Hanoi (VNS/VNA) -Nguyen Ngoc Anh, 17, from Hanoi, received the top prize at the K-PopContest 2019 hosted by Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) for the song Room Shaker, a hit by Korean idol Ailee.
“At first, I wasn't confident because other competitors are very good, butwhen standing on the stage, I just sang my best,” Anh said.
The final round and awards ceremony took place on January 13 in Hanoi. Anhreceived a cash prize of 50 million VND (2,500 USD) and a chance to be trainedand perform in the Republic of Korea (RoK), provided by co-organiser ofthe contest, Sublime Entertainment Concert Company.
The contest celebrates the 27th anniversary of the establishment of diplomaticties between Vietnam and the RoK, as well as the first anniversary of thelaunch of VOV5, a Korean channel.
Addressing the awards ceremony, VOV General Director Nguyen The Ky said theevent is a bridge strengthening ties between the two nations.
“The contest aims to discover and nurture new talents for the Vietnamese musicindustry, and as the entrants sing in Korean, they will help enhance mutualunderstanding and cultural exchange between the two countries,” Ky said.
The contest received 400 entries, including from ethnic minority peopleand Vietnamese overseas.
The jury included musician Xuan Thuy, composer Luu Thien Huong, singer Dinh ManhNinh, PhD of music Kim Yoon-ji, and singer Lee Jung-han.
The event’s final night comprised nine performances by individuals and groupsfrom across the country.
It opened with a joint performance by Nguyen Cong Hieu and Duong Ngoc Chi.They enchanted audiences with two Korean hits EyesNose Lips and Now.
The competition’s youngest contestant Nguyen Hoang Chi Bach performed the rapsong Fire. The 10-year-old won thePeople’s Choice award.
Famous boyband Alphabat performed three songs NewWorld, Blocks and Baby. The performance marked the first timethey have come to Vietnam. They noted their positive experience and desire toreturn to the country./.
VNA