Karaoke king's Chinese success
A Black Country singer had China in his hands after scooping second place in a karaoke competition in Chinese – despite admitting he had no idea what the lyrics meant.
Paul Tidman, who only speaks six words of the language, practised for months to perfect two Asian classics and wow an audience of Chinese speakers at a competition organised by the Birmingham Chinatown Lions Club.
The 54-year-old account manager, of Hawkeswell Drive, Kingswinford, was inspired to take up the unusual challenge after enjoying karaoke evenings with his Chinese-speaking partner Lily Chau, who runs the Double Happy takeaway, in Charterfield Drive.
"I haven't got a clue what I'm singing but I do enjoy the songs because they seem to suit my voice better," he said. "One day I asked Lily to teach me a song and I learnt a duet we could sing together. I really enjoyed the challenge and learned some more and now I can sing six different songs."
Paul, who listens to Chinese CDs in his car, said he decided to put his new skills to the test when he heard about the competition being held in the Wing Wah restaurant on the Wolverhampton Road, in Oldbury.
The competition was organised to raise funds to rebuild a school in China. Paul said: "The audience made me feel really welcome and they were cheering and applauding."
Partner Lily said: "I think he's done brilliantly and was very brave. I'm very proud of him." Paul was presented with a trophy and a cheque for £300 but returned the money to help with the fundraising appeal.
