Phuong My Chi secured the 3rd position in the Asian music competition, following winner Miyuna (Japan) and runner-up Zhu Feige (China). The singer shared her feelings and experiences participating in this international platform.

Asked about her feelings on achieving 3rd place, Phuong My Chi described it as "a meaningful journey, perhaps a bright milestone in my singing career. From the beginning, my team and I determined to give our best in every round, not for the achievement itself, but to share stories of Vietnamese culture with international friends. I think the result comes from the consistency in the message we chose to convey. Perhaps that's what made people feel the difference in each of my performances.”

22-year-old Phuong My Chi, from TP HCM. Photo: Provided by the artist

Regarding the pressure before the finale, she said, "We prepared three performances: Lac Troi (a duet with Hoang Linh), Chopsticks, and a special performance featuring traditional instrumental artisans. Everyone practiced and waited for a long time to be on stage with me. After completing the Chopsticks performance in the second round, my score was lower than the two contestants Zhu Feige (China) and Miyuna (Japan), so I couldn't perform the third piece. I felt a bit regretful and disappointed. However, looking back at the whole journey, I no longer hold onto that feeling because I lived fully on stage, loved and supported by the audience. I am grateful for everyone's affection. I don't feel like I failed, but rather gained a wonderful memory.”

Speaking about her investment in the show, Phuong My Chi explained, "I was fortunate to have the DTAP group as my music producers. They helped me choose and orient the songs, creating a new look for familiar melodies. In terms of visuals, my sister, Quyen Phuong, and a stylist fully supported me. Each outfit was carefully chosen, with high stage aesthetics, closely aligned with the spirit of the performance. Everyone took care of me, ready to handle any wardrobe issues during transportation so I could perform with confidence. I tell stories through both music and visuals; each appearance on stage was a complete experience.”

She emphasized the staging, "The staging was also very important, bringing excitement to the viewers. For Chopsticks, I invited 30 children in traditional costumes to appear on stage to convey the spirit of connection between Asian countries and territories. One chopstick is easily broken, but when united in a bundle, they are difficult to shake. I wanted to spread this message through my performance.”

Recalling her fellow contestants, she shared, "I became friends with the contestant from China, Ke Lou. In our first meeting, she said she prepared everything herself. I observed and was impressed with how skillfully and carefully she worked. She is an introvert, often quiet and reserved. Perhaps that's what made me want to get closer, listen, befriend, and accompany her. She is sincere, warm, and always prepared food for me and the crew. I hope after the program, we have the opportunity to meet again and collaborate on musical projects.”

She added, "Contestants from other countries and territories were also open, ready to share the unique cultural features of their countries. The atmosphere in the program wasn't like a competition but a creative camp where everyone came to connect, learn, and inspire each other.”

Discussing the challenges she faced, Phuong My Chi mentioned, "I think it was time, as I participated in two competitions simultaneously: Sing! Asia and Em Xinh Say Hi. I had to constantly fly between countries to practice, make music, and film. In addition, I also had to arrange other unscheduled events to ensure everything went smoothly. Despite the hardships, every time I stepped onto the stage, I felt those efforts were worthwhile. The pressure made me more meticulous and focused in every decision, helping me mature a lot.”

Reflecting on her two-year journey pursuing a modern music style combined with tradition, she said, "I have loved and been attached to folk-inspired music since I was a child, so it's not a choice but a part of me. In the past two years, I have been fortunate to find a new, more modern way of expression. It's a transformation in performance and music production thinking, allowing me to live true to my age and generation. My colleagues and I understand each other, releasing musical products that satisfy me artistically and bring me closer to the general audience. From there, I have more opportunities to bring modern folk music to big stages and international exchanges like Sing! Asia.”

She expressed her desire to continue exploring Vietnamese culture, "Vietnamese culture is an endless treasure, and I hope to continue having opportunities to experiment with new forms of combination. Every time I touch folk materials and find ways to infuse them with a modern spirit, I learn many good things and connect with my roots.”

Phuong My Chi invests in elaborate costumes for her "Sing! Asia" stage appearances. Photo: Provided by the artist

On how she has changed, Phuong My Chi stated, "I'm more confident, dare to challenge myself, and understand what I want in my career. Before, I chose a safe working style, even though I knew I had to break through to truly mature. I also listen to myself more, about my feelings, limits, and the natural desires of youth. I think I'm at a stage where I have enough courage, excitement, and curiosity to explore many things in art.”

Regarding current career pressures, she said, "I think every age has its own pressures that need to be faced and transformed in different ways. The biggest pressure doesn't come from the outside but from myself, wanting each subsequent product to be better than the last, while avoiding repetition and staleness. Also, pursuing a path associated with traditional culture, I feel a greater responsibility, needing to do this with both my heart and mind. I need to constantly explore and learn.”

Looking ahead, Phuong My Chi shared, "In the coming journey, I hope to experience many musical spaces and connect more deeply with the audience. I don't set a specific destination, just hoping that each project brings something good and memorable for myself and those around me.”

Phuong My Chi rose to fame at the age of 10 after the 2013 The Voice Kids competition with the song 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 literary works. She has also acted in films such as Hai Lua (2014), Mua He 1999 (unreleased), Nha Gia Tien (2025), and the web drama Tiem Hoa Di Ghe.

Hoang Dung