A press conference held on the afternoon of September 11, which was expected to explain the scandal that has blown up over a video clip that purportedly showed evidence of a fix in the vote in top-TV singing talent show The Voice, disappointed fans.
Phuong Uyen crying at the press conference
Shocking clip
The Vietnamese adaptation of the famed Dutch singing talent contest The Voice has been at the centre of a storm of controversy over the last few days after an eight-minute video clip revealing conversations thought to be between the show music director musician Phuong Uyen, producer Tuong Vy and contestant Phuong Linh about Linh’s singing showdown again H'Zina Bya, was leaked onto the internet. The clip appeared on the internet on September 9 as soon as the contest’s third round ended.
The woman believed to be Phuong Uyen advises contestant Phuong Linh to choose R&B or English language songs in order to confirm that no matter how well H'Zina Bya could sing, Linh would remain the person chosen to advance to the next round.
Moreover, the suspected Phuong Uyen reassures Phuong Linh that there’s nothing to worry about with her coach, singer Thu Minh, since Uyen is the one who has the right to decide everything.
The clip revealed the winners of the next round which indicates there is already a fixed list of preferred candidates. According to the clip Bao Anh from Tran Lap; Dong Lan on Dam Vinh Hung’s team; Dang Thi Thu Thuy coached by Thu Minh and Thieu Bao Trang trained by Ho Ngoc Ha, will be the top four contestants.
After the clip spread, Phuong Uyen admitted that the voice in the audio was hers but affirmed that it had been edited to make her look bad. She also apologised for her careless words, rejecting accusations the results were fixed.
Nguyen Quang Minh, Director of The Voice producers, the Cat Tien Sa Company also claimed that there was no stitch-up. He claimed the whole incident was an attempt to discredit the show.
Minh said that all questions about the clip would be answered at a press conference held on the afternoon of September 11.
Disappointing press conference
At a packed press conference Phuong Uyen once again apologised to the public. She insisted again there was no fix and she was the victim of individuals wanting to persecute her.
“I’m now under great pressure and I want to resign as music director of The Voice. I didn’t give preferential treatment to Thieu Bao Trang,” Phuong Uyen said while bursting into tears.
However, Phuong Linh’s wish was rejected by Cat Tien Sa Company’s representative and the show’s coaches. Singer Dam Vinh Hung said “Who supports Phuong Uyen, please raise hands” and after that all the contestants raised their hands to retain Phuong Uyen.
After that, Director of Cat Tien Sa Company Nguyen Quang Minh reiterated that Phuong Uyen would retain her current position as music director of The Voice, despite huge public opposition.
Minh said he would call on the country’s security agencies to investigate how the clip was spread. Minh then attacked the media, claiming it was biased and had deliberately whipped up public concern.
Thieu Bao Trang, who was thought to be mostly the centre of the clip’s events, said that she would do her best to prove that The Voice was fair.
Rumours
Speaking with VTCNews about the rumour about there was a lesbian relationship between Thieu Bao Trang and Phuong Uyen, the musical director strongly played down the story, explaining that Trang was just an admirer of her, and there was no personal relationship between the two.
“Some contestants come to my houses to practise singing alone and they leave after having dinner. Almost all the contestants have come to my house,” she explained.
“It is nonsense to ask about my sexuality. I apologised to Trang for affecting her, but she said, she was really sorry for me,” Phuong Uyen shared.
The musician also again refused to admit the competition was deliberately fixed to favour Thieu Bao Trang. She also added that the rumours would pile more pressure on the competition favourite.
Coaches supported Phuong Uyen in keeping her current position
A photo raised rumours about a lesbian relationship between Phuong Uyen and Thieu Bao Trang
Phuong Uyen in the middle
