Joker Xue (Chinese: 薛之谦; pinyin: Xuē Zhīqiān, born July 17, 1983) is a Chinese singer-songwriter and record producer, formerly known as Jacky Xue.[1] One of the most-streamed and most popular Mandopop artists, Xue's musical style melds the classic pop pairing of piano and strings with folk-tinged acoustic guitar and R&B beats; in recent years, he has incorporated more rock elements into his music.[2][3][4] Xue is known for his distinctive emotional ballads, frequently referred to as "Xue Style Love Songs" (薛式情歌/薛氏情歌) by critics, media, and listeners.[5][6][7][8][9] In addition, his "jokester" nature and sense of humor contribute to his popularity as it's "not just about good music, but it is also about him showing his funny side to fans."[1][10]
Xue was born and raised in Shanghai, China. At age four, his mother died of a heart disease.[13][14] He studied painting in his youth, then Hotel Management at Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland, before dropping out to pursue a music career.[1]
Music career
2005–2010: Debut and career beginnings
In 2004, Xue passed the audition for the singing competition show My Style, My Show (我型我秀), but chose to resign because he felt he "was not qualified to compete."[15] In 2005, he returned to My Style, My Show, finishing in fourth place and signing with Shang Teng Entertainment (上腾娱乐).[16] In 2006, he released his self-titled debut album Jacky (薛之谦) as Jacky Xue. His debut album, including major hits such as "Serious Snow" (认真的雪) and "Yellow Maple Leaves" (黄色枫叶), sold over 200,000 copies within one and a half months and Xue was awarded the Most Popular New Artist at the 6th Global Chinese Music Awards.[17][18] In 2007, Xue released his second album How Are You? (你过得好吗), which sold more than 150,000 copies within one month of its release.[19]
In 2008, Xue was a torchbearer for the 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay.[20] The song "Once Upon a Time in Zurich" (苏黎世的从前) from his second album was adapted to pay tribute to Olympic athletes and renamed "Origin of the Dream" (梦开始的原点).[21] It was included on his third album Deeply Loved You (深深爱过你) which was considered a critical and commercial success, making history with seven nominations at the Beijing Pop Music Awards and prompting his company to release an upgraded commemorative album in April the following year.[22][23] He closed out the year with his first concert in Shanghai on December 20.
In 2009, Xue released Unfinished Songs (未完成的歌), a compilation album composed of selected tracks from his previous albums with three new songs. In 2010, Xue starred in The University Days of a Dog (一只狗的大学时光).[24] Despite his successes, Shang Teng Entertainment's new management was unwilling to fund Xue's next album.[25] During this period, he fell into depression, and lost weight sharply.[26]
2011–2015: Self-funded music
In 2011, Xue opened his own hotpot restaurant, its successes allowed him to keep pursuing music.[27] In 2012, Xue starred in and provided music for the soundtrack of the television series The Queen of SOP.[28] In July, he marked the end of his seven-year contract with Shang Teng Entertainment, which he chose to honor because they opened the door for his music career, with the announcement of a new album.[27][29] Next month, he released his fifth album, Several Of... (几个薛之谦).[30] Xue signed with Shanghai Kunhong Media and later terminated the contract due to Kunhong's inability to fulfill said contract.[27][31]
In 2013, Xue signed with Ocean Butterflies and released his sixth album An Unexpected Journey (意外).[32] It debuted at the top of Sino Chart and remained there for two weeks.[33][34] In 2014, Xue starred in the television series Mother Like Flowers (妈妈像花儿一样).[35] He also appeared on many Chinese variety shows because he needed to make money and to keep exposure during the intervals between album releases, saying "doing variety shows is to make money, and the ultimate goal of making money is to return to making music."[26][36] He later called his style of humor during this period "hard humor" because he had to force himself to exaggerate his affectations for comedic effect.[37]
In 2015, Xue founded his own streetwear brand and gained significant popularity through sharing jokes on Weibo.[38][39] On June 8, he released an EP, Gentleman (绅士), which contained the highly popular song "Actor" (演员), the 4th most viewed Chinese music video on YouTube with more than 200 million views. However, Xue advised against purchasing the EP because it only contained three songs and instead recommended listening to his songs online for free; a rarity as Chinese music streaming platforms, such as NetEase Cloud Music and QQ Music, follow the freemium model and require listeners to either subscribe or purchase in order to listen to the songs in full. Xue stated he made his music available at no charge because he wants his fans to "just come and listen to my songs" and he feels he can be more sincere about it if money is not involved.[40][41] On October 17, Xue released the EP Half, which surpassed 100 million streams in less than a month.[42]
2016–2018: Commercial success
Xue in 2017
In 2016, Xue changed his English name from "Jacky" to "Joker" as "Jacky" was the result of a guessing game he played at his debut and "Joker" reflected his sense of humor.[1] Xue pushed himself to appear in more than 40 variety shows in an effort for the audience to connect his name to his music so he wouldn't become outdated once again; the physical demands of the packed schedule led to him being hospitalized in May.[36][43] In July, Xue produced and released his seventh album Beginner (初学者), which won multiple awards, including Album of the Year, Most Popular Album of the Year, Most Popular Artist of the Year, and Most Popular Singer-Songwriter of the Year.[44][45][46][47] In 2016, Xue ranked tenth on the list of top ten internet celebrities commercial value, compiled and released by data analysis agency Standard Ranking.[48]
