Tseng Pei-Tzu’s Controversial Moments on Sisters Who Make Waves: Ancestry Debate and Viral Reactions

Taiwanese Singer Pets Tseng Sparks Controversy on “Sisters Who Make Waves 7” with Ancestry Remark

Taiwanese singer and actress Pets Tseng has become the center of a heated debate on the Chinese reality competition show Sisters Who Make Waves Season 7 (also known as Cheng Feng 2026) after a live broadcast comment about her ancestry ignited widespread discussion among viewers and netizens. The controversy erupted during an off-stage conversation that was inadvertently aired, leading to accusations of political sensitivity and divided reactions online.

Ancestry Remark Triggers Backlash

During a casual exchange with fellow contestants, Tseng reportedly mentioned, 我的祖籍泉州 (“My ancestral home is Quanzhou”), a statement that quickly drew criticism from some viewers. Quanzhou, a city in China’s Fujian Province, has historical and cultural significance, and Tseng’s remark was interpreted by some as an attempt to align herself with mainland Chinese identity—a sensitive topic given the complex cross-strait relations between Taiwan and China.

Netizens on Chinese social media platforms swiftly reacted, with some accusing Tseng of engaging in “united front” tactics—a term often used to describe efforts by the Chinese government to influence Taiwanese public opinion. Others, however, defended her, arguing that the comment was a simple statement of personal heritage and not a political gesture. One user noted, 兩邊都沒得罪 (“She didn’t offend either side”), suggesting that the controversy was overblown.

The backlash was significant enough to prompt Tseng’s fans to rally in her defense, emphasizing that her participation in the show was purely artistic and not politically motivated. Despite the uproar, Tseng has not publicly addressed the remark further, and the show’s producers have not issued an official statement regarding the incident.

Vocal Performance and Show Controversies

The ancestry debate is not the only controversy surrounding Tseng’s participation in Sisters Who Make Waves 7. Earlier in the competition, she faced speculation about her potential withdrawal due to a copyright dispute involving her hit song Gou Ai (“Enough Love”). Tseng directly addressed the rumors during a livestream, stating, I will continue to challenge myself bravely in Cheng Feng and won’t let down every opportunity to stand on stage. Her denial put an end to the exit rumors, though questions about the show’s fairness persisted.

Tseng’s vocal prowess has been a standout feature of the competition. During the first live performance, she delivered a commanding rendition of her song Qin Qin (“Kiss Kiss”), despite technical difficulties with her in-ear monitor. Her ability to perform flawlessly without auditory feedback—often referred to as “blind singing” by fans—earned her widespread praise. Netizens lauded her professionalism, with one commenter remarking, 來修音響的 (“She’s here to fix the sound system”), a playful nod to her ability to carry the performance despite the technical issues.

However, her strong performances have also fueled suspicions about the show’s voting system. Tseng ranked first in online popularity votes but placed only 11th in the live audience rankings, a discrepancy that led to accusations of behind-the-scenes manipulation. Some viewers questioned whether the show’s producers were favoring certain contestants, though no concrete evidence has emerged to support these claims.

Lip-Syncing Allegations Add to Show’s Troubles

The controversy surrounding Tseng is part of a broader wave of criticism directed at Sisters Who Make Waves 7. The show’s first live performance was marred by allegations of lip-syncing, with several contestants, including Kan Qingzi, Zhang Yishang, and Wen Zhengrong, accused of performing with their microphones turned off. Netizens pointed to inconsistencies between the performers’ mouth movements and the audio, as well as the lack of audible breath support during dance sequences. The show’s producers later changed the on-screen indicator from “Mic On” to “Live,” which some interpreted as an admission that the performances were not fully live.

Tseng’s group, which included Dan Dan and Huang Can-Can, also faced scrutiny for their performance of Half and Half. While some viewers believed the group was lip-syncing, others argued that the audible breathing and pitch fluctuations indicated a live performance. The debate highlighted the growing skepticism among audiences about the authenticity of reality competition shows.

Tseng’s Career and Future on the Show

Pets Tseng, known for her powerful vocals and acting roles in Taiwanese dramas, has been a prominent figure in the Chinese-speaking entertainment industry. Her participation in Sisters Who Make Waves 7 was seen as a major comeback opportunity, particularly after her strong debut performance. Despite the controversies, she has continued to deliver high-scoring performances, including leading her team to the highest score in one of the competition rounds.

However, the combination of the ancestry remark, voting discrepancies, and lip-syncing allegations has cast a shadow over her journey on the show. Fans remain divided, with some rallying behind her while others question the integrity of the competition. Tseng herself has remained focused on her performances, promising on social media to bring more amazing stages moving forward.

As the competition progresses, it remains to be seen whether the controversies will overshadow the artistic merits of the show or if Tseng can regain the momentum she built early in the season. For now, her ability to navigate the challenges—both on and off stage—continues to be a focal point for viewers and industry observers alike.