Henry Huo

Henry Huo (born 18 September 1990) is a Chinese singer-songwriter and actor.

He gained fame by placing in the top three in singing competition Asian Wave 《声动亚洲》 He became popular nationwide by winning the first season of Sing My Song (中国好歌曲 第一季), a competition for songwriters to sing their own compositions.

His original 'Rolled-up Pearl Curtain' (Juán Zhū Lián) drew praise from both judges and audience alike.

The song was awarded Song of the Year.

13 days after his win, Henry was asked to perform in the CCTV Chinese New Year Eve Gala, which was broadcast worldwide, thus cementing his position as China's newest composing prodigy.

Meanwhile, Henry claimed the main prize in the Tianjin Satellite Channel Drama Contest Season 1 (《国色天香》第一季) by playing a dan (男旦) in the Peking Opera.

He won the Individual Vocal Group Silver Award at the Shanghai Student Art Contest in 2004.

In 2005, he placed third in the Middle School Group at the Shanghai 10th Youth Piano Contest.

In 2010, Henry was recommended by his college to participate in the Shanghai University "Zhiyin Cup" Piano Contest, where he won the Gold Award.

In 2011, Henry performed La campanella on piano for the University's New Year concert.

The show was a huge success and made Henry popular on campus for his musical talent.

In the same year, Henry was approached by the owner of Universal Music Group during a singing performance.

Although he was soon signed by Universal Music Group, Henry stayed in SHU-UTS SILC Business School until he earned his bachelor's degree in Business Management.

In the summer of 2012, Henry finished within the top three in the Asian Wave music talent show, where he was awarded the Glory Star.

His fame continued to grow from this first exposure.

In 2013, he played the role of a singer in the film Ashes to Ashes, 《从哪里来 到哪里去》 (lit. From Whence One Comes, There One Will Return).

He was awarded the title '2014 Drama King'.

Henry was born and raised in Shanghai, China.

He also lived in Guangzhou and Shenyang for a period of time.

His father, Feng Huo, is from Shenyang and his mother, Xiaoping Zhong is from Shanghai.

Both were famous singers from whom he inherited his musical talent.

His first language is Mandarin, but he also speaks the Shanghai dialect and English fluently.

He sings in Mandarin, English, and Japanese.

Henry's mother quit her job to raise him.

She was his first music teacher and took care of Henry throughout childhood.

Henry expressed the deep bond between him and his mother in his introduction on Sing My Song.

Mrs Huo loved the songs of Michael Jackson and Teresa Teng so much that Henry grew to be influenced by their music.

He was also influenced by Cape No. 7 of Kousuke Atari and finally developed his own singing style.

Henry is known for his Crystal Clear healing voice and vocal technique, similar to that of Hong Kong singer Anita Mui.

Henry started to learn piano at the age of 10 years and soon showed his affinity for music.

In March 2014, Henry was crowned winner of Sing My Song, for which he composed and sang "Rolled-up Pearl Curtain" (卷珠帘).

The song was so touching that judge Liu Huan shed tears the first time he heard it during Henry's audition.

Soon after this song was first heard, Henry was recommended to perform again in 2014 CCTV Chinese New Year Eve Gala, which was broadcast worldwide, further expanding his fame.

In 2014, Henry participated in Season 1 of Tianjin Satellite Channel's Drama Contest and played a dan (男旦) role in the Peking Opera.

His performance included Qiānlǐ Zhī Wài (《千里之外》, Thousands of Miles Away), Yānhuā Yì Lěng (《烟花易冷》, When Fireworks Fade), Měilì De Shénhuà (《美丽的神话》, Beautiful Myth), Wǒ Shì Huò Zūn (《我是霍尊》, I am Huo Zun), Fènghuáng Yú Fēi (《凤凰于飞》, The Flying Phoenix), Yīnwèi àiqíng (《因为爱情》, Because of Love), Zài Nà Táohuā Shèngkāi Dì Dìfāng (《在那桃花盛开的地方》, At the place where the peach blossom blooms), Shíjiān Dōu Dào Nǎ'er Qùle (《时间都到哪儿去了》, Wherever did the time go), and "Time To Say Goodbye".

His beautiful portrayal of women, his grace, clear voice, self-confidence, and humility were highly praised by professionals including Song Xiaochuan (宋小川) and Xiao Xiangyu (小香玉).

Henry won the contest and was hailed as The 2014 Drama King.

Later in the year, Peking Opera artist Méi Bǎojiǔ (梅葆玖) led the ballet of Méi Lán Fong (梅兰芳) to memorise the master in Beijing, China.

On 9 December, Henry was invited to sing its theme song Huā yǎ chán (《花雅禅》, The Zen in Grace and Flowers) which greatly enhanced the atmosphere of the performance.

While Henry is known for his singing, he has also acted in films.