In January 2017, Xue was again hospitalized due to acute gastroenteritis while filming the variety show Our Challenge (我们的挑战).[43] He later said his focus will be on music going forward, shedding the variety show star persona and working toward the goal of becoming "Eason Chan of mainland."[36] In April, he embarked on his first concert tour I Think I've Seen You Somewhere Tour (我好像在哪见过你巡回演唱会). That same year, he starred in the film What a Day! (有完没完) and the television series Boy Hood (我们的少年时代).[49][50] In December, Xue released his eighth album The Crossing (渡) and won Most Popular Male Artist of the Year at Kugou Music Awards.[51] By the end of 2017, the total stream count of his songs across all Chinese platforms exceeded 12.7 billion and he ranked first amongst solo artists cumulative playback volume on QQ Music.[52][53]
In early 2018, Xue suffered from laryngitis for several months and at one point feared he wouldn't be able to perform anymore before making a full recovery.[54][55] In July, he began his Skyscraper World Tour. On December 31, he released his ninth album Freak (怪咖) and again ranked first amongst solo artists cumulative playback volume on QQ Music.[56]
2019–2023: Extraterrestrial World Tour
Xue continued the Skyscraper World Tour through the first half of 2019. His shows in London and Sydney ranked 45 and 33 on Billboard's March and April boxscore lists, respectively.[57][58] On May 19, the tour concluded in Hong Kong and set the record for highest concert box office by a mainland China male singer.[59]
In December, Xue released his tenth album Dust (尘) and was named Male Singer of the Year at CMIC Music Awards.[60]Billboard magazine included "Puppet" (木偶人), the lead single from Dust, on their The Global No. 1s You (Probably) Never Heard list.[61] In 2020, Xue released his eleventh album Extraterrestrial (天外来物). The lead single "Extraterrestrial" was named one of the Best Songs of the Year and Xue was named "Most Influential Male Singer (Mainland China)" at the 2021 Tencent Music Entertainment Awards.[62]
In 2021, Xue adopted the stage persona "Joker" at Flower Sea Beauty Music Festival in Shanghai and continued the trend through 2023.[63][64] He held the first two shows of his Extraterrestrial World Tour in Suzhou in October followed by two shows in Guangzhou in November, ranking first in comprehensive concert box office.[65] He was listed among the Top 20 Artists of the Year and Top 10 Singer-Songwriter of the Year on Tencent Music Year End Charts.[66] In 2022, Xue released his twelfth album, Countless (无数). He was named Best Male Singer at the 15th Migu Music Awards and Male Singer of the Year by the CMIC Music Awards for a second time.[67][68] In December, he resumed the Extraterrestrial World Tour, previously paused due to COVID-19 restrictions, with one show at Wuyuan River Stadium.[69]
In 2023, Xue headlined 75 shows with consecutive shows at most stops and a series of three consecutive shows at the Beijing National Stadium on August 11–13, attracting approximately 60,000 people per show.[70]Quzhou, the first stop of Xue's 2023 shows, placed first as fastest-growing city in the country's box office rankings, prompting Quzhou News Media Center voicing their gratitude to Xue in a video on their official Douyin account.[71] Xue released five singles in 2023. "Worship" (崇拜) and "Idea" (念) were among the Top 10 Songs of the Year on Tencent Music's year-end chart while Xue himself was named Top 10 Artists of the Year and Top 10 Songwriters of the Year.[72] In July and August, Xue briefly served as a judge on Sing! China before the show was suspended for alleged mistreatment of former coach Coco Lee.[73] In December, Xue ranked number one in total number of fans across all music streaming platforms in China with 83.62 million fans.[2]
2024: Present activities
On June 15, Xue was announced as a brand ambassador for QQ Speed, with in-game customization rewards and a theme song written by Xue.[74][75] The theme song, "Relieve Boredom" (解解闷), was released on August 8 via a virtual concert in-game and on streaming platforms the following day.[76] On August 18, Xue concluded his Extraterrestrial Tour in Suzhou; the record-setting tour totaled 140 shows with the attendance of approximately 5,000,000.[11][12][77] At the end of the final Extraterrestrial concert, Xue shared a trailer of his next tour: "King of Beasts" (万兽之王).[78] Same month, Xue's hashtag (#薛之谦) surpassed 100 billion views on Douyin.[79] From August 25 to November 17, Xue performed at 16 music festivals, again adopting the stage persona "Joker" he used at previous music festivals.[80][81]
In September, Xue performed "Rent or Purchase" (租购) on the music variety shows Melody Journey (音乐缘计划), which was very well received.[82][83][84][85] In October, he performed "That Day On the Road of No Return" (在那天回不去的路上) on the show, the song was later released as a single with a new verse and elements of Beijing Opera added.[86][87] On October 15, Xue extended the Extraterrestrial Tour with seven international stadium shows that will have same stage design and setlist as his shows in China, so his overseas fans can have the complete experience.[88][89] On November 21, Xue announced on his Weibo the studio version of "Rent or Purchase" will be released at midnight and that it is the final song of his 13th album, The Guardian, released digitally the next day.[90][91]
