The performance, part of Live Stage 4, aired on the evening of 2/8 and has garnered over 400,000 views on YouTube. The song was performed by contestants Lam Bao Ngoc (team leader), Phuong My Chi, Phao, Liu Grace, and Saabirose. The upbeat melody and lyrics portray a young woman's charm as she responds to a suitor.
Many online viewers expressed surprise at Phao's ability to execute the characteristic vibrato of xam singing. Phuong My Chi tried her hand at rapping, while rapper Liu Grace took on the vocals, adding a fresh dimension to the performance.
Phuong My Chi suggested incorporating xam into the performance. The singer believes Vietnamese culture is a boundless treasure trove. Every time she engages with folk elements and finds ways to infuse them with modern sensibilities, she learns new things and connects with her roots.
Singer Ha Myo mentored the team. At the studio, Ha Myo expressed her emotion while watching the group's performance, pleased to see a generation of young artists passionate and responsible for their cultural heritage, meticulously crafting every note and dance move.
During rehearsals, she was impressed by Phao's talent and eagerness to learn. "As a rapper accustomed to sharp rhythms, strong rhymes, and a modern style, Phao displayed remarkable versatility when approaching xam," Ha Myo said. According to the singer, the rapper listened attentively to every singing technique and story shared about this art form. Phao then found her own way to express it, staying true to her unique style rather than trying to imitate traditional styles.
To give the five contestants a deeper understanding of xam, Ha Myo introduced them to People's Artist Thanh Ngoan. During rehearsals and through videos, Thanh Ngoan guided them on xam's distinctive techniques, refining each line of the song.
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Phao's appearance in the song "Duyen." Photo: Vie Channel |
In recent years, integrating traditional elements into modern music has become increasingly popular. Singer Ha Myo released "Xam Ha Noi" (2020), a piece blending xam, rap, and electronic music. At Soobin's two "All-rounder" concerts on 26/5 and 27/5, he performed the xam song "Muc ha vo nhan" with his father, People's Artist Huynh Tu, and rapper Binz. The incorporation of folk elements into electronic music was a highlight of the show, energizing the audience.
In various music shows and concerts, numerous songs have been revitalized using traditional elements. Notably, "Trong com" at the "Anh trai vuot ngan chong gai" show was rearranged with folk melodies and Soobin playing the dan bau (monochord), receiving widespread praise. The performance "Dao lieu" also captivated audiences with its fusion of cheo (traditional opera) singing and rap.
The show "Em xinh say hi" aims to "discover the next generation of female idols in Vietnamese music." It has aired since late May, with 14 episodes scheduled to conclude in August. The program is produced by the same team behind the successful "Anh trai say hi" in mid-2024.
30 contestants are divided into alliances, competing directly in group performances and being eliminated in successive rounds. Music director JustaTee and a team of over 20 producers and composers are responsible for creating new songs for the contestants. 10 contestants have left the show, including Anh Sang, Han Sara, Dao Tu A1J, Muoi, Ly Ly, Hoang Duyen, Ngo Lan Huong, Yeolan, Chi Xe, and Danmy.
Phuong Linh
