Zhang, 16, who was the second runner-up in the American Idol-style contest, says: 'Because there are so many people on the mainland, it is extremely hard to enter top schools such as Beijing University and very few people can enter university at all. Every child gets a lot of pressure to study hard.

'Therefore, people think it's easier to become a star, just singing and dancing on the stage. I thought it was just that simple before I joined the industry.'

Zhang (above) says she now knows the life of a performer is tough, with little bed time and a hectic work schedule.

Her debut album, which will be released in Hong Kong next month, has sold more than 800,000 copies on the mainland.