Social impact
Philanthropy
In 2007, Xue went to Russia with other artists to participate in the China Cultural Festival key project "Friendship Tour along the Volga River" jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation Cultural Film Agency.[19] In 2008, Xue presented the "Wings of Happiness" charity evening on January 20.[92] In March, Xue donated part of the royalties from his new book and 10 photos for auction to Shanghai Red Cross in support of the reconstruction to the snow disaster-stricken area.[93] In July, He was elected as a torchbearer for the 2008 Summer Olympics and passed the torch in Zhengzhou.[94] In 2018, Xue served as promotion ambassador for the "Run Beijing" charity project, aimed to raise awareness for the importance of physical and mental health.[95] In 2024, while serving as a special guest at Xue's concert in Beijing, Han Hong shared that Xue has quietly been donating to charitable causes for many years though he's never publicly announced it.[96][97]
Consumer protection
In September 2023, Xue was forced to cancel the second show on his Chengdu stop due to a high fever. He announced the news and refund policy in person because he felt it was only right to do so given the fact that fans had already travelled to the stadium. He then stayed and chatted with the audience in an impromptu mini meet-and-greet session for an hour before leaving.[98] Not only were fans offered to choice to refund or keep their tickets for a future show, but those from out of town could also be reimbursed for their travel and lodging expenses.[99] This kind of comprehensive refund policy has never been done before and drew widespread praise.[100] Tianjin Consumers Association voiced their approval of the decision, stating that "refunding the ticket of a cancelled concert is the basic responsibility of the performer," Xue's proactive reimbursement of travel and lodging expenses demonstrates "the social responsibility that public figures should have" and serves to "maintain a harmonious consumption environment."[101] Other artists began providing more comprehensive accommodations for concert cancellations in the following year.[102][103]
Xue has stated multiple times that he is against ticket scalping.[104] He will add one or two more shows at each stop to increase the likelihood that his fans can get tickets and decrease the chances of scalpers taking advantage.[105][106] He has also urged his fans to only come to one show per tour and to spend their time and money on enjoying other things in life.[107]
Business ventures
Xue stated "I want to use the money I earn from business to make music" because relying on music to make a living is "very tiring" and having other means of income means "making music is no longer a burden".[37] In 2011, Xue opened a hotpot restaurant named Shang Shang Qian (上上谦, a play on 上上签 meaning the luckiest draw and the character 谦 in his name). At its peak, Shang Shang Qian had multiple locations across the country. As of 2023, only 2 locations remain in Shanghai and Guangzhou.[27]
In 2015, Xue established the streetwear brand Dangerous People[38] and said in an interview that he doesn't want it to only rely on fan economy but also be accepted by others who aren't his fans. In January 2019, he is no longer a shareholder but remains the brand manager. As of December 2023, he still promotes the brand on social media.[108]
In July 2020, Chaoshi Music was registered and established, its business scope includes cultural and artistic exchange activities, radio and television program production, performance management, and Internet cultural engagement. Xue's father owns 33% of the stocks and serves as a director.[109] Chaoshi Music is part of Grand Vista Music Group, which is part of Tencent Music.[110][111] On December 24, 2021, he released a new single "Phoenix Feathers and Unicorn Horns" (凤毛麟角) through Chaoshi Music.[112] On May 31, 2022, Xue posted a photo on his Weibo announcing the opening of Chaoshi Music.[113] All of Xue's albums are acquired and currently owned by Chaoshi Music, and Chaoshi Music produces Xue's Extraterrestrial World Tour.[114][115]
Xue's artistry has received praise from other acclaimed musicians, producers, and songwriters. Zhang Yadong said: "Through these lyrics, you can understand his particularly delicate thoughts, which are very, very good" when discussing the song "Skyscraper" from Freak.[116]Yuan Weiren said: "I think a musician like Xue actually possesses the most important part of many Chinese music creations. I especially hope to have the opportunity to work with Xue" when discussing mainland China singer-songwriters.[117] Cui Shu said: "Xue is now on his way to becoming a national singer. He is well-known and has popular songs" while participating at a forum hosted by Sina Entertainment[118] Zhao Yingjun said: "he is one of the best lyricists in the music industry" on his personal Weibo.[119]
While Xue has starred in films (e.g. The University Days of a Dog, What a Day!) and television series (e.g. The Queen of SOP, Mother Like Flowers, Boyhood), he is better known to the viewing audience for his variety show presence.[39] Since 2017, Xue has shifted his focus to music and concert tours.[36] He is more discriminating with his variety show appearances in recent years, choosing either long-standing or music-oriented programs.
