The "Sao Chon" team revealed that rapper Den, Tuan Cry, and MC Phi Linh would be featured in episode one, themed "Quang Ninh in the Heart of the Wonder." It aired at 21h on Sunday, 27/9, on the program's website, VnExpress newspaper's YouTube channel, and VTV8.

Organizers selected Quang Ninh as the initial destination due to its diverse landscapes. These range from the island and sea environment of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long, and Co To, to the mountains and forests of Yen Tu and Binh Lieu, featuring scenic routes, waterfalls, and highland villages.

This geographical diversity also contributes to a rich culinary scene. Many diners love Ha Long squid cake, Quan Lan peanut worm, Co To sun-dried squid, Ha Long 'cu ky' crab noodles, Tien Yen 'gat gu' nodding cake, or Binh Lieu stir-fried pho.

The three artists expressed excitement about participating in the program. They aim to promote the cuisine, scenery, culture, and people of Quang Ninh in particular, and Vietnam in general. On the "Sao Chon" Fanpage, audiences shared their anticipation for episode one and the appearance of rapper Den, Tuan Cry, and MC Phi Linh.

Rapper Den, MC Phi Linh, and musician Tuan Cry in front of Ha Long Bay heritage.

Den (real name Nguyen Duc Cuong), 37, is from Ha Long, Quang Ninh. Before his music career, he worked as a garbage collector for seven years. The rapper began his career with songs such as "Dua Nhau Di Tron," "Di Theo Bong Mat Troi," "Troi Oi Con Chua Muon Chet," "Co Gai Ban Ben," and "Ta Va Nang."

In 2019, Den held a liveshow in TP HCM to celebrate 10 years in the profession, attracting over 5,000 spectators. He has had many music videos top YouTube's trending list, including "Anh Dech Can Gi Nhieu Ngoai Em," "Bai Nay Chill Phet" (featuring Min), "Hai Trieu Nam," "Loi Nho," "Mot Trieu Like," "Troi Hom Nay Nhieu May Cuc," "Di Ve Nha" (featuring JustaTee), "Tron Tim," and "Mang Tien Ve Cho Me." In 5/2023, he organized a show at My Dinh Indoor Athletics Palace (Hanoi), drawing over 10,000 spectators. In late 3/2024, the rapper was among the 10 outstanding young Vietnamese faces selected by the Central Youth Union.

Tuan Cry, real name Nguyen Sy Tuan, born in 1992, graduated from Hanoi University of Industry with an associate's degree. In 2018, Tuan Cry became known for a series of parody songs with a distinct Northern Vietnamese flavor, such as "Bac Lan" and "Anh Nha O Cau Giay." A year later, he pursued a professional artistic career, adopting the stage name Tuan Cry, focusing on witty lyrics and a diverse musical style.

In 2023, he released the song "Moi Trau" in collaboration with Masew. Other folk-inspired products by Tuan Cry include "Ha Bac Que Toi," "Xap Xinh Xap Xinh" (with Double2T), and "Ken Ca Chon Canh" (with Hoa Minzy). In early 2025, he wrote "Bac Bling," performed by Masew, Hoa Minzy, and Xuan Hinh.

Meanwhile, MC Phi Linh has worked in television for many years, hosting programs such as "Muon Mau Showbiz," "Than Tuong Bolero," "King of Rap," and "Diem Hen Tai Nang," along with many major entertainment events and live shows. Her graceful hosting style and lively interaction have left a mark on audiences.

Poster for episode one of "Sao Chon."

The 10 episodes of "Sao Chon" will air from September-November at 21h every Sunday on the program's website, VnExpress newspaper's YouTube channel, and VTV8.

Previously, the lineup of artists confirmed to participate in the program included: artist Quang Thang, directors Nguyen Quang Dung and Bui Lan Huong, rapper Den, husband and wife Hua Minh Dat and Lam Vy Da, musician Tuan Cry, Do Duy Nam, actors Huyen Lizzie and Ngoc Thanh Tam, content creator Ho Khac Vinh – owner of the Vinh Thich An Ngon channel, MC Khanh Vy, singers Ngo Lan Huong, Han Sara, (S)TRONG Trong Hieu, 14 Casper (Nguyen Manh Cuong), husband and wife Puka and Gin Tuan Kiet, singer Cheng (Nguyen Quang Anh), "talent" Thai Le Minh Hieu, and members of the Uprize group.

Through the program, organizers aim to spread patriotism and Vietnamese culture, ignite national pride, encourage a positive, experience-rich lifestyle, and inspire every citizen to become an ambassador promoting Vietnam to friends both domestically and internationally.

The reality show "Sao Chon," part of Vietnam iContent 2026, is co-organized by the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, VnExpress newspaper, FPT Online Joint Stock Company (FPT Online), and the Vietnam Chef Vocational Training and Employment Association (VICA). The strategic partner is the Techcombank OneU loyalty program. T Production is the production unit.

Phu Cat

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