China Grants Na Ying Rare Censorship Exemption

Authorities in Chengdu ruled that singer Na Ying did not need special approval after she briefly sang “Curved Moon” during a concert tribute to her friend Liu Huan, who had died the day before. Officials said the song was only a fragment performed during audience interaction, not a full rendition. China generally requires advance approval for live entertainment, and artists who breach the rules can face fines or bans, underscoring the strict controls on performers. Liu, 63, was a prominent musician and longtime music-history professor, best known to many for performing the 2008 Beijing Olympics theme song with Sarah Brightman.