When journalists 'invade' the arts: Failed singing contest but got the hot seat to judge bolero

In the field of journalism, many journalists have used their pens to "criticize" artists and then changed direction, trying to step into that world . They not only recorded from the outside but also really lived in it, from there writing with deep empathy. Journalists Ngo Ba Luc, Luong Ai Van (Phu Nu Thu Do Newspaper) or Nguyen Manh Ha (Tien Phong Newspaper) are typical examples.

Ngo Ba Luc: I entered the singing contest to understand artists more deeply.

Before becoming a journalist, Ngo Ba Luc dreamed of doing art, making clips, participating in singing competitions… although those paths were not successful. But those initial experiences became a valuable foundation when he entered journalism.

"Standing on stage, experiencing failure and pressure, I understand what artists have to sacrifice to have a decent artistic product," he shared. These feelings from within help him write not only with the logic of a journalist but also with the empathy of someone who has worked in the profession.

That experience also paved the way for him to become a judge and coach in music and beauty contests: "At that time, I no longer just observed from the outside but had a comprehensive view - like someone who used to produce products, now evaluating other people's products."

Ngo Ba Luc once took part in singing competitions and failed. But a few years later, he was a judge in national music competitions, and even a model judge, although he was not a high-ranking judge. For him, what is important is not appearance or titles, but experience and the ability to judge correctly.

"Many people think that to be a judge, you must have studied music and won awards. But the key is whether you understand the profession, have a heart and work fairly," he said.

He said he used to idolize People's Artist Thanh Hoa and Miss Ha Kieu Anh, and later sat on the same judging panel with them. That is proof that if you work hard and live your passion to the fullest, miracles will happen.

Although he currently does many jobs - from media, coaching to judging, Ngo Ba Luc always believes that "nine jobs" are still good, as long as you do whatever job you do well. "I don't think I'm too successful, but I'm confident that I'm doing valuable things," he affirmed.

Luong Ai Van: When you love writing, you won't feel tired.

As the author of two novels, Finding You Among a Thousand Sparkling Stars and That Summer, I'll Be With You Forever , journalist Luong Ai Van (Ho Diep Thanh Thanh) is busy with her daily journalism work, yet she still writes.

“Working as a journalist draws me into the fast-paced, overwhelming flow of information. But perhaps it is this very busyness that makes me crave writing - a place where I can slow down and contemplate more," she confided.

She believes that journalism and literature, which seem like two different worlds, can actually go hand in hand and nurture each other: "Working as a journalist helps me meet many people and many stories - things that cannot be told in a news report but are enough to make a novel," Luong Ai Van shared. On the contrary, writing makes her listen to life more deeply and write more incisively.

For her, writing a book is a very personal journey - where the writer lives in the world she creates, sending her thoughts because "once you start writing, it's hard to stop and that's a fascinating feeling."

Luong Ai Van's two novels are both about young love, but deep down they are also reflections on life. What makes her happiest is the empathy of readers - some see themselves in the characters, some change their way of life after reading the books. "That's when I feel my writing has meaning," Luong Ai Van confided.

Luong Ai Van does not consider herself a professional writer, but always encourages colleagues, especially journalists, to write books because "writing is a way to express one's inner self and is also a spiritual therapy to maintain balance in a busy life."

Nguyen Manh Ha: Performing and writing are two complementary worlds.

Being both a journalist specializing in writing music reviews and a singer with the stage name Khoi Nguyen, Nguyen Manh Ha always believes that each job is a piece that helps him perfect himself.

"If I only do one thing, I will feel inadequate. Many people who know how to organize their time can still do many things well at the same time," he said.

According to him, writing well about music does not necessarily require performing, but having stage experience makes it easier for writers to empathize and describe more deeply about the artists and behind the scenes. "Having performed helps me write about music in a more objective, grounded and realistic way. On the contrary, working as a journalist gives me the opportunity to interact with professional musicians, learn from them, and even ask for support in music production," Ha shared.

He doesn't think every artistic experience will make him a better writer, but he believes that if consciously connected, each experience will create a flexible and complementary professional ecosystem.

Photo: NVCC

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Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/khi-nha-bao-lan-san-nghe-thuat-truot-thi-hat-nhung-ngoi-ghe-nong-cham-bolero-2410457.html