Youku holds gala to celebrate grassroots heroes

Video sharing website Youku held a gala on July 5 to celebrate 20 grassroots heroes it selected from an online contest. The website started a talent show called “I am a Legend” earlier this year, calling for netizens to share videos of their performances. The show’s six episodes attracted 100 million clicks in 34 days. Professional judges and Internet users voted for the 20 finalists, including a college student whose singing video drew 100 million clicks in two hours, and a band playing music of the Yi ethnic group. Famous comedian Guo Degang and actress Liu Yan hosted the gala.