International stars lit up the stage at China Media Group's (CMG) 2026 Spring Festival Gala on lunar New Year's Eve, marking the most globally diverse edition in the event's four-decade history.

As audiences across China welcomed the Year of the Horse on Tuesday, the hours-long spectacle featured iconic collaborations: Lionel Richie and Jackie Chan paired in singing a song; American artist John Legend, French singer Helene Rolles, and Irish band Westlife performed songs that are not only hits in their home countries but also widely loved in China.

The gala's vibrant blend of global music, dance, and acrobatics underscored China's cultural openness and the worldwide appeal of its most-watched annual broadcast.

"It sounds amazing, like a true feast for the ears and eyes. And it feels very international," said a Beijing resident.

"It was so cool to see many foreign friends on stage, I hope one day Taylor Swift can come to the gala," said another interviewee.

Beyond hit songs, acrobats from Austria, dancers from Hungary, and a flamenco troupe from Spain also brought their artistry to the gala.

"The audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. This year, the international content has become even more abundant and diverse, featuring not only songs but also dances and acrobatics," said Yu Lei, chief director of the 2026 Spring Festival Gala.

International performers have long been part of the gala, from early comedy acts to global stars like Canadian singer Celine Dion at the 2013 Spring Festival Gala and French actress Sophie Marceau at the 2014 Spring Festival Gala.

Since first being broadcast in 1983, the gala has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the most-watched annual television program on the planet.