Malaysian singer Jeryl Lee crowned champion of China's reality TV show

Malaysian singer Jeryl Lee is the winner of China's new reality TV show. Photo: Jeryl Lee/Instagram

Local singer Jeryl Lee Pei Ling has made Malaysia proud after emerging as the victor of Chinese reality TV show, The Next 2023.

In the final episode aired on Saturday (Sept 30), the 23-year-old can be seen crying tears of joy when she was announced as the winner. The Penang-born singer beat four other contestants for the crown.

Taking to Instagram to express her feelings, Lee said that winning the competition was a surreal experience.

“It feels like a dream. Everytime I feel like giving up, I tell myself to persevere, work harder and that I will be able to do it. This time, I can say with confidence that I have done it! I have not let you all down,” she wrote.

Lee described The Next 2023 as the “best competition” she has ever participated in, adding that she has made many new friends.

The singer also thanked the coaches, choreographers and members of the production team for giving her encouragement throughout her journey in the competition.

Wrapping up her post with some words of advice, Lee wrote: “Whatever it is you wish to do, be brave and pursue it! Adventurers, don’t be afraid or give up easily. If I can do it, so can you!”

Lee's post has gained over 58,900 likes at press time. Many Malaysian celebrities such as Vanessa Reynauld, Choo Hao Ren and Priscilla Abby have also left comments congratulating Lee for making the country proud.

Lee, who started performing at the tender age of eight, has taken part in many singing competitions in China.

She finished first place in the Water Cube Cup overseas Chinese youth singing contest in 2014 and rose to fame in 2016 after emerging as one of the six finalists on Sing! China.