Without making a fuss or making an impression with market hits, Minh Ngoc - a girl from Bac Ninh is firmly affirming her name in Vietnamese folk music.

From a young girl who only dreamed of being a "credit girl", Minh Ngoc became the Champion of Tuyet Dinh Song Ca Nhi , then a student at the Vietnam National Academy of Music and just won the Gold Prize at the 2025 Asian Arts Festival in Singapore.

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The champion of "Duet Dinh Ca Nhi" just won the Gold Award at the 2025 Asian Arts Festival in Singapore.

Chance from a casting

Minh Ngoc was born in 2004 in Thuan Thanh, Bac Ninh - the cradle of Quan Ho folk songs, with both parents being music teachers. Since childhood, Minh Ngoc wanted to become a bank employee, doctor... and never thought of singing.

One day, by chance, Minh Ngoc saw the casting information for the show Tuyet Dinh Song Ca Nhi , so she asked her mother to take her to try out.

"I told my mother that if I passed the first round, I would be able to compete in Ho Chi Minh City, and the organizers would cover all expenses, so she agreed," Minh Ngoc said. Unexpectedly, she was directly selected by musician Minh Vy and gradually passed the rounds to become the Champion of the season.

After the spotlight, the little girl returned to Bac Ninh to continue her high school studies. Besides, she secretly studied for the entrance exam to the Vietnam National Academy of Music: "At that time, I was not sure I would pass, so I had to study very seriously. I thought, having a talent for singing was just the first step, if you want to pursue a serious career, you have to study properly."

Choose folk as the root, Quan Ho color as the main theme

Under the guidance of Meritorious Artist Tan Nhan and many other lecturers at the Vietnam National Academy of Music, Minh Ngoc gradually became attached to folk music, especially Quan Ho from her hometown.

On social networks, she is affectionately known as "Quan Ho Girl" - a nickname originating from her rustic singing videos in the countryside, by the ditch or vegetable garden... some of which have reached several million views.

Minh Ngoc performs "Send to Quan Ho"

Recently, Minh Ngoc represented Vietnam at the Asian Arts Festival held in Singapore from July 12-19. She participated in the Non-Professional Vocal category and performed the song Gui ve quan ho - composed by musician Duc Mieng.

The emotional performance, combined with innovative costumes made from crow's beak scarves by designer Cao Minh Tien, conquered the international jury and brought home the prestigious Gold Award for Minh Ngoc.

Not only performing, Minh Ngoc also introduces Vietnamese culture to friends around the world. She shared with VietNamNet: "Some Indonesian and Singaporean friends saw me dressed beautifully, asked me and asked me to teach them how to sing Quan Ho. I sat down and taught them each sentence, and they loved it."

Singer Minh Ngoc follows folk music.

Minh Ngoc is currently signed to the Vietnam National Music and Dance Theatre. She said she does not require a high salary, she just needs a traditional orchestra to sing and practice with professional artists. Here, even though she is a young artist, she is still assigned many solo performances, participates in major programs, international exchanges and national events.

Minh Ngoc understands that following folk music, she will not quickly become famous like when singing commercial music: "I have no talent for dancing, nor do I fit into vibrant music. I find myself suited to something more gentle and profound."

In the near future, she will carry out the music project Ngoc Nu - a collection of 6 folk songs from three regions, including ancient quan ho melodies and folk songs from the Central Highlands and mountainous regions.

Minh Ngoc currently lives with her sister in Hanoi, performs about 5-6 times a month and spends the rest of her time studying. Although she has a salary to support herself, Minh Ngoc still maintains a simple lifestyle and does not chase after luxury brands. She said she only has a fabric bracelet - called a peace bracelet - and the money she earns will cover her living expenses and invest in her music products.

Although she had been invited to develop her career in Ho Chi Minh City, Minh Ngoc still chose to stay in Hanoi.

Minh Ngoc currently has more than 100,000 followers on Facebook and more than 200,000 on TikTok - an impressive number for a folk singer. Audiences call her "Quan Ho Jade Lady".

Although she had been invited to develop her career in Ho Chi Minh City, Minh Ngoc still chose to stay in Hanoi, complete her studies and prepare for long-term plans such as studying directing and cultural management.

“I know I won’t become an entertainment star, but I’m happy to sing and be remembered for my own music. It’s okay to be a little slow as long as it’s on the right path,” Minh Ngoc shared.

Photo: NVCC

Captain Luong Nguyet Anh: From Quan Ho singing to a multi-talented female artist wearing a soldier's uniform From a girl singing Quan Ho in Bac Giang who won first prize in the Sao Mai 2011 contest, Luong Nguyet Anh has made constant efforts to become a multi-talented female artist wearing a soldier's uniform.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/ngoc-nu-quan-ho-minh-ngoc-mang-dan-ca-viet-den-san-khau-quoc-te-la-ai-2423555.html