The first episode of the Vietnamese version of the children’s singing show “Giong Hat Viet Nhi” (“The Voice Kids”), broadcast on June 1, impressed local audiences with not only the children’s talent but also the twist that the little contestants preferred English songs over Vietnamese ones.

Following the format of the original Dutch version, “The Voice Kids” opened for kids aged 9 to 15 and includes a Blind Audition Round and a Battle Round before the Live Show, the final round.

Twelve contestants on the first night of the contest, which is in its first year, helped make for a strong debut by showing their stunning voices and good command of English. Eight of them picked famous English songs for their performances.

One of the most outstanding contestants of the night was also the youngest one, 9-year-old Kieu Vy, who said she has dreamt of being a singer since she was 2. With a pure voice performing Charles Strouse’s “Tomorrow,” the little girl forced all four coaches to turn their chairs to see her.

With an innocent and comfortable performing style on stage, 12-year-old Thuy Mai stunned audiences and the coaches with her lovely cover of Jessie J’s hit “Price Tag”, while Pham Thanh Tuan, 15, from the central city of Da Nang, rocked the stage with “Cannonball” by Damien Rice. Tuan also surprised spectators by sharing that he came to the show alone after leaving a letter for his family, who didn’t support his dream, expressing his passion for singing. Tuan’s family then turned to support him.

Thuy Mai's performance of Jessie J's Price Tag

Other performers also showcased global hits including Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger,” Adele’s “Set Fire to The Rain”, and Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Doors.”

Most English-singing contestants chose to be on the team of Vietnamese-Australian singer Thanh Bui, who has the advantage of singing English.

Meanwhile, the contestants who picked Vietnamese songs surprised audiences by choosing songs which are considered “more mature” than their ages.

Vu Song Vu, a familiar name with local audiences thanks to his performances on the reality show “Vietnam's Got Talent” last year, came to “The Voice Kids” stage with Trinh Cong Son’s renowned song “Bien Nho,” a song which is considered inappropriate for his age. However, the 14-year-old boy from the northern city of Hai Phong conquered singers Hien Thuc and Thanh Bui, the two coaches who turned their chairs since they believed in Vu’s potential.

Vu Song Vu's performance

The show also saw other familiar faces who have competed in other reality singing shows, including Bui Huyen Thao My, who won Best Performing Style of Do Re Mi 2008, Do Tri Dung – winner of Do Re Mi 2011, and Nguyen Le Nguyen, who was also a potential contestant on last year’s “Vietnam’s Got Talent”.

Last year, “The Voice” version for adults also caused a debate among its audiences when contestants kept singing English. Some people said it’s hard for people who don’t know English to understand what the contestants were singing on stage, while others complained about the contestants’ poor English skills.