BEIJING, Jan. 25 -- The extravaganza will be broadcast live on CCTV Channel One and Four, as well as the English, Spanish and French channels and on www.cctv.com and www.xinhuanet.com.

The annual CCTV Spring Festival Gala begins at 8 PM Beijing Time on Sunday, and will be aired across China and around the world. The last rehearsal for the extravaganza went smoothly on Friday night and the stage is set for another memorable evening of entertainment. Here's a taste of what's in store on New Year's Eve.

The highlight of the last rehearsal was a joint performance by Chinese mainland diva Song Zuying and Taiwan pop icon Jay Chow. They will perform Jay's hit "Bencao Gangmu", the Chinese name of an ancient Chinese book of medicine. Their mix of hip hop and folk singing is one of the gala's most eagerly awaited shows.

Jay Chow, Singer, said, "It is great honor to perform with one of the best singers of China. I'm still adjusting myself and will try to be in my best condition. The main thing is to avoid tension. It will be a live song and everyone will be very nervous."

There are also high expectations for a performance by Taiwan singers Jonathan lee, Emil Chow, Lo Tayu and Chang Chenyueh.

This year is the first time all the songs will be performed live at the gala. Some of singers were eliminated in previous rehearsals after failing to meet the new requirements.

The gala's general director, Lang Kun, says singing live is very stressful for performers, and is also a challenge for the tech crew.

Lang Kun, CCTV Gala General Director, said, "We use Dolby Surround 5.1 in the studio, which is rather new and advanced for a studio show. And live singing is a great challenge for the sound system."

Tough elimination rounds in earlier rehearsals, means only the best of the best will take to the stage on Sunday evening. Two farmers turned singers, Ma Guangfu and Liu Renxi, made it through and Mao Amin, who has been absent from the Spring Festival Gala stage for years makes a comeback.
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