Vietnam's vibrant music scene is witnessing a fierce clash of talents as Quân A.P and JustaTee return with fresh releases, only to face stiff competition from the rising stars of the popular show Em xinh say hi and the ever-dominant Jack. This dynamic interplay is reshaping the charts and captivating audiences nationwide.
Quân A.P, known for his soulful voice and heartfelt ballads, made a notable comeback with the release of "Thiên mệnh," a ballad that delves into a poignant tale of love and loss. The music video, which features a mysterious woman believed to be Lê Khanh, Quân A.P’s wife, struck a chord with fans and critics alike. According to Social Trend data, from June 3 to June 9, 2025, "Thiên mệnh" topped the list of the 10 most discussed music topics, generating nearly 46,000 conversations. This level of engagement is particularly impressive, surpassing discussions around major concerts and tours such as "Anh trai vượt ngàn chông gai" and "Những thành phố mơ màng summer tour."
The MV’s narrative centers on two young men, portrayed by Quân A.P and Hải Đăng Doo, who grapple with the bittersweet memories of a love that never fully blossomed. The emotional journey is visually enriched with striking imagery, including the symbolic burning angel wings that close the story. Hải Đăng Doo, another member of the "Anh trai 'say hi'" family, adds depth with a rap melody verse, enhancing the song's texture.
Quân A.P explained his choice to return to the ballad genre, saying, "I have shown the audience many different sides during the 'Anh trai say hi' stage. Perhaps they have been longing for a gentle and heartfelt Quân A.P again." The strategy seems to be paying off; within four days, "Thiên mệnh" amassed 1.3 million views and secured the 10th spot on the trending music chart. Yet, despite this success, Quân A.P faces challenges climbing higher due to the intense competition from Jack and the breakout stars of Em xinh say hi.
JustaTee, a veteran known for hits like "Thằng điên" and "Đi về nhà," also returned with a new MV titled "Bông hoa nhài," featuring the talented Phương Ly. The song blends R&B with Soul-Blue influences, showcasing JustaTee’s signature style of poetic, metaphor-rich lyrics that explore the feelings of a man who feels unable to reach his beloved. The MV paints a delicate and dreamy picture, telling a sweet story of a tiny man and his gentle muse.
Despite the artistic strengths and the star power of Phương Ly, "Bông hoa nhài" faced a tough battle on the charts. After just 15 hours online, it garnered 468,000 views and ranked 15th on the trending chart, a respectable performance but falling short of the high expectations set for JustaTee. The main obstacle is the overwhelming presence of songs from the Em xinh say hi program, which JustaTee himself helps direct as the music director.
Jack’s track "Trạm dừng chân" is currently dominating the trending music charts, racking up an impressive 4.1 million views within six days of release. Other songs from Em xinh say hi such as "AAA," "Run," "Cầm kỳ thi họa," "Đã xinh lại còn thông minh," and "Đồng dao xinh gái" also hold top positions, creating a formidable presence that overshadows many other releases.
Before being overtaken by "Trạm dừng chân," "AAA" had enjoyed several days at the top spot, illustrating the strong hold Em xinh say hi exerts on the market. This new wave of female singers is reminiscent of the massive success of the "Anh trai say hi" series during the summer of 2024, but with an even faster ascent on the charts. Industry insiders predict that Em xinh say hi will continue to dominate, potentially eclipsing competing releases for the foreseeable future.
Among the 30 talented female artists featured on Em xinh say hi, Chi Xê stands out as a multifaceted star. Born Nguyễn Linh Chi in 1999, she gained fame as a content creator and singer with hits like "Seenderella," "Ý em là," and "Cheese in the Trap." At the show, Chi Xê confidently declared, "Normally, I am a content creator, but today I am a container bringing the sisters to the top of the trending charts."
In the latest episode, Chi Xê performed with team Vô Cực, which included Pháo, Phương Ly, Juky San, and Hoàng Duyên. Their opening act for Live Stage 1 was "Em xinh em bling," a disco-funk retro number featuring a sparkling stage design with vintage TV screens. Chi Xê co-designed the stage alongside Hoàng Duyên, contributing significantly to the visual appeal.
While critics noted that the song’s familiar melody lacked a certain explosive energy, preventing team Vô Cực from scoring higher, Chi Xê’s vibrant stage presence and natural interaction with the audience made her a highlight. Her confident performance style and charismatic personality helped her stand out despite the competition.
Chi Xê’s talents extend beyond singing and performing; she actively participates in songwriting, conceptualizing performances, and stage production. She expressed her artistic vision at the show, saying, "I want the audience to see a Chi Xê who is both beautiful and authentic, but above all, herself."
In the marathon 4.5-hour first episode, Chi Xê was part of Coalition 1, led by Bích Phương. She played a key role in revitalizing the theme song "Đã xinh lại còn thông minh," contributing to a lively rap battle that featured witty "diss" lines aimed at the rival coalition, including the playful jab: "Coalition 2 is dazzling, but don’t be surprised if you lose."
Offstage, Chi Xê’s youthful and feminine fashion sense complements her dynamic stage persona, making her a well-rounded figure in the entertainment scene. Her ascent within Em xinh say hi exemplifies the program’s ability to nurture and spotlight emerging female talent.
As the Vietnamese music landscape evolves, the interplay between established artists like Quân A.P and JustaTee and the fresh energy from Em xinh say hi and Jack illustrates a vibrant, competitive market. Fans are treated to a rich variety of sounds and performances, from heartfelt ballads to energetic disco-funk and innovative rap battles. This vibrant ecosystem promises exciting developments in the months ahead, with audiences eagerly watching who will rise to the top and shape the future of Vietnamese music.
