From Talent Show to Superstar

If life were a story divided into protagonists and supporting characters, Xie Xizhao had always been cast as the cannon fodder. As a boy band member, he was the least popular outsider, the weak leader ostracized by his teammates. As an actor, he was a background extra, a nameless figure mocked by gossip columns. Just when he finally rose to fame as a singer, tragedy struck—an anti-fan poisoned his throat with a special dr*g, ruining his voice forever. Reduced to obscurity, he met an untimely end in a sudden car accident. The moment he closed his eyes, Xie Xizhao calmly watched the montage of his exceptionally unlucky life. When he opened them again, he found himself back at the very beginning. — Employee 001 of the Time-Space System, Xie Xizhao, had finally reached full completion and was officially retiring. All the employees of the system celebrated his departure. As a key member of the “Cannon Fodder Division” in the entertainment industry, Xie Xizhao’s hard work over the years had not gone unnoticed. Someone patted him on the shoulder and sighed, “It’s been tough. It’s over now.” Xie Xizhao smiled, finished his celebratory drink, and replied, “Not tough at all. It’s just beginning.” Half a month later, Xie Xizhao returned to his original body. Six months later, the entertainment industry witnessed the debut of the strongest dark horse in history—a triple-threat rising to the very top. #No Romance Reading Notes: 1. A max-level Boss returning to the Novice Village. The story begins with a talent show and leads to dominance in acting, singing, and variety. The talent show structure is inspired by the traditional “Produce 101” format. 2. The protagonist is a calm and collected master of the scene. 3. No real-life references—please do not assume character inspirations.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on From Talent Show to Superstar "From Talent Show to Superstar" took me on a surprisingly engaging ride through the entertainment industry. This novel shines with its calm and collected protagonist, Xie Xizhao, whose journey from a talent show hopeful to a celebrated superstar felt both satisfying and heartwarming. It's not just about the fame, but about how he navigates the complexities of the industry and the people within it. ### First Impressions Initially, I was a little wary. Rebirth stories sometimes lean into arrogant protagonists, but Xie Xizhao quickly proved himself to be different. He's OP, no doubt, possessing skills honed from his time as an agent in a time-space system, but he never comes across as condescending or boastful. Instead, he's grounded, intelligent, and possesses a high level of emotional intelligence that makes him incredibly likeable. The early chapters, especially the talent show arc, were a blast, filled with humor and a sense of nostalgia for those who enjoy survival show narratives. ### What Works Well What I appreciated most was Xie Xizhao's character. He's not just powerful; he's also introspective and genuinely cares about the people around him. His down-to-earth nature and ability to connect with others made his journey all the more compelling. The novel does a great job showcasing his personal growth and his ability to make a positive impact on the lives of those he encounters. The friendships he forms, especially with his group members and later with colleagues like Xuan Yang and Lin Song, felt authentic and added depth to the story. The story doesn't focus solely on his climb to the top, instead allows him to stay at the peak, which is different from other showbiz novels. ### Areas of Concern One aspect I found a bit jarring was the shift from idol to actor. While the transition is addressed within the story, it felt somewhat abrupt, and the idol arc seemed to fade into the background a little too quickly. I yearned for more focus on his group, their activities, and the dynamics within the team after their debut. This is more of an entertainment novel, and not necessarily an idol career novel. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers may be disappointed by the relatively short time Xie Xizhao spends as an idol before transitioning to acting. The novel also glosses over some of the group's struggles after their debut, opting for a time skip that focuses on Xie Xizhao's individual success as an actor. ### Final Verdict Overall, "From Talent Show to Superstar" is a thoroughly enjoyable read. While it might not be groundbreaking, its well-developed protagonist, heartwarming narrative, and satisfying journey make it a standout in the entertainment genre. If you're looking for a story with a strong, capable, and likeable lead who navigates the world of fame with grace and intelligence, then this novel is definitely worth checking out. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.