Top 11 Most Talented Singer-Songwriters in Vietnam's Entertainment Industry

Vũ Cát Tường, born in 1992 in An Giang, gained fame with her hit songs that she both wrote and performed, including tracks like 'Dong', 'Vết mưa', 'Yêu xa', 'Mơ', 'Don't You Go', 'Góc ban công', 'Phai', and 'Tôi'. Unlike many artists who focus on a glamorous appearance or creating scandals for attention, she is more focused on producing quality music that she creates and performs herself. Her dedication to her craft has made her a beloved figure in the Vietnamese music scene, particularly among young audiences.

Through her perseverance and sincerity, Vũ Cát Tường has risen to become a respected musical talent in Vietnam. She was a runner-up on the show 'Giọng hát Việt' and achieved great success with soulful ballads like 'Yêu xa', 'Mơ', and 'Phai'. Additionally, she has been a beloved coach on 'The Voice Kids 2016'. Her hits continue to dominate music charts, and she has earned numerous prestigious awards, solidifying her place in the Vietnamese entertainment industry.

Tiên Tiên, born Huỳnh Nữ Thủy Tiên on January 23, 1991, in Bảo Lộc, Lâm Đồng, is a Vietnamese singer, songwriter, and music producer. She has earned five nominations and won in one category at the prestigious Cống hiến Awards.

With hits like 'Say You Do', 'My Everything', and 'Vì Tôi Còn Sống', Tiên Tiên has gained a devoted following and become one of the most popular figures in the Vietnamese music industry. Known for her unique, powerful voice and simple yet catchy music, her songs are easy to listen to and sing along with. She is celebrated for bringing a refreshing, down-to-earth energy to the Vietnamese music scene.

Tiên Tiên captivates audiences with both her songwriting and singing abilities. She rejects fame-seeking scandals and embraces a humble, ordinary lifestyle that contrasts with her celebrity status. With her messy curls, natural look, and simple fashion sense, she has garnered even more affection from fans who appreciate her authenticity. In late 2018, she released her debut album 'Chill With Me' and held concerts in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, performing live-looping versions of all the tracks, earning the love of music fans across Vietnam.

Tiên Cookie, born Nguyễn Thủy Tiên, is a renowned Vietnamese singer, songwriter, and music producer. She won a prestigious Cống hiến Award for 'Producer of the Year'. Recognized as a musical prodigy from a young age, Tiên Cookie began captivating audiences at just 14 years old. Her original songs quickly became major hits, dominating the music charts. At the age of 17, she stunned the music world with the heartfelt ballad 'Có Khi Nào Rời Xa', performed by Bích Phương, which resonated deeply with listeners.

Following this, Tiên Cookie released a string of popular songs that sparked musical phenomena, including 'Tâm Sự Cùng Người Lạ', 'Sau Tất Cả', 'Mình Yêu Nhau Đi', and 'Đi Đu Đưa Đi', among others.

Through her songwriting, Tiên Cookie has earned widespread admiration and respect from music fans. Despite her youth, she has already received numerous accolades, including being ranked in the top 10 songwriters in 2012, 2014, and 2016. In 2019, she was awarded 'Producer of the Year' at the Cống hiến Awards, cementing her place as a talented and successful artist.

Khắc Việt, full name Nguyễn Khắc Việt, was born on August 30, 1987, in Yên Bái. He is both a successful singer and songwriter, known for his work in the pop-ballad genre. Much of his music is inspired by his own experiences with heartbreak, which he expresses through soulful and poignant songs about love that deeply touch his listeners.

With captivating, melodic tunes and heartfelt lyrics, his songs have become timeless hits. Many of his tracks are performed by him or in collaboration with other artists. His debut song 'Quên' (2009), along with hits like 'Yêu Lại Từ Đầu', 'Chỉ Anh Hiểu Em', 'Anh Khác Hay Em Khác', 'Suy Nghĩ Trong Anh', 'Tìm Lại Bầu Trời', and 'Tội Cho Cô Gái Đó' are just a few of his memorable works.

Khắc Việt is known for his lyrical baritone voice, which complements his heartfelt pop-ballads. His music continues to captivate fans with its emotional depth and soothing sound.