Mars Intelligence Agency (火星情報局) is the longest-standing variety show Xue has appeared on. He has been a main cast member since the first season in 2016 and is scheduled to return for the seventh season in 2024.[120] Xue has appeared on multiple singing competition shows, the most notable being The Coming One (明日之子) in 2017 and Sing! China (中国好声音) in 2023 as both shows had controversy regarding fairness that Xue called out publicly.[121][122]
Earlier in his career, Xue tended to be the host or a panel member on music-oriented variety shows, such as Hidden Singer (誰是大歌神),[123]Golden Melody (金曲捞),[124] and Golden Melody 2 (金曲捞之挑战主打歌).[125] In recent years, he tended to be a collaborator or mentor on shows such as The Next Banger (我的音樂你聽嗎),[126]Singer with Legends 3 (我们的歌第三季),[127] and In China (中國潮音).[128] In 2024, Xue joined the variety shows Melody Journey (音乐缘计划)[129][130] and Run! Live Performance for Ten Thousand People (奔赴! 万人现场).[131]
Concerts and tours
Xue held his first concert in 2008 in Shanghai. Since 2017, he has headlined three tours for a total of 173 shows. His first tour, I Think I've Seen You Somewhere, was based in China. He expanded the scope for his second and third tours, Skyscraper World Tour and Extraterrestrial World Tour, to include stops in other Asian countries and cities in North America, Europe, Australia.
He holds numerous records as the first mainland China and/or first artist to hold a concert at specific stadiums, both due to his willingness to travel to second- and third-tier cities (as categorized by Chinese city tier system) and his widespread fanbase. He is the first mainland China artist to hold two consecutive concerts at Taipei Arena[132] as well as the first Chinese male artist to perform at top venues in Australia and New Zealand (Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, The Trusts Arena, and Qudos Bank Arena).[133] In 2023, Xue held three consecutive concerts at Beijing National Stadium, fulfilling his ultimate wish of headlining the venue as stated in an interview eighteen years ago, and headlined the 100th concert of his career on November 11, 2023, in Wenzhou.[70]
On April 21, 2024, Xue held the 100th concert of the Extraterrestrial World Tour in Luoyang, making him one of 5 artists who have also held more than 100 concerts in a single tour.[11] Xue set the record as the first Chinese artist to have 100 stadium shows in a single tour in June, a significant milestone as stadiums have much larger capacity compared to arenas, therefore demand more of the artist's performance, tour equipment, and ticket sales.[12] Xue became the first mainland China artist to hold an international stadium tour when he extended the Extraterrestrial World Tour with seven international stadium shows starting on November 23 and ending in May 2025.[89][88]
Both of his world tours received positive reviews from The Straits Times. Of the Skyscraper World Tour, Xue's voice "smouldered at its lower end and shimmered in its higher register" and he was able to "play up the drama in performance without being showy."[134] Of the Extraterrestrial World Tour, Xue's style was "playful and wisecracking", his voice "rang with a pleading intensity perfect for the grand anthems he is known for", and he familiarized "himself with all things Singapore" to include local details into his performance.[10]
^ ab"内娱歌手全网粉丝量排名，薛之谦周杰伦林俊杰陈奕迅上榜，你喜欢的歌手在榜吗" [Entertainment singers are ranked by number of fans across the platforms. Joker Xue, Jay Chou, JJ Lin, and Eason Chan are on the list. Is your favorite singer on the list?]. Sohu (in Chinese). December 24, 2023.
^"周杰伦 邓紫棋 周兴哲 YouTube点阅榜四首金曲破亿" [Jay Chou, G.E.M., and Eric Chou have four hits that have exceeded 100 million views on YouTube]. Zaobao (in Chinese). September 22, 2022.
^"中国五大音乐平台20大歌手榜" [Top 20 singers from China's five major music platforms]. Zaobao (in Chinese). December 30, 2023.
^"薛之谦庆功会惊喜多" [Xue Zhiqian's celebration party has many surprises]. Sina Entertainment (in Chinese). August 13, 2006.
^"薛之谦一言不合就跨界 情歌王子惊变段子手" [Xue Zhiqian changes roles when he disagrees with others; Prince of love songs turns into a joke teller]. CCTV (in Chinese). July 22, 2016.
^"薛之谦重现11年前成名曲 唱《认真的雪》秒变深情" [Xue Zhiqian re-sang his famous song from 11 years ago, singing "Serious Snow" and instantly conveying deep feelings]. Sina Entertainment (in Chinese). July 10, 2017.
^"薛之谦《像风一样》首发 再任制作人分享秋日思绪" [Xue Zhiqian releases "Like the Wind" and shares his autumn thoughts as producer again]. Sina Entertainment (in Chinese). November 3, 2017.
^"出道13年的实力创作歌手薛之谦, 首度来马开唱, 带来多首耳熟能详的"薛氏情歌" 陪粉丝度过浪漫情人节!" [Xue Zhiqian, a talented singer-songwriter who debuted 13 years ago, will perform in Malaysia for the first time, bringing many well-known "Xue-style love songs" to accompany fans through a romantic Valentine’s Day!]. China Press (in Chinese). February 15, 2019.
^"薛之谦: 用音乐诉说爱情" [Xue Zhiqian: Telling Love Through Music]. Xinmin Weekly (in Chinese). November 30, 2018.
^"薛之谦 逃过一劫" [Joker Xue, disaster escaped]. thepaper.cn (in Chinese). August 31, 2023.
^"Apple Music: 薛之谦" [Apple Music: Joker Xue]. Apple Music (in Chinese). Retrieved September 2, 2024.
