Show Luo is back and ready to win our hearts again. 

The 43-year-old Taiwanese singer was in town last weekend as the headlining act of Day 1 of the One Love Asia Festival at the Bayfront Event Space.

When 8days.sg met him for a chat the day after his comeback performance in Singapore, we counted at least three other media outlets milling about, waiting for their turn to interview the star, who, let's be honest, has had a tough past two years.

Show, who is known for being personable and thigh-slappingly funny (after all, he was the host of long-running Taiwanese variety show 100% Entertainment for over a decade), was relaxed and in top form when we spoke to him, cracking jokes here and there with ease.

But of course, there was one thing that we had to carefully step around.

Staying cool.

Though the singer had no qualms answering our question about his reaction to reports about his personal life, a member of Show’s entourage stepped in to gently rebuff us when we ventured to ask a question about his ex-girlfriend, Grace Chow.

In April 2020, Show’s personal life was thrown in the spotlight after he was accused of being a serial cheater by Grace. He subsequently apologised for his actions.

He then went on an extended career hiatus, only slowly making his showbiz comeback in November last year.  

But back to the present.

While the singer didn’t exactly give a direct answer when asked if he was affected by the reports about his personal life, he went on to muse that it’s “something that’s [part of the] past”.

"In life, you just have to continue moving forward every day. You can't stay at a standstill. And when I’ve [gone] past [whatever happened], I'll keep thinking what methods I should use to…" he trailed off slightly, before continuing: "For example, I still like dancing, singing, performing, cracking jokes, appearing on shows, doing varieties. I'll still do what I have to do.”

And indeed, the show will go on.

Just earlier today, the 43-year-old released a teaser video for a surprise release — a song by his female alter-ego, Beauty Lo. 

He also confirmed with us that he would be releasing more songs during a concert in Taiwan next month. That's not all. Show added that he has finished recording a new camping-themed variety show and that he will be coming back to Singapore next year for a solo concert... if all goes well.

Watch the video below to find out why Show had to scrap his plans to release a pet wear line under his fashion label. Our story continues below.

8DAYS.SG: Do you think that these two years could be considered a slump with regards to your career or personal life?

SHOW LUO: Hmm, no. I think everyone felt the same way 'cos of the pandemic over the last two years. It's been tough on everyone.

We saw on your IG that you started golfing a lot, and got a pet dog too, right?

Yes, and I got into caudex plants too.

Were these hobbies what helped you get through the last two years?

[Yes], just learning how to slow down your pace and experience life 'cos I didn't know how to [live] life in the past. I was always working and flying here and there. And you didn't really [have the chance to] be at home. This is something that... is very important, but I neglected it.

Yuki's adorable. And yes, that's Show's living room on the right.

Speaking of your pet dog, how is life as a dog owner? 

Her companionship [is the biggest change], since there's someone at home to accompany you. I'm a stickler for cleanliness, at home, I won't allow any mess. But 'cos of her existence, she has made my house feel like a home.

In the past, whenever my friends visited my place, they would be very nervous, since they had to be careful not to topple anything and the like. But after getting a pet dog, it feels like I've become more relaxed about many things.

She would leave her toys everywhere, and she likes to bite things, and her towel... it would still be wet, but it'll be left on my sofa. From being unable to accept it at the start, to eventually accepting and getting used to it... It really does feel like a home now.

Is this the first time you’ve been away from [your dog, Yuki, ]for so long? 

No, [the longest I’ve been apart from her] was for a month.

How was it? Did you miss her, or did you feel like you weren't used to being apart from her?

Used to it? I have to let her get used to it.

'Cos you would be worried that she would get too attached to you?

I have to let her know that her dad's really busy (laughs).

Dad has to go out to earn money for her, right?

Yes, buy toys for her. She has a lot of friends as well, sometimes she's even busier than I am. She attends her friend's birthday parties too.

Wonder what are the songs he's thinking of.

Next year will mark 20 years since your first solo album…

Wait, what do you mean by that?

Your first solo album Show Time was released in 2003…

Really meh? 2003… Oh right... Wow, I've never thought about this. 

Anything special planned, or is there anything that you want to do to mark the milestone?

I want to delete some songs that I don't think are nice to listen to (laughs).

To tell your fans not to listen to these songs anymore?

Yeah, [to tell them] not to listen to those anymore.

Any hint as to what songs these might be?

I'm sorry, but it's better not to say. For some songs though, if I had a choice, I'd want to choose a better one [instead of those] (laughs).

I've really only sung them once — while recording them in the studio. Sometimes when my fans test me and ask if I've heard of this song, it's like I've really forgotten about these songs. 

At that time I was younger, and didn't have much opinions. And the songs you choose are all picked for you by your company, and for the lyrics, they're chosen by the company too.

It's not so common to be able to sing songs that really express what you want to share. So now, maybe after you know how to compose, and how to share your opinions, you would feel that it's such a pity. And you would feel envious of singer-songwriters for being able to write the lyrics that they want.

(Sighs) Why did God let me dance. Wouldn't it be good if I could compose instead, so I could write the songs that I wanted to sing.

Photos: FEARLESS INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., Show Luo/Instagram, Pyron Tan
Video: Pyron Tan

Catch Show Luo in the sixth season of the variety show Go Fighting! on meWATCH here.