He has secured a spot in the finals and is currently among the top three contestants with the most audience votes. After four rounds of competition, viewers predict CongB has a chance to win the championship or be part of the final Best5 lineup.

Viewers describe CongB as a "dark horse who explodes more with each competition". Entering Live Stage 3, CongB (center) became team leader for the first time after receiving high scores in the previous round. Singers like Bray, Pham Dinh Thai Ngan, Cody Nam Vo, and Negav (from left) all voted to join CongB. They then collaborated effectively, electrifying the stage with many performances.

Born Nguyen Thanh Cong, he graduated from the Music Pedagogy department at the Military University of Culture and Arts. CongB first gained attention on Boys Planet 999, Mnet's top idol selection program, where he reached 43rd place. He then competed in Starlight Boys 2024, making it to the finals but not securing a debut spot.

Upon returning to Vietnam, he released the song "Em doi anh lau chua" (Have you waited long for me?), which quickly ranked high on Spotify Vietnam, increasing his public recognition. In early september, when the organizers of Anh trai say hi announced his inclusion in the lineup of 30 contestants, the audience eagerly anticipated his performances. CongB stated his goal was to learn, showcase his abilities, and expand his fanbase.

CongB reflects on his past "empty-handed" experiences in international competitions, seeing them as opportunities to hone all aspects of his craft for a long-term career. Stepping onto the Anh trai say hi stage, he gained confidence. Fans now eagerly await CongB's solo performance in the finals.

On the show, he received praise for his bright appearance and stable singing and dancing skills. In the early episodes, the newcomer appeared reserved compared to seasoned singers like Vu Cat Tuong and Ngo Kien Huy. However, through each round, he won over the audience with energetic performances, highlighting his strength in R&B music.

Regarding his future direction, CongB expressed a desire to combine the strengths of the Korean music industry with the tastes of domestic audiences. "I see this as a challenge, requiring both time and experience to achieve", he stated.

The young singer became a sought-after member by many teammates when forming groups. In round one, fellow "anh trai" buitruonglinh told Karik: "There's a very popular former trainee from Korea, that's CongB, he's an excellent dancer". In subsequent rounds, many contestants consistently expressed a desire to team up with CongB, viewing him as a "secret weapon" to enhance group performance.

At Live Stage 3, Negav and buitruonglinh competed to have CongB on their team. "This brother has incredible performance ability, he's a strong player", buitruonglinh said.

Colleagues note CongB is humorous in everyday life, often joking around.

The singer has loved singing since childhood, participating in music programs and art clubs during his school years. After graduating from university, he briefly taught but soon stopped, feeling it was not a good fit.

During his time as an overseas trainee, CongB recounted facing intense training pressure and being away from his family for the first time. "I once cried while talking to my family on the phone, especially when my mother showed the reunion meal on Tet (Lunar New Year), full of my favorite dishes. At that moment, I told myself I would try my best to return home soon for reunion", he shared.

Season two premiered in late september, featuring many familiar faces and a new generation of gen z singers. Contestants train to improve their singing, performance, dancing, and songwriting skills, aiming for a spot in the all-rounder lineup. Through each round, they form groups and perform. Audience votes at the studio determine the scores.

The first season garnered significant attention, with all 14 episodes reaching millions of views, and many performances topping YouTube and TikTok trends. Artists who emerged as stars after the finals include Hieu Thu Hai, Quang Hung MasterD, Hung Huynh, Duong Domic, Hurrykng, Ryhder, and Captain Boy. The show also hosted six concerts in TP HCM and Hanoi, attracting tens of thousands of audience members each night.

Tan Cao

Photos, video: provided by artist, program