Starting from the bottom of the entertainment hierarchy, Fred Cheng (鄭俊弘) has really come a long way. In 2001, Fred joined the TVB New Talent Singing Award in hopes of starting his own singing career, but when his label Capital Artists ceased music production, Fred was transferred to TVB’s artist department, and was cast in insignificant roles in various TVB dramas. One episode of The Voice of Stars <星夢傳奇> turned Fred to one of the biggest rising stars of 2013. The publicity he garnered after his successful run in the talent show was overwhelming, and sometimes even Fred thought he may be moving a bit too fast. “For a while, I was worried I was going too fast and I would lose my chances,” said Fred. “But I’ve stopped thinking that way because it just gave me more pressure and more negative thoughts. I should think positively. Anyways, I don’t mind the gossip that comes with being famous. It’s a normal thing. If you’re curious about me, just ask!” It was a slow walk to fame for Fred, but the 30-year-old does not mind the wait. In fact, he prefers it. “I’m a pretty laid-back person, which is probably why I have a high EQ. I’m not very ambitious. I don’t mind the slow improvements. As long as I get to do what I want, nothing else can affect me. [The media] says I’m someone who has good audience fate, or that my seniors take care of me well, but I’ve always just been myself. I try my best to do what I can within my limits. I will not purposely and manipulatively please others.” Currently preparing for his debut studio album and shooting the TVB comedy drama Ox Head Loves Horse Mouth <牛頭愛搭馬嘴>, Fred has never been this busy and exhausted in years. “Trying to balance singing and acting is difficult, but I will remain committed. I’ll just get up two to three hours earlier to practice my songs! I don’t want to keep on performing the same songs over and over again.” Fred’s pre-debut single is “Two Sentences” <兩句>, the theme song for his latest drama, Return of the Silver Tongue <舌劍上的公堂>. Fred recalled, “I remember I was still busy with The Voice of the Stars at the time. The producer Lee Yim Fong (李艷芳) suddenly called me and asked if I was interested in singing the theme song. Of course I said yes immediately! Before recording, I asked for feedback from the producers and I would try my best to coordinate. This song isn’t my own work, so I need to perform in a style that complements the drama. Everyone says I’m obedient. Maybe, but I’m just easier to work with. A person can never really achieve to be the best, so we should all keep an open mind.” In November 2013, Fred performed on the red carpet for the K-pop Mnet Asian Music Awards, which was held in the AsiaWorld-Arena. Meeting numerous international stars, it was an experience that Fred would not easily forget. “I never thought I would get a chance to meet Stevie Wonder. To be able to perform on the same stage, and use the same sound system, haha, it gets me so hyped up! “I live for the stage. I never want to get off!” Creds: ihktv
