(David Tao and Taiwan beauty host Lin Chih-Ling)

Press reports quoted him as criticising actors of idol dramas for turning to singing, and using Taiwan artiste Rainie Yang as an example. Host-turned-singer Yang, ironically, was one of the best-selling new acts this year.

In town to prepare for his concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday, the 36-year-old was solemn, but eager to clarify his alleged comments about Yang.

"I was taken out of context and misquoted," said the America-bred, Taiwan-based David. "I didn't direct any criticism at Rainie."

"In fact, it was a private conversation between me and a label executive in a restaurant, but the paparazzi sat at the next table and secretly recorded the conversation. I didn't know they were there until I was about to leave."

While he denied chastising Yang, David, who last performed here in April, maintained his stand about what he called "cross-marketing" in the music industry.