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| Former THE9’s An Qi Draws Buzz Ahead of Sichuan–Chongqing Spring Gala 2026 (Photo: Weibo) |
Former THE9 member An Qi (Babymonster An) is back in the spotlight after being officially confirmed as a performer at the Sichuan–Chongqing Spring Gala 2026, with online chatter quickly shifting from her career momentum to noticeable changes in her appearance.
An Qi, also known to many as Babymonster An Qi, will take the stage at the high-profile annual gala airing live on 15 February at 7.30pm on Sichuan TV and Chongqing TV. The announcement alone marked a solid boost in her public exposure, but it was her recent visuals that truly set netizens talking.
Ahead of the broadcast, fans noticed that An Qi no longer has the beauty mark near her lips, a detail long associated with her image since her breakout days on Youth with You 2. The change caught many by surprise, with some saying they barely recognised her at first glance.
While some netizens described the update as “refreshing” and “more mature,” others admitted feeling nostalgic about her earlier look, calling the beauty mark an iconic part of her charm.
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Overall, reactions remain split, but the discussion has kept her firmly in trending topics.
In the lead-up to the gala, An Qi has been actively interacting with Chongqing Satellite TV’s official accounts.
One standout moment saw her successfully complete a famously tricky Sichuan–Chongqing tongue-twister challenge, a clip that quickly went viral and pushed her name further up social media rankings.
Many viewers praised her relaxed attitude and quick wit, saying the moment highlighted her stage presence and adaptability rather than just her visuals.
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Since THE9 disbanded in December 2021, An Qi’s solo journey has been far from smooth. She has previously spoken openly about facing a career slowdown and taking on side work to support her music ambitions.
Along the way, she has also dealt with online speculation, harsh judgement, and periods of intense scrutiny.
Instead of stepping back, An Qi responded by doubling down on her craft. From late-night rehearsals to challenging live stages, she steadily rebuilt her footing through performance rather than words.
Her later appearances on music and variety programmes reinforced her commitment to staying on stage, regardless of external noise.
Fan reactions to her upcoming gala appearance range widely. Long-time supporters see this as a well-earned return to a mainstream platform, praising her resilience and growth. Others, less familiar with her recent work, are cautiously curious, viewing the gala as a test of her current appeal.
Meanwhile, neutral netizens continue to debate whether her transformation reflects personal choice, career strategy, or simply natural change over time. What’s clear is that the conversation has shifted beyond gossip to renewed interest in what she delivers on stage.
Do you think this marks a new chapter for An Qi, or is it just the beginning of another round of debates?