Hanoi Singing Contest 2023 has kicked off to find talented and professional vocalists for the capital's arts programs, according to the Hanoi Radio and Television at a press briefing on August 29.

The competition's predecessor is the Hanoi Television Singing Contest, which was first held in 1994 and every two years until 2010 when it was discontinued.

Journalist Nguyen Kim Khiem, General Director and Editor-in-Chief of Hanoi Radio and Television Station, speaks at the press briefing. Photo: The Hanoi Times

This is one of the first singing competitions in the country, which is appreciated for its professional quality and has a large number of registered contestants. It is also a long-standing branded television program of Hanoi Radio and Television.

Many singers who won prizes from the Hanoi Television Singing Contest now have rocked their way to superstardom, such as Meritorious Artist Mai Hoa, Meritorious Artist Phuong Anh, singers Anh Tho, Ho Quynh Huong, Hoang Quyen, Kasim Hoang Vu, among others.

The Hanoi Singing Contest 2023 is coordinated by professional organizations and agencies such as the Vietnam Musicians Association, Hanoi Music Association, and leading singers.

Journalist Nguyen Kim Khiem, General Director and Editor-in-chief of Hanoi Radio and Television, said the competition aims to find and nurture young talent.

"The competition is looking for new faces and serves as a platform for young and talented artists to shine. We encourage contestants to try new songs about Hanoi and their own compositions," said journalist Nguyen Kim Khiem.

Singer Khanh Linh rose to fame after winning the contest.

The winners of the qualifying rounds will be promoted by the Organizing Committee through mass and social media. In particular, each contestant will be allowed to create a personal YouTube channel branded with the contest to showcase their skills and performances.

People's Artist Quang Vinh, head of the jury, said this is a prestigious competition that will bring amateur and unknown singers to professionalism. The winners will have the opportunity to sing at major art events in the city or appear on art programs produced by Hanoi Radio and Television.

"Hanoi is now a dynamic, creative capital in the process of world integration, which has inspired young people to bring many new perspectives to songs," said People's Artist Quang Vinh.

Registration will be open from August 29 to September 20. The qualifying and final rounds will run from September 20 to October 28.

The top winner will receive a first prize worth VND200 million (US$8,700).