Vietnamese stars seem to prefer thriving off scandal rather than their talents, as showbiz news seems swamped by increasingly lurid tales of misdemeanours.
Singer Viet Quang claims to be bisexual
Showbiz scandal after scandal
What do you get from the showbiz news this morning? Perhaps it was debate about singer Ho Quynh Huong’s cosmetic surgery, or singer and model Ho Ngoc Ha’s purchase of a new super car or maybe model Diem Chau’s conflict with her counterpart Bao Truc. Was it singer Viet Quang admitting he’s bisexual or singer Dam Vinh Hung posing with a beautiful purple flamboyant tree in Dalat?
Such ‘news’ can be seen everywhere. As a whole, showbiz news seems to be an accumulation of ridiculous PR stunts. There are few albums worth listening to and a modest number of interesting TV programmes worth watching.
Music production catastrophes with lame lyrics or schoolyard melodies or sexy girls with more dancing ability and good looks than singing talent dominate the stage.
Or perhaps you’ll catch up on the latest gossip, with singer Long Nhat claiming he is gay and how he had cheated his wife.
Viet Quang continues to dominate the headlines with questions about his sexuality, rather than his latest music release.
Other people get their buzz discussing Ho Ngoc Ha’s relationship with luxury-car collector and millionaire Cuong ‘do la’ (Cuong Dollar) and their newly born son, or maybe the ample breast-sizes of the latest ‘hot’ sensation.
Music has become almost peripheral, particularly when there are more sexy issues such as cosmetic surgery, gender or sexuality and love affairs to discuss.
It isn’t just the music industry that is suffering. Vietnamese cinema has been bogged down in scandal is recent years, as real life seem to replicate the most ludicrous of scripts. But the real scandal of poor scripts and terrible acting by models, singers and former beauty queens in made-for-TV series barely gets a look-in.
Instead of poor acting being the centre of debate, its the miserable behaviour of actor Huy Khanh who got divorced as he’s a ‘lady-killer’, and how his ex-wife writes a blog that dominate the headlines.
Gender-related scandals are hot topics
Scandal spells celebrity?
Yet despite the chaos, showbiz continues to lure many young people.
Any film production company can attract the attention of a large number of young people casting for a new script. They are eager to take part in a film despite their lack of professional skills. They just think of films in terms of fame.
Vietnam Idol continues to prove popular as vehicle for fame-seekers, regardless of musical talent. Instead fledging girls, who have yet to complete high school, are set on becoming a singer, actress, or MC.
It seems that joining the showbiz industry is the best way to become famous quickly. Model Ngoc Trinh became famous after showing off her beauty. Model Hoang Yen was greatly praised by the press as a ‘new star’. Model Trang Nhung became famous after her breasts ‘accidentally’ popped out on a fashion shoot. Model Ngoc Quyen is now more well-known for her nude photo collection. Most of them are young, and often famous for a distinct lack of any talent. Yet with such fame, they find it easy to land a job as an actor, model or ‘singer’.
As a star in the showbiz industry, they can do anything they want. They think that artists have the right to live by their instincts and spontaneity. Many stars have said, “I don’t care much about public criticism’, and “It’s obvious that you’ll be praised and criticised no matter what you do.”
Due to such thinking, singer Mai Khoi appeared in front of her fans with dyed blond and red highlighted hair and thin shirt with no bra, looking more like Lady Gaga than any Vietnamese diva.
Amid the public chatter, Mai Khoi, said, “There’s nothing special about the way I look, people take it too seriously. I just changed my appearance.”
That’s the reason why model Phi Thanh Van insisted on defending the videos by her “Da nau 1”, “Da nau 2”, and “Tam hon” songs despite a negative audience reaction.
However, in contrast, an actress based in Hanoi said she preferred a peaceful life and was quite happy just to attend events and only release official photographs.
Despite being rebellious, many of these young artists seem to have left their fans more disappointed than impressed by their bad behaviour.
Ngoc Trinh’s success is encouraging lots of young women to follow in her footsteps
Audiences were shocked by Mai Khoi’s new Lady Gaga inspired appearance