^"唱片销量破20万 薛之谦坐上环球内地头把交椅" [Record sales exceeded 200,000, Xue Zhiqian took the top spot in the world and mainland China] (in Chinese). Sohu Music. August 13, 2006. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019.
^"薛之谦新加坡喜获最受欢迎男新人奖" [Joker Xue won the Most Popular Male Newcomer Award in Singapore] (in Chinese). Netease Entertainment. October 29, 2006. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019.
^ ab"薛之谦新专辑销量破十五万 出访俄罗斯在即(图)" [Xue Zhiqian's new album sales exceed 150,000 and he is about to visit Russia (photo)]. Sina Entertainment (in Chinese). August 22, 2007. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
^"奥运圣火在郑州传递 薛之谦手持火炬传递" [The Olympic flame is relayed in Zhengzhou with Xue Zhiqian holding the torch] (in Chinese). Sohu Olympic. July 25, 2008. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019.
^"薛之谦史无前例获中歌榜08年最重七项提名肯定" [Xue Zhiqian received unprecedented seven nominations from the China Song Chart in 2008] (in Chinese). Sohu Music. December 12, 2008. Archived from the original on April 29, 2019.
^"薛之谦新专辑成绩喜人 改版加送演唱会谢歌迷" [Joker Xue's new album performs well, revised version and extra concert to thank fans] (in Chinese). Sohu Music. July 25, 2008.
^"薛之谦：用副业养活音乐的行走段子手" [Joker Xue: A jokester who uses his side job to support music]. Sohu (in Chinese). March 1, 2016.
^ abDaily People, ed. (2018). 坚持你所坚持的相信你所相信的 [Stick What You Stick on and Believe What You Believe On] (in Chinese). Beijing United Publishing Company. ISBN9787559623461.
^ abcd"薛之谦: 30岁一切都是新开始" [Xue Zhiqian: Everything is a new beginning at 30]. Sina Entertainment (in Chinese). December 12, 2023.
^"薛之谦合约到期 发新专辑庆30岁生日" [Joker Xue's contract expires and he releases a new album to celebrate his 30th birthday] (in Chinese). Sina Music. July 18, 2012. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019.
^"薛之谦专辑 几个薛之谦" [Joker Xue Album "Several Of..."]. QQ Music. August 15, 2012. Archived from the original on May 5, 2024.
^"艺人经纪合同的法律属性: 以"薛之谦与坤宏传媒"纠纷案为例的分析" [The legal nature of artist management contracts: An analysis based on the case of "Xue Zhiqian and Kunhong Media"]. Sohu (in Chinese). July 31, 2018.
^"薛之谦自曝身世泪洒 新专辑《意外》发布" [Joker Xue reveals his life experience and sheds tears, new album "An Unexpected Journey" released] (in Chinese). Sina Music. November 11, 2013. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019.
^"综合榜 2013年 第45周" [Comprehensive List, Week 45 of 2013]. Sino Chart (in Chinese). November 10, 2013. Archived from the original on February 17, 2015. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
^"综合榜 2013年 第46周" [Comprehensive List, Week 46 of 2013]. Sino Chart (in Chinese). November 10, 2013. Archived from the original on February 18, 2015. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
^ abcd"微博段子手变身"34档综艺王" 薛之谦: 不能火得莫名其妙, 在演艺圈就要拿出本事" [Weibo joke teller turned "34-show variety show king" Xue Zhiqian: You can't become famous for no reason, you have to show your ability in the entertainment industry]. Sohu (in Chinese). February 12, 2017.
^ ab"薛之谦自认在节目上做作 硬着头皮在幽默" [Xue Zhiqian admits that he exaggerated his affectations on variety show because he forced himself to be funny]. people.com.cn (in Chinese). August 8, 2016.
^ ab"综艺节目疯抢"段子手" 大张伟、薛之谦忙不停" [Variety shows are crazy about "joke masters" Da Zhangwei and Xue Zhiqian are busy]. China Central Television (in Chinese). September 1, 2016.
^"薛之谦岳云鹏致敬小人物 《醒来》突破薛式情歌" [Xue Zhiqian and Yue Yunpeng pay tribute to everyday people "Wake Up" breaks through Xue's love song style]. ent.chinadaily.com (in Chinese). May 28, 2018.
^"为什么薛之谦的歌都是免费的, 薛之谦做出了回应" [Why are Joker Xue’s songs free? Joker Xue responded]. Sina (in Chinese). December 11, 2018.
^"薛之谦《一半》北京庆功" [Xue Zhiqian celebrates the success of "Half" in Beijing]. Sohu (in Chinese). November 25, 2015.
^ ab"生病住院！做40档节目的薛之谦为何这么拼" [Hospitalized! Why does Xue Zhiqian, who has done 40 shows, work so hard?]. Sina News (in Chinese). January 11, 2017.
^"薛之谦又拿下第一！" [Joker Xue won first place again!]. Tencent Entertainment (in Chinese). February 5, 2018. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
^"薛之谦"摩天大楼"巡演发布会在京举办 PLUS版开拓海外版图" [Xue Zhiqian's "Skyscraper" Tour Press Conference Held in Beijing; PLUS Edition Expands Overseas]. IFeng (in Chinese). June 28, 2018.
