Vietnamese singer Phương Mỹ Chi has taken the spotlight in the music scene with a remarkable achievement that cements her status as a leading Gen Z artist. Currently a prominent figure on the popular Vietnamese program Em xinh say hi, she is also making waves internationally by participating in the Chinese competition show Sing!Asia 2025. Her success on YouTube’s trending music charts is nothing short of historic, as she has become the first Vietnamese singer to have five songs simultaneously featured in the top trending music videos.
Among the top 12 trending music videos on YouTube, Phương Mỹ Chi’s songs hold five coveted positions: "Cầm kỳ thi họa" at number 1, "AAA" at number 4, "Buồn trăng" at number 7, "Rock hạt gạo" at number 9, and "Lý Bắc Bộ X Đẩy xe bò" at number 12. This feat surpasses the previous record held by singer Vũ, who had four trending videos in 2022. The multiple entries highlight her versatility and wide appeal across different musical styles.
Her performances, especially "Buồn trăng" and "Rock hạt gạo," showcase a modern folk music direction that beautifully blends Vietnam's rich cultural heritage with contemporary sounds. These tracks emphasize her commitment to preserving traditional music while making it accessible and appealing to younger audiences. Notably, Phương Mỹ Chi also impressed international viewers with a captivating Vovinam martial arts display on stage, earning enthusiastic support from her Vietnamese fans.
Phương Mỹ Chi, born in 2003, was once affectionately known as the "little folk singer" due to her sweet voice and charming appearance. Over the years, she has evolved her musical style significantly. Her album Vũ trụ cò bay marked a turning point, combining Eastern musical elements such as ca trù and ngũ cung scales with Western influences, signaling her artistic growth and willingness to experiment.
Her career also extends beyond music. In early 2025, she starred in the film Nhà gia tiên, which achieved a box office revenue exceeding 200 billion VND, showcasing her expanding talents in acting. Meanwhile, she remains busy juggling filming and rehearsals for both Em xinh say hi and Sing!Asia 2025, demonstrating her dedication and work ethic.
Phương Mỹ Chi has expressed that through her participation in Sing!Asia 2025, she aims not only to introduce Vietnamese folk music to a broader audience but also to convey messages about diversity and innovation in the musical traditions of Vietnam’s various regions. Her unique vocal technique, stage presence, and ability to engage audiences with a charming and witty personality have made her a standout on Em xinh say hi, where she continues to captivate viewers.
Meanwhile, Em xinh say hi itself has been a hot topic in Vietnamese entertainment, especially with Trấn Thành as its charismatic MC. Recently, Trấn Thành shared a lighthearted post showing a gift he received from fellow contestant Vũ Thảo My—a handheld massage machine—which he credited with "saving his life on set." He praised Vũ Thảo My as "thoughtful, refined, generous, respectful of elders, and humble," highlighting the camaraderie among the show's participants.
Despite some viewers criticizing Em xinh say hi as a flop and claiming it lacks public recognition, Trấn Thành quickly defended the show, pointing out that it is currently "top 1 trending" and urging critics to watch before passing judgment. Many fans echoed his sentiments, acknowledging the show's growing popularity, especially among young audiences who appreciate its fresh and modern musical offerings.
The program has aired three episodes so far, with the latest installment stretching over five hours—a marathon length that some viewers find taxing. Performances from the second live stage, including "Run" and "Cầm kỳ thi họa," quickly climbed to the top of trending lists upon release, further proving the show's influence.
While the show’s length and occasional slow pacing have drawn some criticism for being tedious, its youthful energy and contemporary music style continue to attract a dedicated following. Trấn Thành, beyond his role on Em xinh say hi, is preparing to return as host of the popular variety show Running Man, joined by Liên Bỉnh Phát, Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc, and Quang Trung. His previous season was noted for his humor, quick wit, and physical agility, making his comeback highly anticipated.
In a broader cultural context, music remains a powerful social phenomenon. As noted in Robert Philip's acclaimed book The History of Music, music is not just art but a reflection of societal structures, power dynamics, and cultural evolution. Phương Mỹ Chi’s blend of traditional and modern elements exemplifies this dynamic, as she bridges past and present in her artistic journey.
Phương Mỹ Chi’s rise and the ongoing success of Em xinh say hi highlight a vibrant moment in Vietnam's entertainment landscape. Their stories reflect a fusion of heritage and modernity, underscored by youthful creativity and a desire to innovate while honoring roots. As both continue to captivate audiences at home and abroad, they illustrate the evolving face of Vietnamese culture in the 21st century.
