Chinese rapper NINEONE is facing brutal scrutiny online after ticket prices for her latest concert tour dropped to shockingly low levels — fueling accusations that the former survival show sensation may be entering her “flop era.”
On May 13, Chinese social media exploded after fans discovered that tickets for the Chongqing stop of NINEONE’s Selves 2.0 tour were being sold for as little as 40 yuan (approximately $5.50 USD). The unusually cheap price immediately sent the rapper to the top of Weibo’s Hot Search rankings.
While some fans defended the move as a “gift” for supporters, many netizens saw it as a glaring sign of weak ticket sales and fading popularity.
The controversy became even more embarrassing because only the lowest-priced tickets reportedly sold out quickly largely driven by curiosity and students looking for cheap entertainment while higher-tier tickets allegedly required discounts of 20–30% just to move inventory.
And this isn’t the first red flag.
Earlier this year, a planned concert in Hangzhou was abruptly canceled under the vague explanation of “force majeure.” However, Chinese netizens quickly speculated that the real reason was poor ticket sales.
Despite the venue reportedly holding only around 3,000 seats, even lower-priced tickets in the 380–580 yuan (roughly $52–$80 USD) range struggled to sell. Critics claimed organizers simply could not recover production costs.
The backlash intensified when fans complained they only received ticket refunds, while transportation and hotel expenses for out-of-town attendees were ignored.
Following the cancellation, NINEONE posted an emotional 2,000-word letter reflecting on the criticism she has received over the years, including labels such as “stupid” and “male-centered.” She also expressed exhaustion over constantly trying to prove herself.
But the timing backfired badly.
Instead of sympathy, many Chinese netizens accused her of using emotional marketing to save her commercial reputation after ticket sales collapsed.
The downfall feels especially dramatic considering NINEONE was once viewed as one of the brightest breakout stars from Youth With You 2 – the same season featuring Lisa as a mentor.
Back then, she gained massive popularity for balancing a fierce rapper image with a surprisingly caring personality toward trainees. Although she narrowly missed debuting in the final lineup, many believed she had one of the strongest post-show careers.
However, public opinion reportedly began turning after several controversial remarks and scandals.
One of the biggest controversies erupted when NINEONE publicly suggested women should empathize with the financial pressure men face when buying houses and cars. The comments were heavily criticized online for sounding dismissive toward women, causing significant backlash among her predominantly female fanbase.
Observers now point out the irony that while she seemingly alienated female supporters — the core consumers of concert culture in C-entertainment — the male audience she appeared to defend generally does not contribute heavily to idol ticket sales.
Her image took another hit in late 2025 when she became entangled in dating rumors involving director Che Che. Although his ex-wife later confirmed their divorce, NINEONE’s public complaints about not being defended by others drew criticism, with many accusing her of playing the victim.
Now, with canceled concerts, massive ticket discounts, and growing online ridicule, many netizens believe NINEONE’s career is facing its toughest period yet — a sharp contrast to the explosive momentum she once enjoyed after Youth With You 2.
Sources: Sina,Weibo