She is one of 11 vocalists participating in the program, alongside contestants from Korea, Bhutan, Mongolia, Malaysia, Philippines, Nepal, Laos, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and host nation Thailand. The singer stated she is not competing as an individual but carries the expectations of her team and represents her nation in the regional arena.
Toc Tien discusses her reasons for competing in Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026. Video: Gau Goku
Following her success in "Chi dep dap gio re song 2024" (Sisters Who Make Waves 2024), Toc Tien views this as an opportunity to achieve a new breakthrough. However, the international scale and nature of the competition present significant apprehension. "The current pressure on me is much heavier than any other stage I've participated in", she said.
To select her representative song, the "Thanh am Viet Nam" (Vietnamese Sound) selection program will hold a performance night on 3/10. During this event, Toc Tien will perform live five new songs produced by five teams: S-Hube (DuongK, Harose), Viza (Duy Vu, Ba Vuong), Tinle (Tinle, Jin), Highlua (Thobeat, Ross Netty), and M1 Music (Gustav). The winning performance will be taken to Thailand. The organizers adhere to the original format controlled by Eurovision: the song selection night requires 100% live singing. "I hope my fans will be proud of my performance before I step onto the international stage", the singer stated.
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Toc Tien and musician Huy Tuan at the press conference on the afternoon of 16/9 in TP HCM. Photo: Hoang Dung
According to the organizing committee's representative, the winning entry must meet three criteria: strong Vietnamese musical identity, alignment with international trends, and high connectivity when placed alongside regional competitors.
Musician Huy Tuan serves as the music director, providing professional guidance and encouraging producers to explore diverse materials from Pop, R&B, Hip-hop, Electronic, to traditional music.
Toc Tien participated in artistic activities at the Nha thieu nhi TP HCM (Children's House of Ho Chi Minh City) from the age of four, embarking on a professional performing career at 13. While her career was successful, she moved to the United States to study. In 2014, she returned to Vietnam and resumed her activities, releasing many hit songs such as "Ngay mai" (composed by Luu Thien Huong) and "Co ai thuong em nhu anh" (Bui Cong Nam). She received the Best Asian Artist award at MAMA (Mnet Asian Music Awards) in 2017. Toc Tien also ventured into acting with films like "Gia gan, My nhan va Gang to" and "Thanh Soi".
With over 20 years in the arts, the singer has maintained her public appeal through a captivating image and youthful musical style. She won the "Chi dep dap gio 2024" show, securing three trophies.
The Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 is the Asian iteration of the 70-year-old European music competition. Contestants will compete on a single night, with results determined by a 50% judge score and 50% audience vote. Each performance is limited to under three minutes, with a maximum of six people allowed on stage. The program is scheduled to take place on 14/11 in Thailand, broadcasting on Channel 3 and the participating countries' television stations.
Hoang Dung
