“Ride the Wind 2026” sparks debate — Li Xiaoran’s team picks draw criticism after rejecting Wan Qianhui but choosing Tang Yixin and Wang Meng — smart diplomacy or double standards?

The team formation segment of Sisters Who Make Waves 2026 has sparked intense discussion, with Li Xiaoran at the center of controversy.

During the selection process, strong performer Wan Qianhui expressed interest in joining Li’s team. With a musical theatre background and an impressive initial performance, she was widely seen as a valuable teammate. However, Li declined, explaining that her lack of singing and dancing experience led her to seek more experienced collaborators.

Initially, this was viewed as a pragmatic decision under a high-pressure format featuring live, unedited performances and elimination risks.

However, controversy arose when Li ultimately formed a team with Tang Yixin and Wang Meng—both also non-professional performers in singing and dancing. This appeared inconsistent with her earlier reasoning.

Public opinion quickly split. Critics questioned the logic behind her choices, suggesting inconsistency, while supporters argued that chemistry, trust, and stage compatibility are equally important in team performances.

The chosen song, Sticky Note Wish, places greater emphasis on mood and expression rather than technical difficulty, which supports a chemistry-driven team strategy.

From a broader perspective, the controversy highlights a familiar dynamic in reality shows: the balance between skill, fairness, and interpersonal relationships. Li’s decision reflects a multi-layered trade-off rather than a purely performance-based choice.

At the same time, her willingness to step out of her comfort zone at age 50 and commit fully to the competition has also earned recognition.

Whether the choice proves effective ultimately depends on the final stage performance.