Episode 3 of "Anh trai vuot ngan chong gai 2026", broadcast on the evening of 18/7, featured four competing performances. Among them, the Cui Lua group—comprising Trinh Thang Binh, Dinh Manh Ninh, Dai Nghia, It’s Charles, and Will—presented a song conveying a message about stagnant memories after a broken relationship. Compared to the slow-paced original, "What Remains of the Past" by Vu Minh Tam, the Cui Lua version was reimagined with an energetic, modern style featuring electronic sound layers.
Excerpt from Dai Nghia’s performance in "What Remains of the Past". Video: Provided by organizers.
The performance reached its climax when Dai Nghia sat on a chair center stage and used clippers to shave his head. Dai Nghia stated he chose to shave his head to embody the performance's message: everyone has a past, has made mistakes, and stumbled, but the most important thing is having the courage to move past them. Regarding the vocals, the actor maintained a steady rhythm and harmonized with the other members during climactic sections. The Cui Lua group constantly changed formations, incorporating dance moves and stage transitions. Previously, the artist had impressed at the opening concert by performing a handstand while singing.
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Dai Nghia shaves his head on stage. *Photo: Provided by organizers*.
Dai Nghia, 48, is a renowned actor in both television and theater in the Southern region. He began his career in the 1990s after graduating from Stage Arts School 2 (now TP HCM University of Theater and Cinema). He has starred in many popular series and films. Beyond acting, he hosts numerous game shows.
Besides Cui Lua, the performance of "Xa" by Le Quang Hung, presented by the Ngoai O team—featuring Dong Hung, K.O, and 14 Casper—also made an impression. The group integrated the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast" into their act, investing in everything from costumes to arrangements. The highlight was Dong Hung’s transformation into the Beast, combined with martial arts and dance performances. Previously, member Dung DT withdrew from the program due to personal reasons, and his part in the performance was cut from the broadcast.
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Dong Hung spent four hours transforming into the Beast. *Photo: Provided by organizers*.
According to the rules, eight groups are divided into two tables: Bach Ma and Hac Ma. In each table, only one group with the highest score secures safety, while the remaining teams enter the danger round. At the end of episode 3, the Lam Manh group—comprising Huynh Lap, Thai VG, and Thai Le Minh Hieu—topped their table with their emotional performance of "Nhong nhong nhong" about father-child love. My Nam, Cui Lua, and Ngoai O fell into the danger round of the first table.
"Anh trai vuot ngan chong gai" is the Vietnamese adaptation of the Chinese TV show "Call Me By Fire". The show features male celebrities over 30 years old active in the entertainment industry. Throughout the rounds, contestants perform in groups, with the 17 highest-scoring individuals forming a supergroup called Gia toc toan nang. In its first season, the program aired 15 episodes and consistently led in weekly prime-time viewership ratings. Many artist performances quickly trended on YouTube and generated lively discussions on social media. Beyond television broadcasts, producers organized eight concerts attracting tens of thousands of audience members in TP HCM and Hung Yen.
Hoang Dung
