Tan Songyun sparks controversy for her role as Xiao Yao, her real voice scrutinized on screen.

Tan Songyun became the center of attention when "Xiao Yao" aired. Her insistence on using her real voice in a historical setting divided viewers into two camps: one side criticized her for lacking energy, while the other saw it as a unique and unmistakable personal touch, sparking a lively debate.

The recently released fantasy drama "Xiao Yao" has quickly become a hot topic on Chinese social media, not only because of its content but also because of the performance of the lead actress, Tan Songyun. The actress, born in 1990, is known for consistently using her real voice in her works, but this choice has sparked considerable controversy.

In fantasy dramas, audiences often expect a resonant, majestic, and surreal voice to suit the cultivation setting. However, Tan Songyun's voice has been criticized for being too ordinary, lacking the necessary resonance and power. In some climactic scenes, especially in action sequences, her dialogue is considered insufficiently powerful, even at times described as "breaking." These opinions suggest that her character therefore fails to create the mystical aura that is characteristic of the genre.

Not only her voice, but Tan Songyun's age has also become a topic of discussion. At 35, she still plays a youthful and lively character. Although she has a round face and looks younger than her actual age, many viewers believe that her mature demeanor sometimes doesn't fully harmonize with the mischievous character the film portrays. The appearance of Zhao Liying in a guest role further increases the comparison between the lead actress and the main character, creating additional invisible pressure.

However, many people have spoken out in defense of Tan Songyun. In *Xiao Yao*, she plays two distinct characters: a simple, free-spirited little demon and, in her past life, the quiet, burdened Princess Ning An. The actress's deliberate adjustment of her voice to reflect the difference between the two personalities is considered reasonable and even helps viewers recognize them more easily. Supporters argue that a rigid standard for "ancient-style voice" shouldn't be imposed, as vocal timbres and temperaments are diverse across all eras.

This perspective also emphasizes that a distinctive voice is an integral part of an actor's identity. For Tan Songyun, her unique voice may not suit every role, but it creates an unmistakable difference. Over the years, she has remained steadfast in this choice, viewing it as a manifestation of professionalism and confidence in her acting abilities.

Nevertheless, opponents maintain that for fantasy dramas – which emphasize grandeur and surrealism – using professional voice acting can enhance the overall impact of the work. This debate is far from over, but it's clear that Xiao Yao has proven Tan Songyun's appeal as she continues to expand her range of roles and genres.

From controversies surrounding her voice to the pressure of comparisons with her colleagues, Tan Songyun continues to demonstrate the prowess of a talented actress on the Chinese screen. And it is this diverse audience reaction that has made "Xiao Yao" one of the most talked-about dramas at the moment.

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