Lip-syncing: The fault isn't solely with the singer.

In recent days, the issue of lip-syncing has once again become the focus of debate as regulatory agencies have issued directives to address the problem.

Accordingly, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports emphasized that the misuse of technical means, using pre-recorded vocal tracks instead of live performances on stage (i.e., lip-syncing), is strictly prohibited.

Tung Duong is one of the singers who always prefers to perform live with a live band.

Photo: Provided by the interviewee

Immediately after its issuance, the document attracted significant attention and heated discussion on social media, notably with much of the criticism directed at the performers. Meanwhile, the roles of organizers, production companies, and the entire behind-the-scenes system were rarely mentioned. In reality, lip-syncing has never been just a problem for the singers, but a problem affecting the entire performance organization system.

A singer (who wished to remain anonymous) stated that there's an unwritten rule in the industry: for live television programs, technical safety is always paramount. To avoid risks related to sound, transmission, or unforeseen incidents, many performances opt for pre-recorded tracks or overlaying existing ones. In this case, not only the singer but also the band must "mimic" the pre-recorded audio to match the sound. This is a deliberate arrangement from the organizers, not simply a personal choice of the singer.

Therefore, assuming that singers have complete control over lip-syncing is insufficient. In many cases, this decision stems from the organizers' requirements to ensure progress, save rehearsal time, or minimize risks during live broadcasts. Singers are sometimes in a passive position, accepting the pre-existing solution to ensure the show runs smoothly.

Meanwhile, one producer argued that lip-syncing is not a new issue, but it has repeated itself over the years, partly because audiences are sometimes too lenient, accepting compromises as long as the program is visually appealing. Another reason is that the management and enforcement by authorities are not strong enough to deter it. When public pressure is insufficient and legal regulations are not truly strict, lip-syncing continues to thrive.

Nevertheless, the producer believes that this new regulation has had positive impacts on several levels. First, it puts "pressure on the reputation" of artists. With clear regulations, well-known singers are less likely to lip-sync freely for fear of being filmed, exposed, and having their reputation damaged. Second, the document helps establish official professional standards, thereby creating a basis for handling disputes when they arise. Finally, this could also be a step in purifying the market, making it difficult for singers with weak professional skills and who rely entirely on pre-recorded tracks to survive in the long run.

"Completely eradicating lip-syncing is not simple, as this issue involves too many factors in the entertainment market. Completely eliminating it is almost impossible, but with the involvement of regulatory agencies, it can at least be somewhat mitigated. This document from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports can be seen as a general warning, not only for singers but also for organizers and production companies. With a reminder from the regulatory agency, organizers will have to consider their staging more carefully, and singers themselves will be forced to improve their professional skills if they want to have a long-term career," this person shared.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hat-nhep-loi-khong-rieng-ca-si-185260401230430239.htm