Phuong My Chi's triumph at 'Em xinh say hi'

The "Em xinh say hi" champion, Phuong My Chi, created multiple million-view hits like "He" and "Ech ngoai day gieng", contributing to the spread of xam singing and hat boi (classical opera) to generation Z.

She won the first season of the show with an overwhelming 779,290 audience votes on the evening of 23/8 in Ho Chi Minh City. Throughout the three-month competition, Phuong My Chi consistently captivated audiences, leading the rankings for several weeks.

The moment the MC announced the winner and Phuong My Chi's acceptance speech.

The image of fireworks illuminating her as she held the trophy was hailed by the audience as a "peak moment" after her 12-year career. Phuong My Chi said, "Today is a wonderful day for me. I've participated in various competitions, but this is my first victory after many 'moral victories' from fans."

Phuong My Chi performed the theme song at the opening of the awards gala, alongside 28 contestants.

Known as "Chi Bay" since she was 10, Phuong My Chi entered the competition with a mature mindset, no longer the "folk music girl" of the past. The singer proved herself a creative and energetic member of generation Z.

Phuong My Chi, 22, from Ho Chi Minh City, rose to fame after winning the runner-up title in The Voice Kids 2013, creating a sensation with her performance of "Que em mua nuoc lu" (Tien Luan). Over 10 years in her 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 the album "Vu tru co bay," inspired by Vietnamese literature.

The audience recognized Phuong My Chi's dedication to preserving traditional music while remaining relevant on the modern stage, amidst lights, choreography, and EDM.

From the first round, Phuong My Chi showcased her appeal with culturally rich performances. In Live Stage 1, her performance of "Cam ky thi hoa" with Tien Tien, Bich Phuong, and Bao Anh blended folk elements with contemporary flair in an elaborate production.

Phuong My Chi's team's performance of "Cam ky thi hoa."

In the second round, Phuong My Chi, along with Phuong Ly, Phao, and Chi Xe, performed "He," a captivating fusion of hat boi (classical opera), rap, and electronic music. She wrote the lyrics for the xam singing segment, consulting with veteran artists to maintain the spirit of this traditional art form.

"He" - a beloved performance on the show.

In the "Duyen" performance with Lam Bao Ngoc, Phao, Saabirose, and Liu Grace, she incorporated xam singing with folk-inspired costumes and visuals.

"I'm happy that young people have embraced these performances. Throughout my musical career, I've never forgotten my roots in folk and traditional music. It's in my blood, and I have a responsibility to preserve and promote it," Phuong My Chi stated.

In her solo final performance, she presented "Ech ngoai day gieng" (co-written with DTAP and others), weaving a simple yet powerful musical narrative. The audience was amazed by Phuong My Chi's continuous transformation on stage.

Phuong My Chi electrifies the finale.

On the show, Phuong My Chi ventured beyond her comfort zone, experimenting with new genres, including rap and dance. In the final group performance, she joined Orange, Phao, and Lamoon for a powerful rendition of "Morse Code."

She also demonstrated leadership as team captain in several rounds. Phuong My Chi prioritized harmony among team members, valuing their input to ensure everyone shone.

Teammates like Phao and Orange described her as serious yet caring, fostering a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere.

During the show, Phuong My Chi simultaneously competed in Sing! Asia, achieving 3rd place overall. She managed her time and preparations effectively.

"I always have colleagues and especially the women on the show supporting me. Sharing the stage with everyone will be an unforgettable memory," she said.

Phuong My Chi was also the show's comedic element, engaging in witty banter with MC Tran Thanh and entertaining her fellow contestants backstage.

Tran Thanh remarked, "Phuong My Chi has achieved something rare - creating her own signature sound, instantly recognizable." Music producers and colleagues agree that Phuong My Chi's victory in "Em xinh say hi" sends a message to generation Z: pursue your dreams relentlessly and preserve Vietnamese culture.

The audience anticipates Phuong My Chi's continued exploration of folk music with a modern approach, expanding her creative boundaries.

"The trophy is a reminder to strive even harder, not to stop. I see my success on the show as a turning point in blending Vietnamese identity with contemporary music," she said.

Following the finale, Phuong My Chi and the 29 other contestants are rehearsing for the program's first concert, scheduled for 13/9 in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Em xinh say hi," which aired from late May for 14 episodes, aims to "discover the next generation of Vietnamese female idols." The 30 contestants formed teams, competing through group performances.

The program is considered a highlight of the music scene this year. The contestants delivered explosive performances, trending on YouTube and generating significant online discussion. The show is produced by the same team behind the successful "Anh trai say hi" program in mid-2024.

Tan Cao

Photos and videos: Provided by individuals and the organizing committee.

By VnExpress: https://vnexpress.net/dau-an-phuong-my-chi-tai-em-xinh-say-hi-4930833.html