^"薛之谦惊患喉炎 针筒注射喉咙吓坏粉丝" [Xue Zhiqian was shocked to have laryngitis, a syringe injected into his throat scared fans]. 网易娱乐. March 24, 2018. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019.
^"薛之谦巡演启动 感谢歌迷: 没你们我早就死了" [Xue Zhiqian starts his concert tour, thanks his fans: Without you, I would have died a long time ago]. Sohu (in Chinese). June 27, 2018.
^"2018年腾讯娱乐白皮书 大家都在唱什么歌_音乐" [What songs are everyone singing in the 2018 Tencent Entertainment White Paper?]. Sohu (in Chinese). January 23, 2019. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
^""薛之谦摩天大楼世界巡回演唱会香港站收官万名歌迷挥泪道别"摩天大楼"" [Joker Xue's Skyscraper World Tour Concert in Hong Kong ended with thousands of fans tearfully bidding farewell to "Skyscraper" Tour]. Sina (in Chinese). May 20, 2019.
^"CMA双年展获奖名单发布" [CMA Award Winners for Past Two Years Announced]. Weibo (in Chinese). Retrieved May 20, 2022.
^"薛之谦"天外来物"海口站正式官宣" [Xue Zhiqian's "Extraterrestrial Object" Haikou Stop officially announced]. Guizhou Radio and Television Station (in Chinese). December 13, 2022.
^ ab"18年梦想成真，薛之谦北京演唱会圆满落幕" [18 years of dreams come true, Joker Xue’s Beijing concert concluded successfully]. NetEase Entertainment (in Chinese). August 14, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
^"谦呼万唤, 即刻出发! QQ飞车携手品牌代言人薛之谦开启炫彩夏日" [QQ Speed joins hands with brand spokesperson Joker Xue to start a colorful summer]. new.qq.com (in Chinese). June 15, 2024.
^"QQ飞车手游联动薛之谦太抽象:不开车直接用腿跑!" [The collaboration between QQ Speed Mobile Game and Joker Xue is too abstract: instead of driving, just run with your legs!]. gamersky.com (in Chinese). June 28, 2024.
^"《QQ飞车手游》官方微博: 8月3日晚上19:00，由薛之谦创作的新歌·QQ飞车极速主题曲《解解闷》开启全网首唱，准时锁定QQ飞车手游休闲世界，一同观赏薛之谦极速音乐会。这首全新单曲也将在8月4日零点重磅上线各大音乐平台，大家记得准时来收听哦~" [QQ Music Official Weibo: At 19:00 on August 3, the new song "Relieve Boredom", the theme song of QQ Speed created by Joker Xue, will be performed online for the first time. Please tune in to the QQ Speed Mobile Game Leisure World on time to watch Joker Xue's Speed Concert. This new single will also be released on major music platforms at midnight on August 4. Please remember to listen to it on time~]. weibo.com (in Chinese). August 2, 2024.
^"薛之谦微博: 天外来物结束了 此巡与我个人荣誉无关 靠大家汇聚而成 功劳 属于在座的每一位 凭证 就是你手机里的照片 也将是我 此生最美好的回忆... 谢谢你 见证 护送 我的重生 20年了 谦友 辛苦 万谢不抵你信任 我本以为薛之谦这个名字 除了念起来拗口 就该平平凡凡普普通通 谢谢你们赐予它 磁场和响亮 从业致今 我唯一拿得出手的骄傲 是你无怨无悔的跟随 我何德何能 承蒙关照 星际执行官的遗憾是最终他能力有限谁都没带走 但欣慰的是 也许某个少年从此真的相信了他描绘的世界开满了鲜花~ 同学 请好好生活 我们见字如面 ——星际执行官0717号 2024年8月19日 敬上" [Joker Xue's Weibo: The Extraterrestrial Tour is over. This tour has nothing to do with my personal honor. It is made possible by everyone. The credit belongs to everyone present. The proof is the photos in your phone. It will also be the best memory of my life... Thank you for witnessing and escorting my rebirth. It has been 20 years. Thank you for your hard work. I can't thank you enough for your trust. I thought the name Xue Zhiqian should be ordinary except that it is difficult to pronounce. Thank you for giving it a magnetic field and saying it loudly. The only pride I can show off since I started my career is your unconditional following. How can I be so worthy of your care. The regret of the Interstellar Executive is that he was limited in ability and couldn't take anyone with him. But the comfort is that maybe a certain youth really believed that the world he described was full of flowers~ Classmates, please live well. We will meet in person. Sincerely, Interstellar Executive No. 0717 August 19, 2024]. Weibo (in Chinese). August 19, 2024.
^"薛之谦微博: 分享视频" [Joker Xue's Weibo: Share video]. Weibo (in Chinese). August 19, 2024.
^"北京潮石音乐官方微博: 一路回头望去, 那是星际执行官薛之谦 远航的勋章 "天外来物"结束了 但他留下的痕迹永不褪色 期待下次更好的相见!" [Official Weibo of Beijing Chaoshi Music: Looking back along the way, that is the medal of the interstellar executive Joker Xue's voyage "Extraterrestrial" is over but the marks he left will never fade, looking forward to our next meeting!]. Weibo (in Chinese).
