Legendary Chinese Singer Liu Huan Dies at 63 After Olympic Anthem Performance
AM730 · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago7 MIN
Summary
Liu Huan (刘欢), one of China's most celebrated singers and music educators, passed away at 9:52 AM on September 25, 2026, in Shanghai at the age of 63. The University of International Business and Economics officially confirmed his death through a memorial notice released on September 26. Liu was widely regarded as a foundational figure in Chinese popular music, known for his powerful baritone voice and memorable performances of television theme songs spanning several decades. His international breakthrough came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, where he performed "You and Me" with British soprano Sarah Brightman before a global audience of billions. Beyond his performing career, Liu served as a university professor for over 30 years, teaching Western Music History at the university while also mentoring aspiring musicians through popular television singing competitions. His final public appearance was at Bilibili's New Year's Eve concert on January 1, 2026.
Key Points
- Liu Huan died in Shanghai on September 25, 2026 at 9:52 AM, aged 63, with his death confirmed by the University of International Business and Economics
- He rose to fame in 1987 with dramatic theme songs "The Sun in My Heart" and "Youth Has No Worries," achieving national recognition
- His most iconic performances included the "Yongzheng Emperor" theme song "Those Who Win Hearts Rule the World" and "Water Margin" anthem "Song of Heroes"
- At the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony at the Bird's Nest stadium, Liu performed the official theme song "You and Me" with Sarah Brightman
- Liu served as mentor on "The Voice of China" for 2 seasons and "Sing! China" for 3 seasons, winning the "Singer 2019" competition
- He established the "Liu Huan Original Music Public Welfare Fund" with a personal donation of 20 million yuan to support young musicians
- Liu was diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the femoral head in 2009, underwent joint replacement surgery in 2010, and received heart stent surgery seven years ago
- Per his wishes, no funeral committee will be formed, and no memorial or farewell ceremonies will be held
Why It Matters
Liu Huan's death marks the end of an era for Chinese popular music, as his distinctive voice and dramatic style shaped the soundtrack of China's reform era and reached global audiences through the Olympic broadcast . His legacy extends beyond entertainment through his dedication to music education and his substantial charitable contributions to nurturing the next generation of Chinese musicians .
Liu Huan's death marks the end of an era for Chinese popular music, as his distinctive voice and dramatic style shaped the soundtrack of China's reform era and reached global audiences through the Olympic broadcast . His legacy extends beyond entertainment through his dedication to music education and his substantial charitable contributions to nurturing the next generation of Chinese musicians .