On 8 August 2000, HIM International Music held a "Universal 2000 Talent and Beauty Girl Contest" in search of new artists to be signed onto their label. The staff of the TV show "Cruel Stage" encouraged Tien to participate in this televised competition. The contest had about 1,000 contestants, and after several rounds of competition, seven contestants remained for the final round. In the first round, Tien's voice began to crack while singing "Return Home". As a result, she decided to sing in a lower key in the final round, choosing Singaporean singer Kit Chan's "Loving You". However, because she was unfamiliar with the song, about ten seconds of the final lyrics went unsung. Following the competition, the Taiwanese record company gave all seven contestants an audition. The show's manager appreciated her straightforward personality and powerful vocals. As a result, Tien was invited to become a member of S.H.E, with Selina Jen任家萱 and Ella Chen陳嘉樺, and was signed under the Taiwanese record label HIM International Music.