The high-stakes atmosphere of the first public performance in Sisters Who Make Waves 2026 (乘风2026) has already sparked significant controversy, leaving one contestant eliminated and a team captain in tears. Following the broadcast of the first public performance’s first half on April 10, the competition has been marred by accusations of unfairness and technical discrepancies, centering on the dramatic exit of Zhao Ziqi.
The elimination of Zhao Ziqi, a member of Sun Yi’s team, has become a focal point of online discussion, with the contestant reportedly trending on 15 different hot search lists after her departure. The emotional fallout was immediate; Sun Yi, serving as the team captain, was seen breaking down in tears on stage, overwhelmed by self-reproach after losing the captain’s PK duel, which directly led to her teammate’s elimination according to reports from 988.
The tension extended beyond the competition results, as viewers and participants alike questioned the integrity of the performance. Allegations of lip-syncing and “fake singing” surfaced during the broadcast, specifically targeting the high-intensity dance numbers. These controversies, combined with the sudden nature of the first elimination, have led to a wave of criticism regarding the show’s current rules and fairness.
The Voting Breakdown and the Fall of Sun Yi’s Team
The results of the first public performance’s first half revealed a tight race between the competing groups. Sun Yi’s team, featuring Sun Yi, Zhang Huiwen, and Zhao Ziqi, performed the stage titled “The Best of This Moment are All by My Side” (此刻最好的都在身边), which garnered 845 votes from the live audience as detailed by Sohu.
Despite their effort, they were outperformed by other teams. The group led by Ye Yiqian, consisting of Ye Yiqian, Fan Weiqi, Hou Yu, and He Xuanlin, secured 881 votes for their performance of “Flowers of Chengbei” (城北的花). Meanwhile, Kan Qingzi’s team—comprising Kan Qingzi, Wen Zhengrong, and Zhang Yishang—delivered a traditional Chinese style stage titled “Wing Chun” (咏春), which received 822 votes per Sohu’s reporting.
Because Sun Yi lost the captain’s PK duel against Kan Qingzi, the team’s lowest-scoring member was subject to elimination. Zhao Ziqi became the first “sister” to be removed from the competition. The severity of the loss led Sun Yi to express a desire to step down from her leadership role, stating that she no longer wished to be a captain.
Controversy Over the “Bag Incident” and Exit
Following her elimination, Zhao Ziqi’s departure was not without friction. Reports emerged regarding an “episode” where the production team allegedly prevented her from taking her bag immediately upon being eliminated. Zhao Ziqi later addressed these claims, stating that she “completely understood” the production’s actions and that she had no experience with the show’s protocols, as she was the first to be eliminated according to Jimu News.
The exit was described by Zhao Ziqi herself as being “swept out the door” (扫地出门), a phrase that amplified the perceived harshness of the elimination process. This admission, combined with the emotional distress of her teammates, has fueled a broader debate among fans about whether the first round of eliminations was conducted too aggressively or unfairly as noted by 988.
Technical Allegations and “Lip-Syncing” Scandals
While the eliminations dominated the headlines, the technical execution of the performances faced a different kind of scrutiny. Netizens and viewers pointed out discrepancies between the audio and the contestants’ lip movements, particularly during high-energy choreography. The “Wing Chun” stage by Kan Qingzi’s team was specifically highlighted, with viewers noting that the vocals remained steady and lacked breath changes despite the intense physical movements of the dancers according to 988.
Other performances, including the “Huo Yuanjia” stage by Zhang Yue’s team, were also accused of using pre-recorded tracks (lip-syncing). These allegations have cast a shadow over the competitive nature of the show, as the audience questions whether the vote tallies are reflecting genuine vocal and performance ability or a curated production.
Summary of First Performance Results
| Team Captain | Performance Title | Audience Votes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ye Yiqian | Flowers of Chengbei | 881 | All Advanced |
| Sun Yi | The Best of This Moment… | 845 | Zhao Ziqi Eliminated |
| Kan Qingzi | Wing Chun | 822 | All Advanced |
| Zeng Peici | N/A | N/A | All Advanced |
| Zhang Yue | Huo Yuanjia | N/A | All Advanced |
The emotional toll on the participants is evident. Sun Yi’s public breakdown and Zhao Ziqi’s rapid ascent to 15 hot search topics underscore the intense pressure of the 2026 season. For the remaining contestants, the precedent set by the first elimination serves as a stark reminder of the volatility of the current competition format.
As the competition progresses, the focus will likely remain on whether the production team addresses the lip-syncing allegations and if the elimination rules will be adjusted to mitigate the “brutal” nature of the early rounds. Viewers are encouraged to follow official broadcast updates for the next round of performances to notice how the remaining teams adapt to these pressures.
What are your thoughts on the first elimination of Sisters Who Make Waves 2026? Do you think the rules are too harsh, or is this the necessary drama of a competition show? Share your views in the comments below.