Dong Nai hosts 3rd Gala of Southern Amateur Singers 2026

Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television (DNNRTV) and Can Tho Newspaper, Radio and Television (CTNRTV) co-held the 3rd Gala of Southern Amateur Singers 2026 on the evening of September 24.

Eleven outstanding vocalists perform at the Gala of Southern Amateur Singers 2026. Photo: Huy Anh

Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Vu Thanh Ngu, Deputy Directors of DNNRTV Tran Nam Dong and Hoang Thi Bich Phu, and Deputy Director of CTNRTV Le Hoang Vinh attended the gala.

Delegates attend the Gala of Southern Amateur Singers 2026. Photo: Huy Anh

The final gala brought together 11 amateur performers from the cities of Dong Nai, Can Tho, and Ho Chi Minh and the provinces of Ca Mau, Vinh Long, and Tay Ninh. The outstanding vocalists were selected from more than 800 participants who competed in weekly and quarterly rounds to secure places at the gala.

The Organizing Board presents flowers to the Judging Board. Photo: Huy Anh

Among the contestants, Chau Thi Du (Vinh Long Province), born in 1957, was the oldest, while Huynh Thi Ngoc Qui (Dong Nai City), born in 1999, was the youngest.

Contestant Huynh Thi Ngoc Qui (Dong Nai City) performs during the gala. Photo: Huy Anh

The performers took turns presenting songs, including Vui buoc chan ta (Happy Footsteps), Thuong em nhieu qua la thu xuan (Loving You Through the Spring Letter), Tieng tau dem (Sound of the Night Train), Bong buoi trang (White Pomelo Flower), Tinh yeu nghe thuat (Love for Art), Giu niem dam me (Keeping the Passion), Loi nguoi hat rong (Words of the Troubadour), and Tinh yeu san khau (Love for the Stage).

Contestants Ho Trung An and Truong Minh Hai (Can Tho City) perform during the gala. Photo: Huy Anh

During the event, People's Artist Phuong Loan, a member of the Judging Board, performed Lan song tri am (Waves of Kindred Spirits) by composer Lam Huu Tang. The song conveyed the affection audiences have shown for the event over time, particularly the bond between the people of Dong Nai and Can Tho fostered through the Southern Amateur Singers program.

A large number of Youth Union members and young people watch the Gala of Southern Amateur Singers 2026. Photo: Huy Anh

At the conclusion of the gala, the Organizing Board presented 11 prizes to the participants. First prize was awarded to Truong Minh Hai (Can Tho City), second prize to Tran Quoc Khai (Ca Mau Province), and third prize to Huynh Thi Ngoc Qui (Dong Nai City).

The Organizing Board presents first prize to Truong Minh Hai (Can Tho City). Photo: Huy Anh

Seven consolation prizes were awarded to Ly Quoc Nam (Tay Ninh Province), Ho Trung An (Can Tho City), Chau Thi Du (Vinh Long Province), Le Van Hung (Tay Ninh Province), Ngo Thi Lan (Ca Mau Province), Vi Van Tung (Tay Ninh Province), and Duong Thanh Tuan (Ho Chi Minh City).

The Organizing Board presents second prize to Tran Quoc Khai (Ca Mau Province). Photo: Huy Anh

The Organizing Board presents third prize to Huynh Thi Ngoc Qui (Dong Nai City). Photo: Huy Anh

The Organizing Board presents consolation prizes to the contestants. Photo: Huy Anh

In addition, the Organizing Board presented a promising talent prize to Bui Minh Trien (Tay Ninh Province).

The Organizing Board presents the promising talent prize to Bui Minh Trien (Tay Ninh Province). Photo: Huy Anh

The program received support from An Nong Group, Nhu Hoang Agricultural Trading and Service Cooperative, A Chau Food Trading and Service Co., Ltd., and Tuong Linh Makeup.

The Organizing Board poses for a commemorative photo with the contestants. Photo: Huy Anh

The gala was held at the Television Theater of DNNRTV and was broadcast live on DNNRTV2 and Can Tho 2, as well as on the 89.4 MHz and 97.5 MHz FM frequencies of DNNRTV and the 89.6 MHz FM frequency of CTNRTV.

By My Ny – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho