Nicholas Teo (Chinese: 張棟樑; pinyin: Zhāng Dòng-Liáng), also known as Nicholas Zhang and he is a Malaysian Chinese singer signed under Play Music based in Taiwan.
Before returning to Malaysia, Nicholas was studying in Taiwan, where he won the Best Singer in a competition among all the Taiwan universities. Thereafter, he was approached and asked if he would sign up with a company as a back-up singer (backing vocalist, to harmonise with the lead vocalist), which Nicholas subsequently ignored. He returned to Malaysia without finishing his studies and participated in the singing competition "2002 Astro Talent Quest". Nicholas won first place with the song 黃昏(Huáng Hūn), originally sung by Zhou Chuan Xiong. This led to Nicholas signing a contract in Taiwan with Music Street in 2003.
2004–2014
On 18 June 2004 he released his first album 首選張棟樑 (“1st Choice Nicholas”). Music Street eventually merged with Warner Music. Play Music is a record label subsidiary of Singaporean company Musicstreet Pte Ltd. In 2006, Nicholas received the 2006 Hito Newcomer Award in Taiwan. He also successfully completed his From Now On Concert Tour covering stops in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia within the first half-year of 2008. The Malaysian government appointed Teo Penang's 'green ambassador' to spread awareness on environmental issues.
2015-Present
On 7 August 2015, Nicholas came back from his "Long Vacation" after 8 months of continuous filming his idol dramas, "K Song Lover" and "Lady Maid Maid". As his management contract came to an end, he decided to have a short break from his work which he never had before. He went to New York for acting lessons for three months during his vacation. He released a new book, featuring his new mini album, "Long Vacation".
Albums
1st Choice Nicholas 首選張棟樑 (2004)
Nicholas 張棟樑首張同名專輯 (Taiwan Version) (August 2005)
Only Nicholas 主打張棟樑 (February 2006)
Prince Nicholas 王子 (June 2007)
From Now On New Songs + Best Selection 新歌+精选 (March 2008)
The Moment of Silence 沉默的瞬間 (June 2009)
Let's Not Fall in Love Again 别再惊动爱情 (September 2011)
Cyndi Wang is one of the female actress/singer that works with him. She plays the leads in both his drama (Smiling Pasta, 2006) and animation film (Ratatouille, 2007) debuts.
He is currently rumoured to be with Cyndi Wang, after the two surprisingly showed up at each other's autograph sessions. Cyndi Wang showed up at his latest album Prince Nicholas' press conference, presenting him a glass slipper, which he later helped her put on. He also showed up at Cyndi Wang's latest album Magic Cyndi's autograph session and presented her with a love amulet.
Nicholas used to attend piano lessons when small as a result of encouragement from his supportive mother. Unfortunately, he gave up later. The thought of performing the instrument again occurred to him while planning special segments for his Fisherman's Pier Celebration Concert in Taiwan(2007). Although time constraint prevented such idea to come to fruition, Nicholas hoped that there will still be possible chances for him to do so in future.
Fish Leong and Nicholas are very good friends as both hail from the same country, Malaysia and have their careers currently based in Taiwan. They were rumoured to be together shortly before Nicholas' first major concert in Kuala Lumpur. Although he prefers to look up to her as his senior in the music industry, Nicholas does not completely dismiss the idea that their relationship can progress beyond that of friendship one day.
During Smiling Pasta Promo, Cyndi Wang announce publicly that Nicholas is "skillful with his tongue" when kissing.
