Chinese actress Zhao Lusi is once again the talk of the internet after a brief on-stage moment at the Yuanqi Forest Music Festival went viral, racking up over 1 billion views across social media.
The reaction, however, has been divided, praising her star power while questioning her singing abilities.
Zhao appeared at the festival in Beijing on May 1, performing the track "You R." While her seven-minute set was relatively short, a single pose she struck during the performance stole the spotlight.
Zhao Lusi's slow motion hand twist transition dance challenge has been used by over 2 million people 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IRuXfMHdtR
— ☆ (@ZLS_HB10) June 11, 2025
Captured and widely shared on Douyin, the moment quickly evolved into a trending meme and challenge.
More than one million users — including students, professionals, children, and even firefighters — joined in the classroom or at home to reenact "Zhao Lusi's Signature Move," the original video of which had garnered over 320 million views, and its hashtag had received more than one billion views.
However, viral success was accompanied by scrutiny as well. Those who took the time to re-watch her entire stage show had some concerns about Zhao's vocal delivery.
Critics described her voice as breathy and off-pitch, with one commenter saying it "sounded more like karaoke than a live performance." Her dancing, too, drew criticism for being "stiff" and "lacking polish."
The backlash reignited an ongoing debate in Chinese entertainment: should actors transition into music without extensive preparation? Still, many fans came to Zhao's defense, highlighting her charitable spirit.
She reportedly refused payment for the appearance and donated 1 million yuan (approximately $137,000 USD) to the event's charity fund.
"Even if her vocals weren't perfect, her heart was in the right place," one supporter wrote on Weibo. Others praised her refreshed look and stage presence, noting that she appeared "vibrant and healthier than in recent months."
Zhao, 25, remains one of China's most followed young actresses, best known for roles in hit dramas like The Romance of Tiger and Rose and Who Rules the World.
There has been debate about her crossover into music, but fans say that with the appropriate training, Lusi could become a true multi-hyphenate star.
