dilemma because although Lin was prettier, seven-year-old Yang had the better voice, Mr Chen said. "After several tests, we decided to put Lin Miaoke on the live picture, while using Yang Peiyi's voice," he told the radio station. "The reason for this is that we must put our country's interest first," he added. "The girl appearing on the picture must be flawless in terms of her facial expression and the great feeling she can give to people." Singer Lin, who is being called the "smiling angel", has already become a media celebrity because of her performance. She told state-run China Daily that she felt "beautiful" in the red dress she wore during the performance. Her dad told the newspaper that she already had fans all over the country. According to Chinese news reports, Yang said she did not regret the decision, saying she was satisfied to have had her voice featured in the opening ceremony.
This is the second "fake" story about the opening ceremony Viewers around the world saw a display in which 29 firework "footprints" travelled across Beijing from south to north.
But a senior official from the Beijing organising committee (Bocog) confirmed on Tuesday that footage of the display had been produced before the big night.
This was provided to broadcasters for "convenience and theatrical effects", according to Wang Wei, Bocog's executive vice-president. "Because of poor visibility, some previously recorded footage may have been used," he told a daily press conference.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7556058.stm" target="_top">http://http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7556058.stm
They are both cute and this is one of the reasons young kids grow up to have self image problems
Quote: from allsmiles at 6:33 pm on Aug. 22, 2008
They never planned on letting just one of the girls participate in it. All 3 of the girls up for the position featured in the opening ceremony. The "ugly" girl had stage fright, and was informed well in advance that she would not be appearing on stage. The other girl, while her voice was still beautiful, it was not as strong, but she had the presence on stage that was required. The other girl was deemed too old (10 years old) for the appearance, but all three were credited for the performance. Yang Peiyi was never told that she was ugly, and Lin Maioke was never a last minute replacement. None of the girls were damaged by the ordeal, they're all very proud of what they have done for their country. This rumour that the western media latched onto started at the Voice of America, which is a propaganda tool for the US government.
It's China, what do you expect? Regard for human feelings? Psht.
That's so, so pathetic.
The one on the right is more adorable though.
There ya go
I feel so bad for her.
"We must put our country's interest first" Seriously? Seriously!?
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