^"薛之谦微博: Joker No.18 烟台养马岛音乐节" [Joker Xue's Weibo: Joker No.18 Yantai Yangmadao Music Festival]. Weibo (in Chinese). August 25, 2024.
^"薛之谦微博: Joker No.33 郴州飞天山音乐节" [Joker Xue's Weibo: Joker No.33 Chenzhou Feitianshan Music Festival]. Weibo (in Chinese). November 17, 2024.
^"#QQ音乐巅峰潮流榜#【巅峰日回顾】截止0912 恭喜 @薛之谦 租购 以95.32分摘得单日榜单TOP1（连续两天位列TOP1）" [QQ Music: #QQMusicTopTrendList#【TopDayReview】As of 0912 17:00, the daily ranking results are announced. Congratulations to Joker Xue "Rent or Purchase" for winning the TOP1 of the single-day list with 95.32 points (ranked TOP1 for two consecutive days)]. Weibo (in Chinese). September 12, 2024.
^"#QQ音乐巅峰潮流榜#【巅峰日回顾】截止0914 17:00 日榜成绩揭晓 恭喜 薛之谦 租购 以94.19分摘得单日榜单TOP1" [#QQMusicTopTrendList#【TopDayReview】As of 0914 17:00, the daily chart results are announced. Congratulations to Xue Zhiqian for taking the top spot on the single-day chart with 94.19 points]. Weibo (in Chinese). September 14, 2024.
^"综艺《音乐缘计划》官方抖音账号" [Variety show "Melody Journey" official Douyin account]. Douyin (in Chinese). Retrieved September 16, 2024.
^"薛之谦微博: 咋就回不去了呢" [Joker Xue's Weibo: Why can't I go back?]. Weibo (in Chinese). October 6, 2024.
^"薛之谦微博: 今晚12点 唱片版 新歌 全网上线" [Joker Xue's Weibo: Midnight tonight. Studio version. New song. Online.]. Weibo (in Chinese). October 16, 2024.
^ ab"iMe Australia 官方账号: 薛之谦天外来物惊喜返场! 0717号谦友们, 准备好登船奔赴了吗? 12月悉尼见" [iMe Australia Official Account: Xue Zhiqian's surprise return of Extraterrestrial! Friends of 0717, are you ready to board? See you in Sydney in December]. Instagram (in Chinese). October 15, 2024.
^ ab"薛之谦微博: 为何大型巡演 一到了海外都会选择 大变小 进馆进剧院 减配 速搭台 改内容 等方式来完成演出 一来是运输困难 巨型设备需漂洋过海 二来搭建难题 海外大场地搭台档期工期都会让成本昂贵 所以 经过长时间多方面协调 请准我 食言这半次... 因为这件事 现在的我不做 暮年时 定会遗憾 对所有国内的谦友说声抱歉... 天外来物 将携满编满配完整版 去海外体育场 返场 共7站 小半年 心意已决 望你谅解 我去去就回 你切勿跟随" [Joker Xue's Weibo: Why do large-scale tours choose to reduce the scope when overseas, change venue to theater, reduce the equipment, quickly set up the stage, change the content, etc? First, it is difficult to transport large equipment across the ocean. Second, it is difficult to set up the stage in a large overseas venue. The schedule and construction period will increase the cost. So, after a long time of coordinating many aspects, please allow me to half-break my promise this time... Because if I don’t do it now, I will regret it in my old age. I say sorry to all my friends in China... Extraterrestrial will bring the full version to overseas stadiums, returning for 7 stops spanning half a year. I have made up my mind. I hope you can understand. I will be back soon. Please don't follow me.]. Weibo (in Chinese). October 15, 2024.
^"薛之谦微博: 为遮身片瓦 付春秋冬夏 若都不算家 听我说明天去哪 第十三张 最后一首 今晚12点 全网唱片版上架" [Joker Xue's Weibo: To shelter myself from the elements, from spring, autumn, winter and summer, if it doesn't count as home, let me tell you where to go tomorrow. The thirteenth album, the last song. The studio version will be available online at 12 o'clock tonight.]. Weibo (in Chinese). November 21, 2024.
^"薛之谦微博: 第13张专辑 时隔两年 陆续完成 一份清单 参与明细 借众人之耳 赞幕后手艺～" [Joker Xue's Weibo: The 13th album has been completed after two years. A list of participation details. Through listening to it, give praise to everyone who crafted the album behind the scenes~]. Weibo (in Chinese). November 22, 2024.
^"图文：薛之谦帅气坐唱" [Race Me Guangzhou Happy Performance]. ent.sina.com.cn. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
^"薛之谦率粉丝献爱心 捐稿费拍卖照片以支援灾区" [Joker Xue leads fans to show love, donates royalties and auctions photos to support disaster areas]. ent.sina.com.cn. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
^"薛之谦郑州传递奥运圣火 明天赶赴上海献身公益" [Xue Zhiqian passed the Olympic torch in Zhengzhou and will go to Shanghai tomorrow to devote himself to charity]. Sina. July 25, 2008.
