The performance has garnered nearly 2 million views, ranking 6th on YouTube's trending music chart.

Following the July 12 episode, Phuong Ly (third from the right) became one of the top 3 most-discussed contestants, according to online data analysis.

Along with Vu Thao My, Muoi, and Chau Bui (from left to right), she performed Kai Dinh’s “So dam” in house style. As team leader for Live Stage 3, Phuong Ly demonstrated competitive spirit and smart strategy in song selection, rehearsals, and team building.

Phuong Ly and her team combined singing and dancing to create a vibrant atmosphere and convey a message of female empowerment. Before the show, she stated her willingness to "invest double the amount of others" in her performance.

Throughout eight episodes, Phuong Ly has showcased her versatility both on and off stage. In round one, she performed REDT’s “Em xinh, em bling” in a pop, dance, and EDM style with Phao, Juky San, Chi Xe, and Hoang Duyen. The performance received a standing ovation, with the other teams praising the girls' energy.

In Live Stage 2, she collaborated with Phuong My Chi, Phao, and Chi Xe on Hoang Thong’s “He”, blending traditional and modern music. The performance garnered nearly 10 million views and reached the top 2 on YouTube's trending music chart shortly after its release.

For this performance, Phuong Ly trained in traditional Vietnamese opera with artist Ngoc Khanh and took online singing lessons with members of the Vietnam Tuong Theater to ensure authenticity in her singing, pronunciation, breathing, and movements.

The singer was praised for her youthful Y2K style during her performance of "Da xinh lai con thong minh" in the introductory round.

As one of the more experienced artists among the 30 contestants, Phuong Ly stated that age isn't a barrier in the show. She has found herself connecting well with younger participants.

Phuong Ly's youthful style is reflected in her colorful fashion choices and accessories.

With over 10 years of experience, Phuong Ly joined the reality show for new experiences and to learn from Gen Z. "Through the program, I've found renewed energy and creative freedom," she said.

Phuong Ly, 35, is the younger sister of singer Phuong Linh. She rose to fame with the 2017 hit "Mat troi cua em" with rapper JustaTee. The Thanh Hoa native was nominated for a Cong Hien Music Award for her 2019 song "Thang dien". Her other hits include: "Anh la ai", "Missing you", and "Anh la ngoai le cua em". Beyond singing, Phuong Ly is a model and brand ambassador, notably for Chanel.

"Em xinh say hi" aims to "discover the next generation of Vietnamese female idols". The 14-episode show premiered in late May and is scheduled to conclude in August. Contestants form teams and compete through group performances. Music director JustaTee (nickname Jessica Thanh Tu) and a team of over 20 producers and composers create original songs for the contestants. The show is produced by the same team behind the successful "Anh trai say hi" in mid-2024.

Tan Cao

Photos, videos: Courtesy of the individuals and organizers