From rock 'n' roll bandwagon to the music of the desert

Every time musician Perhat Halik stepped onto the stage of the TV talent show, Voice of China 2014, he exuded a calm presence, seemingly unperturbed by his lack of Mandarin and the host of famous singers in the studio audience.

His husky voice has gathered quite a following in recent weeks, leading the 32-year-old Uygur to take second place in the show.

He did his best to sing songs in Mandarin to appeal to the audience. But in the end, it was his unadorned, unmistakable voice and attitude to the music that fascinated fans.