^"薛之谦担任跑动北京推广大使 毛大庆汪涌齐推广" [Joker Xue serves as running Beijing promotion ambassador, Mao Daqing and Wang Yongqi promote]. ent.sina.com.cn. June 6, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
^"韩紅老师说薛之谦一直默默捐款 他从来不说 我觉得你们爱他没爱错" [Han Hong said Xue Zhiqian has been donating money silently and never said anything. I think you are right to love him.]. Netease (in Chinese). July 20, 2024.
^"薛之謙全包了！3.8萬人演唱會「退票細節」公開" [Joker Xue will cover it all! "Refund details" for 38,000-person concert released]. tw.news.yahoo.com. September 12, 2023. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
^"張學友染疫上海演唱會取消 退票還賠償粉絲住宿交通" [Jacky Cheung's Shanghai concert was canceled due to illness. Tickets will be refunded and fans will be compensated for accommodation and transportation]. tw.news.yahoo.com. March 11, 2024. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
^"五月天5/1香港演唱會延期 補償方案公開" [Mayday’s 5/1 Hong Kong concert postponed, compensation plan announced]. tw.news.yahoo.com. May 2, 2024. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
^"薛之谦演唱会黄牛被抓 老薛喊话粉丝抵制黄牛" [Scalpers at Xue Zhiqian's concert were arrested, and Xue Zhiqian called on fans to boycott scalpers]. Sina. September 13, 2018.
^"薛之谦衢州站演唱会加场！本人回应：不想给黄牛炒票机会" [Xue Zhiqian's concert in Quzhou will be extended! He responded: I don't want to give scalpers a chance]. tidenews.com. February 19, 2023.
^"马来西亚黄牛党输了？薛之谦《天外来物》演唱会-主办方临时宣布加票，黄牛纷纷低价售票！" [Did the Malaysian scalpers lose? Xue Zhiqian's "Extraterrestrial" concert - the organizer announced an extra ticket at short notice, and scalpers sold tickets at low prices!]. goody25.com. December 22, 2023.
^"薛之谦微博" [Joker Xue's Weibo]. Weibo. February 19, 2023.
^"薛之谦父亲持股潮石音乐 潮石音乐已申请多个logo商标" [Joker Xue's father holds shares in Chaoshi Music. Chaoshi Music has applied for multiple logos and trademarks.]. Sohu. May 31, 2022.
^"阔景音乐官方微博" [Official Weibo of Grand Vista Music Group] (in Chinese). Weibo. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
^"阔景音乐公司简介" [Grand Vista Music Group Company Profile] (in Chinese). Zhipin. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
^"薛之谦官宣潮石音乐开业，一直做免费歌的他，要开始变现了？" [Joker Xue officially announced the opening of Chao Shi Music and has been making free songs Is he going to start cashing in?]. Sohu. May 31, 2022.
^"薛之谦所有专辑" [List of Joker Xue's Albums] (in Chinese). NetEase Music. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
^""音乐+电影+演出现场", 薛之谦的"天外来物"" ["Music+Movie+Live Performance", Xue Zhiqian's "Extraterrestrial"]. Sina (in Chinese). October 30, 2021.
^"2019《封面故事》第七期张亚东" [2019 "Cover Story" Issue 7 Zhang Yadong]. NetEase (in Chinese). June 28, 2019.
^"袁惟仁真心力赞老薛，这就是音乐强者间的默契" [Yuan Weiren sincerely praises Lao Xue, this is the tacit understanding between music masters]. Weibo (in Chinese). September 7, 2016.
^"乐评人齐聚 畅谈"我们还需要自己的国民歌手吗?"" [Music critics gathered to discuss "Do we still need our own national singer?"]. people.com.cn (in Chinese). September 29, 2016.
^"赵英俊的微博" [Zhao Yingjun's Weibo]. m.weibo.cn. Archived from the original on July 5, 2019. Retrieved July 5, 2019.
^"當選秀節目評審 薛之謙曾氣得揭黑箱作業、摔麥走人" [Xue Zhiqian expose the shady operation of a talent show and threw down the microphone and walked out]. 世界新聞網. August 19, 2023.
^"好声音不装了, 周华健潘玮柏还没按键就自动转身, 薛之谦镜头被删" [Sing! China is no longer pretending, Zhou Huajian and Pan Weibo turned around automatically before they pressed the button, and Xue Zhiqian's scene was deleted]. Sohu. August 22, 2023.
^"《奔赴! 万人现场》发布会" ["Run! Live Performance for Ten Thousand People" Press Conference] (in Chinese). Tencent. June 14, 2024.
^"薛之谦台北小巨蛋连开两场" [Joker Xue plays two concerts in a row at Taipei Arena]. Sohu (in Chinese). April 16, 2019. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
^"去年今日 悉尼演唱会圆满举行 薛之谦首位登顶澳新三地顶级大场馆的中国男艺人" [Last year on this day Sydney concert was successfully held. Xue Zhiqian became the first Chinese male artist to perform at the top venues in Australia and New Zealand]. Sohu (in Chinese). April 7, 2020.
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