Nowadays the local music scene isn’t limited to established names, but has been enthusiastically embracing fresh, young singers who win singing contests, particularly the Vietnamese versions of foreign shows.

Never has the coverage of fresh singers been so extensive on television, music websites and quality music programs, which are mostly intended for celebrated stars.

These young singers include Uyen Linh, Vietnam Idol 2010; Van Mai Huong, runner up at Vietnam Idol 2010; Huong Tram, winner of The Voice Vietnam  2012; and Hoang Quyen, runner up of Vietnam Idol 2012. 

After the first two shows, which featured only divas, the third show, called “In the spotlight”, brought two young singers, Dinh Manh Ninh and To Minh Duc, into the spotlight.

The program, launched early last year, continued to feature more young artists, who were winners and finalists from singing contests like “Vietnam Idol”, “The Voice” and “Sao Mai”.

“Am nhac tren tang cao” (“Music on high levels”) has also featured new, talented faces.

According to Bich Thu, the producer of “Bai hat yeu thich” (“Favorite songs”), compared to a year and a half ago, when the program debuted, new singers and new songs now account 90% of the competition.

“We believe that by taking part in large-scale programs, young singers will improve their performing skills and learn from their predecessors’ passion and professionalism as well,” composer Hong Kien shared.

“Performing in large-scale shows reinforces in young artists the habit of insisting that show organizers meet their technical requirements, which helps produce better quality performances,” composer Huy Tuan said.

Famed composers, musicians and producers, such as Huy Tuan, Hong Kien and Quoc Trung, have also greatly helped young singers by providing guidance, funding, and technology. They put young, gifted singers in large-scale programs and help them prepare and promote their music videos and albums, which are more likely to catapult them to fame.

“Only a few years ago, young singers had to produce their albums on their own, so their musical inclinations weren’t shaped properly. Now all they have to do is sing well, as an entire professional team is behind them,” said composer Luu Thien Huong, who has helped several young singers this way.

According to composer Huy Tuan, in the past winners and finalists of singing contests had a hard time establishing their names even after being in showbiz for several years.

“Few actually gave young faces opportunities, resulting in a serious lack of gifted, devoted successors and a stagnant, tedious music industry. We had lots of difficulties picking good young singers for our shows,” Tuan added.

“We’ve nurtured the ambition that today’s batch of young singers and many more to come, assisted by professional teams, will change the local music industry for the better,” Huong stressed.