Vietnam Idol runner-up: 500 million in debt, burst into tears remembering the harsh period

Behind the runner-up position of Vietnam Idol 2015 and the magnificent comeback 10 years after the coronation are the hidden corners and tears that few people know about J.ADE (former stage name Bich Ngoc).

Debt of 500 million, burst into tears remembering the harsh period

- Coming back to the album and MV "Continuum" , how do you feel?

I feel great, I finally did it! (laughs) The effect and the numbers achieved so far have exceeded expectations, even some parties have contacted me to invite me to do shows.

However, I still have a lot of things to worry about, especially the debt. The manager is afraid that I will be under pressure so he hides this matter, but I can calculate the amount to about 400-500 million VND.

- 10 years after Vietnam Idol, do you still maintain the innocence of that day or are you trying to show that you're okay?

I am a Westerner, innocent since childhood. In life, there are many aspects I consider myself not very smart, even stupid.

After the Vietnam Idol 2015 competition, an acquaintance booked a show for me with a fee of 1 million VND. Back then in Can Tho , I sang 5-6 songs for 500 thousand VND, I thought I would get 1 million VND/song now. I innocently told Mr. Thanh Bui the good news, he burst out laughing and said: "My dear, you should get more than that."

Singer J.ADE in a meeting with VietNamNet reporters.

After that show, my teacher introduced me to a manager and booked shows. The first year after the competition, I had continuous shows and sent a lot of money back home for my mother to repair the house.

After a year of living in pink, everything gradually turned black. The number of shows decreased until no one invited them anymore.

In 2018, I moved several times, from an 8 million VND/month apartment to a small room for only 2.5 million VND/month near Monkey Island, Can Gio - 2.5 hours by motorbike from work.

That room was quiet, with roosters crowing in the morning and pigs squealing at noon. The mattress was spread out and almost took up all the space. At the peak of my difficulties, I had to ask my mother for money. She in the countryside collected gold she had saved for a long time, sold it, and gave it to her daughter. Holding my mother's money, I cried.   I never dared to tell my mother: "I failed". (crying)

When I was little, my mother said that I was not pretty or good enough to be a singer. But during the most difficult times, she never complained even once. All she said was: "Keep trying! I believe in you."

J.ADE shed tears when talking about his mother

During that month, I ate mostly instant noodles. My mother had to cook meat, cook fish... in many boxes and send them to me to put in the refrigerator to eat gradually.

That's when I lost my innocence and confidence, became rude and hurt people I knew. I yelled at my manager: "Find me a show, I'm having a hard time."

When Mr. Thanh and I composed the first song - Dream girl , he wanted me to film a MV and release it to see what the market was like. He asked me to list the items that needed to be paid for, and I could return them later or not.

After ups and downs, I choose innocence to live easier.

Teacher salary 40 million/month

- Why did you choose to teach singing?

At the most difficult time, Mr. Thanh suggested that I take a certificate exam at Trinity College London to teach at the Soul Academy of Music and Performing Arts.

As a result, I got 98 points in Grade 8, which surprised Mr. Thanh a lot. In early 2019, I started teaching vocal music, which I have continued to do until now.

Besides Soul Academy, I also teach private vocal lessons to a few students. If I teach at full capacity both inside and outside the school, my income is about 30-40 million VND/month.

J.ADE feels like he is "alive" when he sings on stage.

- You said you love teaching but still keep your contract with the school, is there a conflict?

I always put the singing profession in the highest position in my heart. Every time I see Mr. Thanh put the microphone down and the audience sing along: "Where do we go...", I long to be like that.

Teaching is a side job but my love for the job is not small. At first, I taught to earn a living, but unexpectedly the more I taught, the more passionate I became, loving the job more. Sometimes the joy is as simple as witnessing children go from shy to confident on stage to sing and express themselves.

J.ADE makes a better living by teaching singing.

- How are you doing now?

Thanks to teaching music, my life is better. I currently live in an apartment in Nha Be, and it will probably take a long time to pay off my mortgage.

I am satisfied with what I have. Before, I weighed 89-91kg, once while I was singing someone shouted: "Get down, fat girl". To lose weight, I went to the gym 8 hours a day, and ate unscientifically .

In 1 year, I lost 50kg but after singing I would vomit and even faint. When I started losing my voice, I had to start eating again and now I weigh 65-70kg.

Sometimes when I watch my Vietnam Idol interview clips, I see that after 10 years I am still innocent, just a little more mature because of my age. But maybe being clumsy like that makes people around me love me.

Photo, clip: NVCC

Singer Thanh Bui looks more beautiful after life's upheaval. During the comeback event of his student - singer J.ADE, singer Thanh Bui was noticed for his slim and beautiful appearance after a major life event.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/a-quan-vietnam-idol-j-ade-no-500-trieu-bat-khoc-nho-giai-doan-khac-nghiep-2376635.html