BEIJING, Nov. 12 --In Beijing, the list of year end concerts is usually dominated by big-name pop stars. But this year, niche singers are edging their way from the fringe onto center stage and achieving impressive box-office results.

    In the world of mando-pop, niche singers are those whose devotion to a particular style limits their appeal to the widest possible audience.

    Taiwan singer and songwriter Chen Yizhen is an example of the emerging popularity of these performers. This year marked a turning point for her. Instead of the usual three-thousand seat theatre, Chen performed at the much larger Capital Gymnasium, seating more than 20 thousand. The box-office result astonished the whole market.

    Niche singers usually appeal to college students and white-collar workers. They become devoted fans willing to spend money to hear their favorites. But there's a scarcity of concerts by niche singers and this is being seen as one reason for their increasing popularity.

    There are also more concert organizers who now see the market potential of niche singers and are prepared to put more money into promoting their shows.

    (Source: CCTV.com)