A dramatic discovery

Many of Zhou's international fans first discovered him through Chinese television shows. Commonly called "C dramas", these programs have seen a surge in international popularity, with several series becoming global hits.

According to China's National Radio and Television Administration, TV dramas represent the most exported category of Chinese audiovisual content, comprising 80 percent of overseas distribution in 2023 and reaching audiences in over 200 countries and regions.

China also has the highest number of domestic television viewers worldwide and produces the most drama episodes per year.

Desarae Young was first introduced to Zhou through the soundtrack of a Chinese TV show The Untamed. Later, she saw him on Keep Running, a Chinese variety show she loves.

"I've always been drawn to Chinese TV shows — the historical elements, the production quality, and the sound design. There's a level of professionalism in these shows that you don't always see in American productions," Young tells China Daily as she waits to enter Zhou's concert in New York.

She says her Chinese cultural intake includes dramas like War of Faith, The Wolf and The Untamed.

"He can do so much with that voice, it's insane. His whole repertoire is very powerful. He's got great English songs too, and his music incorporates traditional Chinese elements, which I've always been a fan of," says Matt Rakowski, who accompanied Young to the concert.

Last year, Zhou also performed at the United Nations Chinese Language Day. The topic of his UN performance garnered more than 180 million views in a week and more than 1.72 million posts included it on Sina Weibo.

His song Big Fish has become a starting point for people to find a way to understand Chinese culture, with more than 2 million views on YouTube.

Serdetchnaia from Canada says it was exciting to see that. "He went from not being taken seriously as a young singer to becoming this big, respected name. It's cool to witness."

Zhou says: "I believe many international fans first discover Chinese music through recommendations from our overseas Chinese community when they tell their friends, 'Hey, there's this Chinese singer with really beautiful songs'. This helps non-Chinese speakers experience our music."

"Chinese audiences focus heavily on lyrics when listening to music, while international listeners might pay more attention to the composition and melody. Though our perspectives differ, we can use music's universal language to share the emotional essence of Chinese songs," he says.