Back on song

"This reality show has found unique drama that show writers cannot often craft," an audience member comments. "They (the participants) cried and laughed as if there was no camera at all."

Another audience member says, "I had watched Super Boy when I was a teenager. Now, it feels like a reunion with some old friends when I watch Go For Happiness."

It's been more than a month since Go For Happiness wrapped up production, and the six singers have appeared as soloists and as a group on some TV galas since then. They also presented an online concert livestreamed by the Tencent Music Entertainment Group. The second season of the reality show is being planned.

"It's great to have more and more job opportunities. I had no sleep for about 40 hours during my busiest days," says Zhang Yuan, 37, who won the ninth place during the Super Boy competition in 2007.

"I read lots of messages from the audience who loved Go For Happiness. It was beyond our expectations," says Zhang. "It (the shooting of the show) was not work as such, although it was exhausting. I still have some marks left by mosquito bites. What I loved the most about the show was that I could have a week full of fun with the other five people, who are like my brothers."

"We met when we all were very young. The singing competition witnessed the birth of our friendship, which lasts even after 10 years. Though we live in different cities, we have reunions every year," Zhang says. "We have supported and helped one another, especially through bad moments in our lives."

Last year, when the singer held his concert in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, about 600 tickets were sold, making the venue that had a capacity of about 1,500 seats look empty. Thanks to the success of Go For Happiness, Zhang sold out his concert within seconds in Guangzhou this summer.