Televised reality show break the mold

In 2005, Hunan Television produced Super Girl, one of the first reality shows of its kind in China.

The competition was won by Li Yuchun-then a student at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in Chengdu-with her gender-neutral style and solid singing and dancing skills. As a result, Li became a national pop icon.

The show attracted a nationwide audience of 400 million, with many fans voting for Li, who wore her trademark short hair and sang in a deep, soulful voice.

She also appeared on the cover of Time magazine's Asian edition, which described her as an "Asian hero". Now 36, she is still one of the best-selling female pop stars in the country.

On May 30, Li appeared as a performing guest on the hit reality show Youth With You Season 2, singing All the Girls, which she wrote in just three days.

She was also invited to write a theme song for Sisters, which was released on Thursday. Titled Ms Priceless, the electro-pop number delivers a message about breaking stereotypes attached to women from birth. A video of the song has been viewed some 10 million times on Li's social media platform.

"My face, my fingers are priceless. My ideas, my talents are priceless," she sings. "I choose my lipsticks, my handbags and I create my own life and dreams. Protect the truest smile and I am priceless."

Li said, "Like many people, I was looking forward to a totally different reality show about women and their performances, proving that they have far more than just physical beauty."