Singers rehearse for the 2013 CCTV Spring Festival Gala. The event has become an integral part of New Year celebrations. [PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY]

Dion was enthusiastic to join the gala and reacquaint herself with China five years after her last visit.

Scheduling was the only fly in the ointment in bringing the star here, as she had to avoid date clashes with other commitments, including 80 shows in Las Vegas.

They started preparing the groundwork in September for the Canadian singer whose albums have sold more than 220 million copies around the world.

"Our time is very tight but luckily, she will be free during Spring Festival, and she is very interested in China" said Song Ke.

"We believe more international stars will come to China," he said.

To attract younger audiences, Evergrande Music also helped organize Spring Festival Gala Express, a talent show to select performers for the Gala.

"It's very interesting. Everybody complains about the gala, but they still watch it, and then they talk about how bad it was. We believe this year will be different," said Gao.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn