Li Ronghao Voices Support for G.E.M. Amid Music Rights Dispute
In a shocking revelation, Chinese singer-songwriter G.E.M. (also known as Deng Ziqi) has taken to social media to expose a long-standing issue with her former record company, revealing that she has not received any royalties for her old songs in six years. The 31-year-old singer, who rose to fame at the age of 15, claimed that she had trusted her mother to negotiate a contract with the company on her behalf, despite the contract being written entirely in English, a language her mother does not speak. Years later, Deng discovered that the company had registered her stage name as a trademark and had taken ownership of her songs' copyrights, leaving her without control over her own music.
12 June 2025
GEM revealed that she had been embroiled in a six-year-long lawsuit with her former record company, during which time she had not received a single penny in royalties for her old songs. This prolonged dispute had prevented her from reconnecting with her own music, which she likened to being separated from her "children". Now, after years of struggle, GEM has finally re-recorded her old works and released them online. The re-recorded album, titled "IAMGLORIA", marks a significant milestone in her career, as she regains control over her music and is able to share it with her fans once again. This move is seen as a triumphant comeback, with GEM describing it as a story of "death and rebirth, loss and rediscovery", rather than one of revenge.
Li Ronghao, a renowned musician and senior figure in the industry, has come out in strong support of G.E.M., sparking heated discussions among netizens. As a veteran artist and mentor, Li Ronghao has not only invited G.E.M. to his home for gatherings but also gifted her a house he had previously renovated, showcasing his appreciation for her talent and dedication to her craft. Moreover, he has attended her concerts, demonstrating his admiration for her music. By re-posting a blog in support of G.E.M., Li Ronghao is sending a powerful message, acknowledging the challenges she has faced in her musical journey and underscoring his appreciation for her artistic abilities. His gesture is seen as a significant vote of confidence, recognizing that the current controversy is merely a minor setback in her career.
The subsequent impact of Li Ronghao's support for G.E.M. has been significant, sparking a wider conversation among netizens about the importance of protecting musicians' rights. Many have come out in support of G.E.M. and Li Ronghao, seeing their actions as a testament to the solidarity that exists among singers. Others have expressed empathy for the difficulties musicians face in navigating the complex world of music copyright and royalties, highlighting the need for greater awareness and support for artists' rights. The dispute has sparked widespread discussion about the mistreatment of artists in the music industry and the need for greater transparency and protection of their rights. With the album now available on all major streaming platforms, fans can finally listen to G.E.M.'s re-recorded classics and support her in her journey to reclaim her musical legacy.
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