Singers vie for a spot at CCTV's Spring Festival Gala

Li Qi was the winner of season 2 of "The Voice of China", but this is a new level even for

As 2013 comes to a close, the annual CCTV Spring Festival Gala is just around the corner. It's the most watched variety TV show in the world, and a dream for many performers in China. Gala auditions allow young singers to compete for a spot on this legendary stage. We talk to some of the hopefuls.

2013 has seen a variety of singing shows take the country by storm. But none of them can compete with this, the king of Chinese singing competitions! Top talents are performing their hearts out, all for a much-coveted spot on the annual CCTV Spring Festival Gala.

Li Qi was the winner of season 2 of "The Voice of China", but this is a new level even for him.

"It was really nerve-racking at the finals of 'the voice'. But here you only get about 90 seconds to show what you've got, and there are some strong competitors. So there's a lot of pressure," singer Li Qi said.

Liu Sihan emerged from Chinese Idol, and her soulful voice has continued to carry her.

"The contestants are all strong vocalists. For me it's not only a great opportunity, but also a platform to learn from other singers. So it's a really special experience," Liu Sihan said.

23-year-old Hua Chenyu is one of the youngest contestants. He's the winner of Super Boy, a homegrown reality talent show held by Hunan TV. He fires up the stage with an energetic rendition of "Somebody that I used to know."

"I feel no pressure at all. I just came here to sing the songs I want to sing, and I was really comfortable on stage, " Hua Chenyu said.

Only 10 singers will be able to enter the next round of auditions on January 11th. But even fewer will make it to the much-anticipated gala held on the eve of Chinese lunar new year.