Châu Đăng Khoa is a Vietnamese singer, songwriter, and music producer. Originally from Buôn Ma Thuột, he moved to Ho Chi Minh City to pursue his studies and career. He is an alumnus of both the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City and the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, majoring in vocal performance. Although Châu Đăng Khoa initially aspired to be a singer, his limited financial resources led him to start composing his own music, singing his own songs instead.

Beginning his songwriting career in 2012, Châu Đăng Khoa quickly became a well-known name in the Vietnamese music industry, gaining popularity with several beloved tracks. His music spans a variety of genres, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. He has also frequently collaborated with the Paris by Night production company, creating music for their shows.

In October 2017, Châu Đăng Khoa signed a music production deal with RBW, the agency behind the popular K-pop group Mamamoo, and began working on music for the group as well as other Korean artists. In January 2018, his song 'Người Lạ ơi', performed by Karik and Orange, became a viral hit, dominating music charts and social media. Known as a 'wizard' of Vietnamese music, Châu Đăng Khoa has enchanted music lovers with his distinctive voice, unique style, captivating melodies, and emotionally charged lyrics, making songs like 'Em Không Cần Anh', 'Sẽ Thôi Chờ Mong', and 'Người Lạ ơi' huge hits.

Khắc Hưng, full name Nguyễn Khắc Hưng, is a Vietnamese music producer, songwriter, and singer. He has received five nominations and won two Cống hiến Awards. Known for his influential role in shaping the careers of rising Vietnamese stars such as Trung Quân, Đức Phúc, Erik, and Miu Lê, Khắc Hưng’s songwriting has been integral to their success. His vast catalog of hit songs includes tracks like 'Ghen' (by Min and Erik), 'Phút Giây Tỏa Sáng' (by Erik and Đức Phúc), 'Yêu' (by Min), 'Hơn Cả Yêu' (by Đức Phúc), and 'Sau Tất Cả' (by Erik), among many others.

One of his most recent hits, 'Ghen Co Vy', became a global phenomenon during the COVID-19 pandemic, with its catchy tune and informative message reaching audiences worldwide. The song even earned praise from American TV host John Oliver on HBO’s Last Week Tonight, highlighting Vietnam’s efforts in combating the virus and the success of Khắc Hưng’s team.

Lê Cát Trọng Lý (born August 24, 1987) is a Vietnamese singer and songwriter. She made history as the first female musician to win the 'Songwriter of the Year' award at the Cống Hiến Music Awards, along with seven other nominations. In 2007, Lý won third place in the 'Sing for Passion' contest by Nokia. In 2008, she took home multiple awards at the 'Vietnamese Song of the Year' contest, including Song of the Month for 'Chênh Vênh', Best Singer for the Month, and Young Songwriter of the Year. The following year, she was invited to perform with French artist Francis Cabrel in Hanoi. In 2010, her performances at the French Cultural Center L’Espace were met with rave reviews, with three consecutive sold-out shows. Lý also performed at the Hue Festival and went on a cultural tour in Norway. In 2011, she won the prestigious 'Songwriter of the Year' award at the Cống Hiến Music Awards.

On January 20, 2011, Lý released her debut album, which was followed by a nationwide tour titled 'Lê Cát Trọng Lý - Vui Tour'. The tour, lasting nearly two months, was a resounding success, with her homecoming concert in Da Nang selling out. After the tour, she took a two-year break to study in Hanoi. On November 23, 2013, Lý made her comeback with a concert entitled 'Mùa Thu Trong Em'. In August 2015, she released the 'Dreamer' album, a three-disc collection titled 'Vui Tour', 'Live in Church', and 'Những Kẻ Mộng Mơ', reflecting four years of her musical journey with raw, unprocessed sounds, offering a true connection with her audience.

Nguyễn Thanh Tùng (born July 5, 1994), better known by his stage name Sơn Tùng M-TP, is a Vietnamese singer, songwriter, rapper, and actor. He has quickly risen to prominence as one of the leading figures in the Vietnamese music scene. With his natural talent and unique style, Sơn Tùng M-TP has brought a fresh, catchy energy to Vietnamese music, combining memorable lyrics with upbeat, trendy melodies. His songs consistently top the charts and are embraced by a youthful fanbase. Known for his versatility, Sơn Tùng M-TP isn’t just a singer—he’s also an avid dancer and a prolific songwriter, constantly improving his craft.

