It took several years for the industry to recover from decline. In 2015, a notice was issued by the National Copyright Administration, stipulating that online music delivery platforms must remove all unauthorized songs－a key move in the fight against widespread piracy in the industry.

Song said: "We want to recognize talented people in the music industry and encourage young musicians. More important, we want to regain our industry's dignity. We want to honor the arts and the artists for what they have created, whether they are commercially successful or not. We even considered not having galas. We attach the same amount of pride and honor in announcing the winners in a small restaurant."

He added that he was happy to meet the winners of the fourth and fifth editions of the awards, which allowed him to get to know more new artists.

"The pandemic has been devastating for the music scene, especially for live music, but we are glad to see there has been no reduction in the number of new works," Song said. "I was provided with a list for the fourth and fifth editions, because some of the songs were new to me and also to audiences."

According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, China rose to sixth place in the world's largest music markets last year.

Xu, who said the nation is expected to enter the top five, added: "Many young artists are releasing new songs every day. These awards offer them a platform and set standards."

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