Eight contestants competed in the second semi-final broadcast on the afternoon of 18/7 for four spots in the finals. The contestants included Ai Tan Giac La Mi, Kha Lau, Vuong Hong Hao, and Chu Phi Ca (China); Amsyar (Malaysia); Flower.far (Thailand); Miyuna (Japan); and Phuong My Chi. They drew numbers from one to eight. After each performance, the remaining seven contestants had the option to challenge, creating head-to-head battles. If no one challenged, the performer automatically advanced to the finals. A single challenger led to a direct battle, while two or more challengers allowed the performer to choose their opponent.

Phuong My Chi performing at the "Sing! Asia" semi-final 2. Photo: Provided by the artist

Known for her folk-inspired performances in previous rounds, Phuong My Chi chose "Vu tru co anh," a modern song she co-wrote with DTAP, for her battle against Ai Tan Giac La Mi. Inspired by the Vietnamese fairytale character Co Tam, the song depicts a woman's journey to self-improvement, transcending time and circumstance. The performance fused traditional 'ca tru' (ceremonial singing) with EDM.

The Gen Z singer appeared in a stylized tunic and wide-legged pants, carrying a woven bamboo basket. DTAP modified the original version, opening with the 'ca tru'-infused hook. Phuong My Chi also rapped a verse written by Phao specifically for the performance. She further energized the stage with high notes, hip-swaying dance moves, and a saxophone accompaniment. In a gesture of gratitude to the music team, Phuong My Chi invited a member of the "Sing! Asia" band to join her onstage.

Judges Truong Luong Dinh and To Huu Bang praised the performance for its excitement and unexpected elements. "Phuong My Chi created a special magnetism," To Huu Bang commented.

Phuong My Chi defeated Ai Tan Giac La Mi 17-7, joining Kha Lau and Chu Phi Ca (China), and Miyuna (Japan) in the finals.

Phuong My Chi performs with saxophone accompaniment. Photo: Provided by the artist

Phuong My Chi rose to fame at age 10 after winning "The Voice Kids Vietnam 2013" with the song "Que em mua nuoc lu" (Tien Luan). In her 10-year singing career, she has released numerous music videos and albums, including "Thuong ve mien Trung" (2017), "16 xuan trang" (2019), and "Bat nha thuyen" (2020). In 2023, she released "Vu tru co bay," an album inspired by Vietnamese literature. She has also acted in films like "Hai lua" (2014), "Mua he 1999" (unreleased), "Nha gia tien" (2025), and the web drama "Tiem hoa di ghe."

"Sing! Asia" is a 30-day music competition on a cruise ship, organized by the Chinese platform iQiYi. The judges include renowned Asian artists like Dan Truong, Truong Luong Dinh, Vu Truong Tinh, Lam Chi Dinh, To Huu Bang, and Co Cu Co. The ship travels from Shanghai (China) to Okinawa (Japan), stopping at Ha Long Bay (Vietnam), Singapore, and Malaysia, before concluding in Hong Kong. The program airs live internationally and on FPT Play every Saturday evening.

32 singers and groups from across Asia compete in the "Challenge," "Talent," and "Final Glory" rounds to determine the winner.

Hoang Dung