Cheng, 60, took to Chinese social media platform Weibo on Sunday, writing: "I am shocked, furious and regret that the lyrics in my classic song Star Lighting have been changed indiscriminately!"

Several netizens agreed with Cheng, as some of them said that the organisers should use another song if they did not agree with some of the lyrics.

Even Mr Hu Xijin, the retired editor-in-chief of China's nationalist Global Times tabloid, weighed in onthe saga.

He wrote on Weibo on Monday: "I do not agree with such changes and feel they were unnecessary if they were done due to 'political correctness'. Political correctness should include respecting history, seeking truth and tolerating different literary and artistic expressions."

Mr Hu had also expressed support for Hong Kong singer Jacky Cheung in another episode.

Cheung, who is known as the God of Songs, was criticised by Chinese netizens recently after he used the phrase "Jia you, Hong Kong" in a video he recorded marking the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule.

"Jia you" means "keep going" in Chinese, but it was also a rallying cry among protesters during the Hong Kong protests in 2019.

Mr Hu said China should unite those who share the views of the majority and not be overly critical on interpreting the artistes' words after they make the clarifications.

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Cyndi Wang, Twins' tweaked version of 1990s song slammed by original singer - The Straits Times