Xuan Mai is collaborating with Xuan Nghi on the song "Who Cares About Me?", set for release on 17/7. The singer stated she recently missed the stage and her audience. Though she always harbored the intention of returning, she was at times uncertain where or when to begin. Fortunately, a mutual friend reconnected her with Xuan Nghi after many years. Accepting the invitation to join the music project from her childhood friend, she felt everything happened with "the right people, at the right time".

Singer Xuan Mai currently lives with her husband and children in Ohio, US. *Photo courtesy of subject*

Returning after 20 years, Xuan Mai admitted feeling nervous in the recording studio, describing it as "walking on clouds". She is eager to meet her audience directly on stage soon. "I am happy to do what I love; all the familiar emotions rushed back, and I realized how much I missed the microphone", she shared.

The singer's biggest pressure currently is that audiences still identify her with the image of "Baby Xuan Mai" from her childhood. She cherishes the affection and beautiful memories the public holds for her. However, she hopes fans will openly embrace the current version of Xuan Mai, who is more mature and graceful.

Excerpt of Xuan Mai singing "Learning to Count", released in 1997. *Video: Rang Dong Center*

Xuan Mai views this collaboration with Xuan Nghi as a launchpad for the long journey ahead. As a mother of three children, she feels she has matured in both her outlook on life and her musical sensibility.

The singer stated her family is her greatest support in regaining confidence. Without the backing of her husband and mother, she would have found it difficult to overcome psychological barriers. "My family's unconditional love helps me bravely pursue my passion with peace and gratitude", the singer said.

Regarding the new song, Xuan Mai resonated with Xuan Nghi's lyrical songwriting approach. She stated they both wish to convey the message: "Live life to the fullest and don't worry too much about what others think."

Through the song, she hopes listeners can receive positive energy to be confident in themselves and embrace life with a smile.

Xuan Mai and Xuan Nghi (right) backstage during the music video shoot. *Photo courtesy of subject*

Xuan Mai, whose real name is Truong Hoang Xuan Mai, was born in 1995. She grew up in a family with an artistic tradition; her father is singer Tuan Canh and her mother is guitarist Thu Thu. Xuan Mai was dubbed a "singing prodigy" in the Vietnamese music scene at the time. At just two years old, she performed on stage and had several best-selling CDs. To date, she has released over 30 solo and collaborative albums. Her most famous album is "The Little Stork". She performed a live show to thousands of spectators at just five years old.

At nine years old, Xuan Mai moved to the US with her mother to settle after her parents' divorce. From 2009 onwards, she occasionally returned to Vietnam to perform in various music shows and film new music videos. In 2015, Xuan Mai married and gave birth at 20 years old. In June 2017, the 90s-born singer gave birth to her second son. In October 2018, she welcomed her third child.

Hoang Dung