Taiwanese singing sensation Lin Yu-chun (林育群) returned home early yesterday after concluding a high-profile visit to the US during which he appeared on two popular talk shows.
Lin told reporters upon his arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport that he was both happy and nervous about his TV debut in the US and “flattered” by the courtesy with which he was received.
“The biggest plus from the visit was that it allowed more people to see Taiwan,” Lin said. “Many people greeted me by saying ‘Hi, Taiwan boy!’ when I walked down the street.” He continued.
The talent show contestant, who shot to fame when a video of him singing Whitney Houston’s version of I Will Always Love You, was posted on YouTube and received millions of views, said he will seek to sharpen his singing skills by improving his physical posture and strength, to pave the way for a career as a professional performer.
However, Lin said he does not have any plans to lose weight, adding that he was afraid people might not recognize him if he slimmed down.
Excited to be on the same flight with the “celebrity,” many passengers had photos taken with Lin while on the plane.
There were also fans waiting to greet him in the airport arrivals lobby.
The purpose of the US visit was to perform and do interviews on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and Lopez Tonight.
Lin again impressed his audience when he sang I Will Always Love You on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
The video showing him singing the song on a Taiwanese talent show One Million Star (超級星光大道) went viral soon after it was posted on YouTube, on April 6, with immediate comparisons made between Lin and British talent show star Susan Boyle, who rose to stardom after competing in Britain’s Got Talent last year.
Lin was also well received on the Lopez Tonight show when he sang Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart in a duet with William Shatner of Star Trek fame.
His performance of Houston’s Saving All My Love For You on the same show was also highly praised, with videos of his performances widely available on the Internet.
Sony Music Entertainment (Taiwan) has decided to sign a contract with Lin and release an album with him.
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