On the night of the 26th Golden Melody Awards (GMA) in Taiwan, the musical talent of artists was celebrated and recognized. Trophies were given, and names were applauded. But more than the fanfare of pop songs and performances, the event also became a platform for these musicians to highlight their statement on social and political issues, Shanghaiist cited.

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However, Singapore and China were keen to not air segments that featured singers who took a stand. In an editorial penned by J. Michael Cole of Thinking Taiwan, it was revealed that the television network broadcasting the awards night in Singapore flashed the message "This segment of the programme is not suitable for broadcast. We apologise for the inconvenience caused" in lieu of the part when singer Huang Wei-chieh and friends stepped on the red carpet with banners that read, "Today Dapu, Tomorrow the Government." These words became a symbol of civil resistance against forced evictions in Dapu, Miaoli County, in 2013.

Meanwhile, in mainland China, the awarding of Fire EX's "Island's Sunrise" as Song of the Year was blocked via time delay. The song was reportedly the unofficial anthem of the Sunflower Movement in 2014, wherein students rallied against the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA). The three-week protest resulted in the discontinuance of the trade deal between China and Taiwan.

According to China Digital Times, an unidentified issuing body gave censorship instructions to media, particularly aimed at the punk rock band's song.

"Find and delete all news related to 'Island's Sunrise' winning Song of the Year at the Golden Melody Awards. (June 27, 2015)," the website quoted.

Cole further noted that a number of media companies in Taiwan, with the exception of the official event broadcaster Taiwan Television, excluded Fire EX's win from their reports. State-run central news agency Focus Taiwan instead centered on the awards won by other artists, such as A-Mei, Eason Chan and Jolin Tsai.

"I think this award isn't just about Fire EX, but more indirectly affirms last year's movement and what everyone did to change Taiwan. I truly hope everyone will hold on to this enthusiasm and love to work together to make Taiwan a better country," one of the band members stated in their acceptance speech, as translated by China Digital Times.

Tags26th Golden Melody Awards, 26th Golden Melody Awards censor