Though wildly popular, the Idol singing competitions in the West are viewed with much skepticism. Despite showing talent and having a large fan base, participants often find themselves pigeonholed. Critics claim that the competition offers an easy shortcut to stardom, and calls for neither talent nor hard work.

But 2005 Super Girl (China's version of American Idol) participant Zhang Liangying believes it is not as simple as it seems. "It's very complicated," she says. "I have only one word to describe it: tiring."

Zhang, better known as Jane Zhang, has been trying to free herself from the pop image her performance in China's Idol competition earned her, three years ago. Dubbed "Dolphin Princess" for the uncommon flexibility of her vocal range, Zhang's journey toward a more "artistic" musical career has been easier than that of many of her peers.

Just one year after the completion of 2005's Super Girl, Zhang found herself collaborating with two of China's most respected musicians. She sang the theme song for the 2006 film The Banquet, joining hands with avant-garde composer Tan Dun and award-winning pianist Lang Lang. Most singers can only expect to work on such high-profile projects at the peak of their careers.

On her experience of working with Tan, Zhang says, "I must thank Tan Dun. He has given me so much."

Zhang certainly has reason to thank him. Their collaboration has brought Zhang far more respect than what Idol contestants can usually expect. It has also raised questions about genre and how artists may or may not move freely across boundaries.

Her second album sounded more like a mixture of R&B and jazz than the Chinese pop that many expected from her. Zhang says, "I don't like to be classified. My sound is elegant, and flexible. I sing what brings me pleasure, so I prefer to be dynamic."

Zhang has committed to perform in the international World Peace One concert series, whose aim is to eradicate war within the next 10 years. Besides The Banquet, she has also sung the theme songs for The Forbidden Kingdom as well as the highly acclaimed television series, The Return of the Condor Hero.

Whether these accomplishments are expected of singers who make it in the Idol competitions is debatable. Nonetheless, Zhang is moving in directions that not many could have foreseen three years ago.

Early last month, the singer was invited to perform in Tokyo. As part of Chinese President Hu Jintao's "warm spring" tour of Japan, Zhang staged a rare performance at Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's official residence. Zhang has been actively helping promote cultural understanding and friendship between the youth of both countries through her music.

Photos by Xiao Huaiyuan