After all this time, Jacky Cheung still reigns supreme. In a season where the Four Heavenly Kings of Cantopop have started to rear their heads again, the star’s ½ Century World Tour has been sending out ripples of excitement on an international scale, particularly for his hordes of fans. The demand for tickets here in his hometown has been huge – extra concerts have been added – showing that the lure of the ‘God of Songs’ hasn’t dwindled at all since his 90s heyday.

Need further proof? This tour, celebrating his 50th birthday, kicked off in December 2010 in Shanghai, and has since made a whopping 136 stops internationally, in places like Taiwan and Toronto. He’s said that this tour commemorates different stages of his life and career over the 50 years, reflected in the general lineup of the night: a huge showcase of his myriad ballad hits, as well as musicals, jazz and period classics.
Perhaps not as flamboyant as some of his ‘king’ counterparts (á la Aaron Kwok), he’s still perhaps the most understated ‘king’ out of the four. But rest assured that Cheung will still play fabulous – having been glimpsed in a 40kg silver stone inlaid suit, performing his greatest hits and highlights.

Hong Kong fans should be careful – the scramble for tickets and the heaving crowds of fans have been wild in the concerts so far and there’s no doubt that Hong Kong audiences will be equally excited to hear his signature smooth baritone.

Louise Choi 

Jacky Cheung plays AsiaWorld Arena from May 18-27. Tickets: 2734 9009; www.urbtix.hk.