Top 11 Most Influential Artists in Vietnam's Showbiz

Hong Nhung, affectionately known as "Bong", is a leading vocalist in contemporary Vietnamese music. She has received 8 nominations for the prestigious Cong Hien awards and is credited with revolutionizing Vietnamese music, particularly Trinh's songs, in the early 90s.

She first gained public recognition at a young age with her powerful yet delicate, clear, and vibrant voice. Hong Nhung has successfully performed works by many famous composers such as Van Cao, Duong Thu, Tran Tien, Phu Quang, Quoc Trung, Thanh Tung, Hong Dang, Tu Huy, Duy Thai, Tran Quang Loc, Bao Chan, Bao Phuc, Quoc Bao, Huy Tuan, and more. However, she is most closely associated with the music of Trinh Cong Son, Vietnam's legendary modern composer, and her name is forever linked with his music. Trinh also wrote three songs specifically for her: Bong Bong Oi, Bong Khong La Bong, and Thu Bong La Nguoi.

Contact Information:

• Full Name: Le Hong Nhung
• Date of Birth: March 15, 1970
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/casyhongnhung

Thanh Lam is known for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice, excellent vocal technique, and versatility across various music styles. She is one of Vietnam's four divas and the first independent artist to be honored with the title of 'People's Artist' by the state. Additionally, she has won one Cong Hien award and received 13 nominations, ranking fourth for the most nominations.

Currently, Thanh Lam is the most successful pop music star in Vietnam. She has released several albums, many of which were distributed in Asia and the United States. Her voice shines in the lower register, capable of reaching deep, rich notes with an eerie and mysterious quality when performing contemporary folk songs. Thanh Lam's middle range is strong, resonant, and powerful, and she is also known for her belting technique, especially on high notes like G4 and A4, which she belts effortlessly with dramatic intensity and resonance.

Contact Information:

• Full Name: Doan Thanh Lam
• Date of Birth: June 19, 1969
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/nguoidanbahat

My Linh is one of Vietnam's four divas, alongside Thanh Lam, Hong Nhung, and Tran Thu Ha. Born into a non-artistic family, she quickly showed a natural talent for music. In 1991, she won a gold medal at the National High School Singing Contest and also received the award for the best performance about teachers and schools. In 1993, My Linh passed the entrance exam with top honors at the Hanoi Conservatory of Music. Later that year, she participated in the National Light Music Festival with the Hoa Sua band and won second place, along with the award for "Most Impressive Young Singer" with the song "Whispers of Spring" by composer Ngoc Chau.

Following this success, she began her professional singing career, with "Whispers of Spring" becoming her first hit. She later achieved even greater success with songs like "My Sister" (music by Trong Dai, poetry by Doan Thi Tao) and "On the Summit of Phu Van" (music by Pho Duc Phuong) in 1996. Throughout her music career, My Linh has earned accolades such as the Cong Hien Award for Album of the Year, Cong Hien Award for Singer of the Year, and the Mai Vang Award for Most Popular Singer.

Contact Information:

• Full Name: Do My Linh
• Date of Birth: August 19, 1975
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/casymylinh

Dan Truong, affectionately known as "Anh Bo", is one of Vietnam's most successful pop idols. He quickly rose to fame with a dedicated professional team and was a pioneer in the Vietnamese music market. Dan Truong is strongly associated with Cantopop, pop music, and later successfully ventured into historical music and lyrical folk songs. To date, he has released over 60 albums, with total sales exceeding 2 million copies, placing him among Vietnam's top-selling artists.

Over his 20-year career, Dan Truong has received numerous music awards, mostly winning titles such as "Most Favorite Singer" and "Most Popular Male Singer" for consecutive years at prestigious events like Lan Song Xanh, Mai Vang Awards, Ngoi Sao Bach Kim, HTV Awards, Zing Music Awards, and more, before taking a step back from the spotlight. Besides singing, he has also appeared in films such as: "Vo Lam Truyen Ky" (2007), "Thu Ba Hoc Tro" (2009), "Yeu Anh! Em Dam Khong?" (2013), and "Cha Ma" (2019). He has also been a judge/coach for music competitions like Ngoi Sao Phuong Nam, Than Tuong Bolero, Tuyet Dinh Song Ca, and Solo Cung Bolero.

Contact Information:

• Full Name: Pham Dan Truong
• Date of Birth: November 9, 1976
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/dantruongofficial

Dam Vinh Hung, widely known as "The King of Vietnamese Music" or Mr. Dam, has experienced a challenging start, but no one can deny his current fame and success. Starting as an apprentice barber with no luck in singing competitions—where he was eliminated in the first round every time—he has now become a versatile artist excelling in various music genres including sentimental ballads, golden hits, and revolutionary music. When his name is mentioned, people not only recognize his title as "The King of Vietnamese Music" but also his enormous wealth.

Beyond his entertainment career, he is involved in real estate, owns a chain of restaurants, boasts an impressive wardrobe of high-end fashion, and possesses luxury villas worth millions. Known for his dedication to his fans, he often performs any song his followers request, continuing only when they are satisfied. It’s common to see him surrounded by fans wherever he goes, and some even have his image tattooed on their arms.

Contact Information:

• Full Name: Huynh Minh Hung
• Date of Birth: October 2, 1971
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/dvhfanpage

My Tam, also known as "The Brown-Haired Nightingale", is a veteran singer in Vietnam's music scene with one of the largest fan bases among Vietnamese celebrities. She is adored for her professionalism and scandal-free private life. My Tam's career, highlighted by her hit song "Uoc Gi", is a treasure trove of awards both domestically and internationally—achievements few can match.

