Kelly Chen - Is HK Rep At Olympics Close

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games ended with a massive party at the Bird's Nest Stadium yesterday evening and among the stars performing at the closing ceremony was Hong Kong's own queen of pop, Kelly Chen (陳慧琳).

Kelly Chen performed in two acts in the evening, firstly in the preshow in a duet with mainland singer Lin Yilun (林依輪) singing "Forever Friends" <永遠的朋友> and then singing the first song "Beijing Beijing I Love Beijing" <北京，北京，我愛北京> together with other mainland singers after the Olympic flame was finally extinguished above the stadium.

Asked how she felt about being invited to take part in such a prestigious and historical event, Kelly Chen said that she was very very excited and she felt honoured to have this opportunity. She revealed that she was extremely nervous before the show because she knew that she would be performing for so many viewers all around the world. She smiled that when it was over she let out a massive sigh of relief. She was also glad to be free from the secrecy that had surrounded the ceremony because she was unable to give away any information ahead of the show.

Kelly Chen had prepared six or seven different outfits for her performances, but the director chose a red and black checked asymmetric dress by Ralph Lauren for the first song and a pink Dolce & Gabanna tube top for the upbeat song for a more modern and fashionable impression. Kelly Chen also showed off a white and grey Donna Karan outfit for her after show interview.

Action director Siu-Tung Ching (程小東) also made a Hong Kong contribution to the ceremony by designing all of the aerial stunts performed by dancers in the show.

Rain Drinks In Olympics Emotion

Singer Rain has spoken about performing at the Beijing Olympic closing ceremony on Sunday. The Korean singer sang the closing theme song “Beijing, Beijing, I Love Beijing” with other Chinese stars, including Hong Kong-based Kelly Chen, Taiwanese singer Wang Leehom, and Chinese star Cecelia Han.

There had been increasing curiosity surrounding Rain’s participation in the ceremony, because his agency refused to confirm it. On Monday, the agency finally broke its silence, saying, “Rain signed a contract to perform at the closing ceremony some three months ago when the International Olympic Committee made an official request. But the contract required us to keep it confidential.”

Before going onstage, Rain said he felt honored and excited when first asked to perform, as though he had been chosen for the national squad. He also seemed overwhelmed with joy after the ceremony. “I have never felt this nervous since my debut,” he said. “I was very moved to see people around the world gather and enjoy this occasion of harmony and festival.”

Rain is currently working on his fifth album.