SINGAPORE — The year has been a good one for Della Ding.

The singer, who is based in Taipei, saw her popularity surge after appearing as the Black Swan on Chinese reality singing competition King Of Mask Singer, where contestants — all of whom were professional vocalists — had to wear masks to conceal their identities in front of the audience and a panel of judges.

Speaking to reporters at Mandarin Orchard Hotel on Monday, Ding said the experience has changed the way she performs.

“This was the first time I was taking part in a competition like that, where my singing had to be scrutinised by the judges and the audience. This was a big challenge for me,” the Mandopop star said. “In the past, I used to feel a little insecure and nervous when I performed, maybe because there were so many traps and mechanisms on stage, and I’d worry about falling down because I have to wear high heels when I perform. But once I put on my mask, I felt as though no one could see who I was, and I didn’t feel so scared anymore. It was an opportunity to re-invent myself.”

And re-invent, she did. The 32-year-old, who is known for singing drama theme songs such as I Love Him and Palm, took the opportunity to choose tunes with more explosive rock elements, such as A Thousand Years Of Love. And when she returns to Singapore in February for her The First Day To Say I Love You concert, Ding will be including a segment on her turn as the Black Swan.

“My fans now think differently of me. In the past, they associated me with ballads and love songs. But on the show, there was more character and attitude to my performance,” said Ding, who will be releasing a new album next year. “That is the side to me that I will be bringing to my concert. I think it’s added to my performance.”

Ding said her experience on the show didn’t just change the way she performs, but also how she feels about herself.

“In the past, I really cared what (other people thought about me.) But now I try not to think too much,” Ding said, adding that she is now quite willing to consider participating in more reality television shows in the future, including game shows. “I am more confident now, and I am more comfortable expressing myself.” HON JING YI

Della Ding’s The First Day To Say I Love You concert is on Feb 27, 2016, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Tickets from S$88 are available at http://www.sportshubtix.sg.