Sơn Tùng M-TP’s breakthrough came with the release of the singles 'Cơn Mưa Ngang Qua' and 'Em Của Ngày Hôm Qua', which set the stage for his musical career. His debut album, 'Chàng Trai Năm Ấy OST' (2014), featuring the hit tracks 'Chắc Ai Đó Sẽ Về' and 'Không Phải Dạng Vừa Đâu', achieved commercial success. In 2017, after the release of two singles, 'Lạc Trôi' and 'Nơi Này Có Anh', he received even more recognition, especially with his first compilation album 'm-tp M-TP'. His international breakthrough came in 2018 with 'Chạy Ngay Đi' and the 2019 hit 'Hãy Trao Cho Anh', a collaboration with American rapper Snoop Dogg, which broke records and earned international acclaim.

Phan Mạnh Quỳnh (born January 10, 1990) is a Vietnamese singer and songwriter. In 2019, he was nominated for a Cống Hiến Award for his song 'Huyền thoại'. Early in 2020, he won two Làn Sóng Xanh Awards for 'Favorite Movie Song' and 'Top 10 Most Popular Songs' for his composition 'Có Chàng Trai Viết Lên Cây'. In March 2020, he was awarded the Cống Hiến Music Award for 'Songwriter of the Year'.

Phan Mạnh Quỳnh rose to fame with his hit 'Vợ Người Ta', which garnered over 100 million views on YouTube and became the most searched song in Vietnam in 2015 according to Google statistics. In 2016, he gained further recognition when he participated in the first season of the music program 'Bài Hát Hay Nhất'. He is also known for his successful collaborations with prominent artists such as Mỹ Tâm, Bùi Lan Hương, Hà Anh Tuấn, and Phạm Quỳnh Anh. At the end of 2020, he won the 'Songwriter of the Year' award at the 15th Cống Hiến Music Awards, held online in Hanoi.

Before his solo success, Phan Mạnh Quỳnh composed many hits for other famous singers, including 'Người Yêu Cũ' by Khởi My, 'Nơi Ấy Con Tìm Về' by Hồ Quang Hiếu, and 'Cảm Giác Bên Anh' by Hải Băng. Despite some mixed opinions on his vocal ability, Phan Mạnh Quỳnh has earned widespread recognition for his songwriting talent, with his hits dominating Vietnam's music charts.

Phạm Hồng Phước (born May 13, 1991) officially entered the professional music scene after finishing in the top 8 of Vietnam Idol 2012, releasing the duet single 'Mùa Ta Đã Yêu' with Hương Giang Idol. He followed up with another duet, 'Trà Chanh Acoustic', a song he wrote himself. Phạm Hồng Phước continued to build his career as a versatile artist, taking on roles as a host, songwriter, and singer. His music resonates with the modern lifestyle, making it relatable to the younger generation and steadily increasing his popularity.

Phạm Hồng Phước's songs often delve into deep emotional themes with melancholic, soulful melodies. His tracks, which explore the inner emotions of young people, have won him a loyal following among young listeners. Notably, his song 'Khi Người Lớn Cô Đơn' captivated audiences with its lonely, introspective tone, reflecting a universal feeling of solitude. Although he has faced some controversies regarding accusations of plagiarism, there's no denying his songwriting talent, which has earned him a devoted fanbase.

Nguyễn Hoàng Tôn, born in 1988 in Hanoi, is a well-known Vietnamese singer and songwriter. He has released a number of hits such as 'Để Em Rời Xa', 'Dành Cho Em', 'Yêu Em Rất Nhiều', 'Bài Hát Tặng Em', and 'Em Đang Nghĩ Gì'. What sets him apart is that he only sings songs that he has written himself.

As a versatile artist, Nguyễn Hoàng Tôn has earned recognition not only as a professional songwriter but also as a prominent singer. He has composed numerous hits for leading artists in Vietnam's music scene, including 'Nỗi Nhớ Đầy Vơi' performed by Hồ Ngọc Hà and Noo Phước Thịnh, 'Em Không Cần' by Thủy Tiên, and 'Không Bao Giờ Xa Cách' sung by himself and Đông Nhi. In addition to his work as a songwriter, he was a member of the popular boy band FBBoiz and competed in 'The Voice Vietnam' in 2013, where he was praised for his songwriting and singing skills.

In recent years, he has stepped back from the public eye, only releasing new music occasionally. In 2020, he collaborated with Koo on the song 'Em Còn Nhớ Anh Không', which was well received by fans.