The singing reality show “Vietnam Idol 2013” will kick off its nationwide qualifier round in eight provinces and cities from September 7.

Specifically, the round will take place in Hue, Da Nang and Nha Trang on September 7, Da Lat on September 10, Hai Phong on September 12, Hanoi on September 21 and 22, and will conclude in Ho Chi Minh City on October 12 and 13.

Film director Nguyen Quang Dung has been announced as the first member of the contest’s jury, which is in its 5th year.

More information can be found at www.vietnamidol.vtv.vn.

Last July, Ya Suy, a member of the Churu ethnic minority community in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, was crowned on season four of “Vietnam Idol” after receiving 306,000 SMS votes from his fans during the show’s finale at Quan Khu 7 Stadium in Ho Chi Minh, leaving Hoang Quyen, his only opponent in the top two, as the runner-up.