Appearing at the Chuong Vang Vong Co 2026 competition announcement event on 20/7 in Ho Chi Minh City, Thanh Tuan was greeted by artists Minh Vuong and Phuong Loan after a period of absence. In March 2025, he was hospitalized in a coma due to a heart condition. The artist overcame the critical situation after one week of intensive treatment, though he had to postpone many projects.
Returning after the health scare, Thanh Tuan expressed joy at maintaining his singing prowess and breath control. He has gradually received invitations to perform from show organizers in Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces. Thanh Tuan considers himself more fortunate than many peers his age, attributing his good recovery to a healthy lifestyle maintained since his youth. "At 76 years old, I can sing four, five live songs continuously, depending on audience requests. I am happy that after decades in the profession, the public still loves and embraces me," he said.
Thanh Tuan regretted having to postpone his personal liveshow in late 2025 because his health was not guaranteed. Initially, the artist wanted to organize the show to express gratitude to his audience and the doctors and nurses who provided support and encouragement, helping him "return from the brink of death", as he put it. Currently, Thanh Tuan and his family are planning to choose an appropriate time to organize the concert, aiming to commemorate his 60th anniversary in the profession.
Beyond singing, Thanh Tuan dedicates his efforts to the cai luong (reformed opera) singing center he established in Tan Binh ward. He does not take on a large number of students, believing in thorough instruction. Each week, he teaches classes, guiding students on how to properly perform vong co (a traditional southern Vietnamese singing style). Thanh Tuan meticulously adjusts every phrase and rhythm, as he believes that even a slight deviation can diminish the soul of cai luong. Additionally, for each Chuong Vang Vong Co season, he participates, helping to find potential contestants and discover new talents for the stage.
Artist Thanh Tuan, 76, whose real name is Nguyen Thanh Liem, was born in Quang Ngai. He rose to fame alongside artists like Le Thuy, Bach Tuyet, My Chau, Minh Canh, and Thanh Sang. As a child, he developed a passion for cai luong through the voices of Ut Bach Lan and Ut Tra On on the radio. He later studied tai tu and cai luong singing with musician Bay Trach, who also taught Minh Vuong.
In 1965, he joined the Bach Lien Hoa cai luong troupe, managed by comedian Ty. Subsequently, he was cast in the lead role of Nguyen Hoang Minh in the play "Tuong cuop Bach Hai Duong". At the peak of his career, he recorded 500-600 songs, including many notable pieces and plays that left a unique mark: Nguoi cau bong trang, Khoi song tieu tuong, Duong guom Nguyen Ba, Tay Thi, Nguoi tinh tren chien tran, Xuan nay con khong ve, Nho Nha Trang, Chuyen xe Tay Ninh, and Dong song que em.
Other famous plays he starred in include Noi long Chu Van An and Duong guom Nguyen Ba. In May 2018, he returned to the stage with the play "Thay Ba Doi" at Ben Thanh Theater in district 1. In 2019, Thanh Tuan was awarded the title of People’s Artist, alongside his close colleague Minh Vuong.
The Chuong Vang Vong Co 2026 competition marks its 21st season, having commenced in May. Following audition and preliminary rounds, 32 contestants advanced to the selection round. Subsequently, nine contestants will proceed to the finals, with one chosen by audience vote on the competition's fanpage. The Top 3 will compete in the final round on 27/9, judged by artists Phuong Loan, Trong Phuc, and guest judges.
Mai Nhat