My Tam has won 5 Cong Hien Awards, 1 MTV Europe Music Award, and has been named "Most Popular Singer" 11 years in a row. She has also won "Face of the Year" for three consecutive years at the Lan Song Xanh Awards. At the 2014 Top Asia Corporate Ball in Kuala Lumpur, she was honored as "Asian Music Legend" and named the artist with the best-selling album in the region by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) in 2014. She made it to the Forbes list of "Top 50 Most Influential Women in Vietnam" in 2017. In January 2018, My Tam became the first Vietnamese artist to have an album make it to the top 10 on the Billboard World Albums Chart. She has also been a judge on shows like Vietnam Idol (2012-2013), Sao Mai Diem Hen (2010), and The Voice Vietnam (2015), and appeared in the TV series "Cho Mot Tinh Yeu" (2010).

Contact Information:

• Full Name: Phan Thi My Tam
• Date of Birth: January 16, 1981
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/mytam.info

It's no surprise that Ho Ngoc Ha is crowned the "Queen of Entertainment" in Vietnam's showbiz. To achieve her current success, the talented singer from Quang Binh has overcome numerous personal challenges and societal pressures to continue pursuing her passion for singing. She is one of the few models who has made a significant impact after transitioning into music.

With her unique vocal style, striking figure, and impeccable fashion sense, Ho Ngoc Ha is often invited as a judge and coach for various reality TV shows. Due to these qualities, she is trusted with representing Vietnam on international music stages.

Contact Information:

• Full Name: Ho Thi Ngoc Ha
• Date of Birth: November 25, 1984
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/casihongocha

With a perfectly proportioned figure, Thanh Hang is one of the top models in Vietnam, though few know she was crowned Miss Vietnam Photogenic in 2012. Her presence, defined by legs that stretch to an impressive 1.12 meters, has made her an undeniable force in the fashion industry, appearing frequently at major catwalk events. She is also a regular vedette in prestigious fashion shows.

Not just a model, Thanh Hang has also showcased her versatility as a host on the popular show Vietnam’s Next Top Model. Her acting career has left a significant mark with roles in films such as "The Tall Girls", "The Kiss of Death", "The Queen", and "Superman X".

Contact Information:

• Full Name: Pham Thi Thanh Hang
• Date of Birth: July 22, 1983
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/ThanhHangOfficial

When we think of the most influential artist in showbiz, the name Hoai Linh immediately comes to mind. The comedian is not only well-loved but also widely respected for his humble and approachable personality. His appeal spans across generations, from the elderly to young children. Hoai Linh is considered the most influential in Showbiz, not just for his comedic talent, but for his consistent presence as a judge on popular TV shows like: "Oh My God! You're Here", "The Face", "The X-Factor", "Super Kids Challenge", and "Dancing With a Heavy Heart".

Hoai Linh's rise to fame was no easy feat. He had to face many challenges and worked a variety of jobs to make ends meet. It was only when he joined the Vân Sơn entertainment center that his name truly gained recognition. Despite his high-paying gigs and elite status in showbiz, he remains grounded and humble, never flaunting his wealth like many others. For him, the most important thing now is passion and a commitment to his craft.

Contact Information:

• Full Name: Vo Nguyen Hoai Linh
• Date of Birth: December 18, 1969
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/VoHoaiLinh

When it comes to Hoai Linh, he is known as the 'king' of comedy, but Thanh Loc is recognized as the 'pillar' of Vietnamese theater. No matter the role, he delivers the most authentic and profound portrayal of any character, such as his portrayal of Mr. Tu in 'Da Co Hoai Lang' or the tragic Chu Xung in 'Loi Vu'. Born into an artistic family, his father was renowned artist NSND Thanh Ton, his mother was the famous traditional singer Huynh Mai, and his brothers, Bach Long and Bach Le, are also well-known opera performers.

Not only is Thanh Loc a master of stage performance, but he has also ventured into film, where he has achieved significant success. His contributions to the performing arts have earned him the title of 'People's Artist' from the government, and he has a prestigious collection of awards in Vietnam. Recently, he released his autobiography, 'Tam Thanh and Loc Doi', written by author Minh Ngoc, which was published in early 2015.

Contact Information:

• Full Name: Nguyen Thanh Loc
• Date of Birth: November 3, 1961
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/thanhlocoffice.com.vn

Hong Van is regarded as one of the most successful artists in both drama and comedy in Saigon, alongside NSUT Thanh Loc. In both areas, she is seen as a monumental figure, greatly influencing the younger generation, including artists like NSUT Tuyet Thu, NSUT Trinh Kim Chi, Thai Hoa, Viet Huong, Cat Phuong, Duc Thinh, Thuy Nga, Dao Van Anh, Thanh Thuy, Xuan Trang, Kim Huyen, Oc Thanh Van, Lan Phuong, Le Loc, Xuan Nghi, and Tuan Dung.

In the field of comedy, she is the only artist who has achieved perfect chemistry with both 'Comedy Kings' from the north and south: NSUT Xuan Hinh and NSUT Hoai Linh. She has also collaborated seamlessly with many other major stars in the comedy world, including NSUT Bao Quoc, NSUT Thanh Loc, NSUT Duc Hai, Le Vu Cau, Minh Nhi...

Throughout her career, this veteran artist has won countless prestigious awards, including the 'Medal for the Advancement of Vietnamese Theater,' 'Certificate of Appreciation from the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City,' and gold medals for her roles in plays such as 'The Magic Bow' and 'Mother and Lover.' She also won the Mai Vang Award for Favorite Female Comedian in 1998 and the Mai Vang Award for Favorite Actress in 2003.

Contact Information:

• Full Name: Ngo Dang Hong Van
• Date of Birth: May 26, 1966
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/hong.van1966