Once celebrated as the “Queen of Live Streaming” in China, Feng Timo has captivated millions with her sweet voice and girl-next-door charm. Rising to fame through Douyu, she built a powerful online presence, amassing over 20 million fans and earning up to $4 million a year at her peak. But when she ventured into the world of mainstream music, her journey quickly became turbulent.
In 2019, Feng Timo made a bold career change, leaving Douyu for Bilibili to pursue a full-time singing career. She released music, appeared on television shows and aimed to transform herself from an Internet celebrity to a serious artist. That same year, he announced his first solo concert, pricing tickets between RMB 299 and RMB 1,219, on par with A-list pop stars. This move sparked strong reactions.
Netizens questioned his vocal abilities and mocked the ticket prices, claiming they didn’t match his abilities. Rumors of poor ticket sales and free giveaways have flooded platforms like Zhihu and Bilibili. In fact, demand for the concert exceeded expectations, causing a surge in ticket scalping, with some seats selling for up to RMB 30,000.
Even so, Feng’s transition came at a cost. His fan base on Bilibili dropped dramatically to just 2.53 million in just a few months. The number of his fan clubs has plummeted from 100,000 to just 4,000 members and his live streaming revenue has plummeted. Although his streams attracted 6,000 to 8,000 viewers, only about 300 fans regularly contributed virtual gifts, reducing his revenue to an average of RMB 10,000 per stream.
Then came a personal blow: In July 2023, Feng revealed that she had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Although the surgery was successful, it threatened her voice, her main asset. He underwent months of recovery and retraining, hoping to come back stronger.
Unfortunately, the world of entertainment has moved on. Her new releases have failed to spark interest, and the changing landscape, filled with younger, hipper talent, has pushed her further into the shadows. Netizens, once in love, now call her a “faded Internet idol.”
Feng Timo’s story is a cautionary tale about the fleeting nature of online fame and the difficult challenges of transforming Internet celebrity into lasting artistic respect. While she remains committed to her music, it’s clear that reclaiming her former glory will require more than just nostalgia: it will require reinvention.
Sources: kenh14
