At the 2026年央视春晚 celebrating the Year of the Horse, Hu Xianxu joined Wang Anyu, Huang Zihongfan, and Fan Chengcheng to perform the song “快乐小马.” With its vibrant color palette and energetic staging, the performance stood out as one of the evening’s more dynamic segments. According to released figures, the segment reached a peak rating of 29.25 percent during broadcast.
Written by original musician Wang Bo, the song centers on small yet meaningful moments of courage in everyday life, highlighting themes of personal growth and incremental breakthroughs. From classroom participation to personal challenges, the lyrics convey an encouraging message that progress does not always require grand ambitions. During rehearsals, Hu shared lighthearted remarks about refining his dance coordination, a detail that aligned with the song’s emphasis on self-improvement.
The stage design featured high-saturation tones and layered lighting, creating a bright and uplifting visual atmosphere. Hu appeared in a red suit that complemented the overall aesthetic, while the four performers delivered a synchronized yet individually distinctive performance style.
As one of the artists making his Spring Festival Gala debut, Hu acknowledged feeling nervous ahead of the show, though his on-stage presence appeared composed. Following the broadcast, “Happy Little Horse” quickly became a trending phrase online, with its message interpreted by many viewers as symbolic of starting the new year with optimism and resilience.
Overall, the performance integrated youthful storytelling into the traditional gala format, offering a contemporary and energetic addition to the Year of the Horse celebration.
