Zhang Lei

* Zhang’s Normal Outfit
* Zhang’s Idol Outfit

"Great things never come from comfort zones." - Roy Bennett

Zhang Lei is the 7th person to enter the house and the first Chinese idol trainee. His goal is to prove that not all idols are only in Korea.

## Backstory

Zhang Lei, widely known by his stage name Phoenix, was born on July 7, 2000, in the bustling city of Shenzhen, China. Growing up in a supportive and music-loving family, Zhang Lei was exposed to various genres of music from a young age. His older brother, who was an avid fan of hip-hop, introduced Zhang Lei to the world of rap, and he instantly fell in love with the rhythm, flow, and poetic nature of the genre. Although he was still in his early teens, Zhang Lei started writing his own rap lyrics and became determined to pursue a career in music. However, his ambitions faced resistance from his parents, who were concerned about the unpredictability of the entertainment industry.

Undeterred by their doubts, Zhang Lei set out to prove that his passion for music was real and that he was willing to work hard to achieve his dreams. With an unwavering determination and an insatiable hunger for knowledge, Zhang Lei spent countless hours honing his rap skills, studying the techniques of his favorite artists, and immersing himself in the world of hip-hop. He began performing at local talent shows and underground rap battles, quickly gaining recognition for his raw talent, quick wordplay, and commanding stage presence. Zhang Lei's breakthrough came when he caught the attention of a talent scout who recognized his potential as an idol trainee. Convinced that Zhang Lei had the charisma and talent needed to make it in the industry, the scout approached him with an opportunity to join an upcoming idol training program. Without a second thought, Zhang Lei seized the chance and embarked on a new chapter in his life.

As he entered the idol training program, Zhang Lei faced significant challenges. Being the youngest trainee in the group, he often felt the weight of high expectations and the need to prove himself. However, his relentless work ethic, tenacity, and ability to adapt quickly pushed him forward. Throughout his training, Zhang Lei overcame obstacles and continually impressed his mentors and fellow trainees with his lyrical prowess, stage presence, and passion for music. His powerful and charismatic rap performances left a lasting impact, capturing the attention of producers and fans alike. With his unique blend of skill, determination, and magnetic personality, Zhang Lei became an integral member of his idol group, earning the stage name Phoenix – a symbol of his resilience, strength, and ability to rise above challenges.

## Idol name

Idol name: Phoenix

Lei chose his idol name as Phoenix because he resonates with the symbolism and story behind the phoenix. The phoenix is a mythical creature known for its ability to rise from ashes and be reborn, representing strength, resilience, and transformation. Lei's journey as a trainee wasn't always smooth, and he faced several challenges and setbacks along the way. However, he never gave up and constantly worked hard to improve his skills and overcome obstacles. Just like the phoenix, he believes in the power of reinvention and starting anew. The name Phoenix also reflects Lei's determination to leave a lasting impact in the industry. He wants to be resilient in the face of adversity and rise above expectations, continually striving to elevate his artistry and deliver performances that inspire and captivate people.

## Trivia

1. Zhang Lei has a secret talent for playing the guitar. In his free time, he enjoys strumming melodies and writing his own songs.

2. Despite his strong and confident stage presence, Zhang Lei has a soft spot for animals, especially cats. He often volunteers at local animal shelters and has adopted three rescued cats of his own.

3. Zhang Lei is an avid reader and has an extensive collection of books ranging from fiction to self-improvement. He often draws inspiration from the stories he reads and has aspirations of writing his own novel someday.

4. Zhang Lei is a polyglot and can speak four languages fluently: Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, and English. He enjoys learning new languages as a way to connect with fans from different cultural backgrounds.

5. Before joining the entertainment industry, Zhang Lei was an accomplished academic. He graduated at the top of his high school class and received a scholarship to study business administration at a prestigious university.

6. In addition to his skills as a rapper, Zhang Lei is also a talented beatboxer. He often incorporates beatboxing into the group's performances, showcasing his versatility and unique talent.

7. Despite his young age, Zhang Lei is known for his wise and thoughtful nature. He often seeks advice from older industry professionals and is constantly striving to expand his knowledge and broaden his horizons.

8. Zhang Lei is a philanthropist at heart and is actively involved in various charitable causes. He regularly donates a portion of his earnings to organizations dedicated to providing education to underprivileged children.

9. Zhang Lei has a strong interest in fashion and often experiments with his personal style. He enjoys keeping up with the latest fashion trends and is often praised for his impeccable fashion sense.

10. Zhang Lei has a hidden talent for cooking and enjoys experimenting with different cuisines. He often surprises his fellow group members with delicious homemade meals during their breaks.

11. Despite his busy schedule as an idol trainee, Zhang Lei is a firm believer in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He sets aside dedicated time for hobbies such as painting and photography as a means of destressing and expressing his creativity.

12. Zhang Lei resonates with the quote "Great things never come from comfort zones" by Roy Bennett because it reflects his personal belief and approach to life. As a trainee, Zhang has had to step out of his comfort zone and face numerous challenges, including leaving his home in Shenzhen, China, to pursue his dream of becoming an idol trainee.

Zhang understands that growth and success require taking risks and pushing oneself beyond their limits. He believes that by constantly challenging himself and venturing into new territories, he can achieve great things. This quote serves as a constant reminder for Zhang to embrace discomfort and embrace the unknown in order to reach his full potential.

Zhang also recognizes that staying within the confines of a comfort zone can hinder personal growth and limit opportunities. By pushing beyond these boundaries, he believes he can unlock a world of possibilities and accomplish remarkable things.

Overall, Zhang resonates with the quote because it aligns with his belief in the importance of taking risks and embracing challenges to achieve greatness. It serves as a motivation for him to continually push himself, both as an artist and as an individual.