The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports' ban on lip-syncing is not only a move to regulate performing arts but also a necessary requirement for the music market to self-regulate accordingly.
"The Sweet Trap"
In recent years, the music market has seen an increasing number of individuals rise to fame simply after a cover song goes viral on social media, a popular game show, or a carefully planned marketing strategy. This has significantly shortened the path to becoming a singer.
"Promotion technology" is pushed to the maximum, even if the singer's ability may not match their fame. However, fame can become a "sweet trap" for them. Once famous, many only focus on performing to earn money, instead of dedicating time to honing their personal skills. Many understand that their shortcuts cannot bring lasting fame, so they are forced to work even harder.
Observing the Vietnamese music market over the years, we can easily see that lip-syncing or using pre-recorded vocals is not a new phenomenon. In fact, industry insiders have confirmed that this situation has existed for many years, often becoming a focal point of debate within the industry and in the media.

Singers Tung Duong, Isaac, Orange, and Vu Phung Tien performed live in a music show. (Photo: LEON)
Notably, lip-syncing is becoming increasingly blatant due to the leniency of some audiences and the carelessness of some singers. A ban on lip-syncing by regulatory bodies is essential, as anyone can become a singer, even a celebrity, regardless of whether they can sing or not.
At a recent live concert by a famous female singer, thousands of fans cheered for their idol with phrases like, "You're so beautiful!" Many other audience members were disappointed, as they felt that praise should be directed at the singer's voice, not her beauty, when enjoying a live concert. However, this is perhaps all too familiar to many young audiences today, who attend concerts primarily for visual enjoyment rather than music.
Many insiders have commented that numerous singers lack formal training and a solid professional foundation, yet they can still achieve fame through factors such as media, technology, or promotional strategies. "The reality shows that vocal quality – the core element of a singer – has been overlooked. There are cases where singers are very famous, perform captivatingly visually, but their vocal abilities don't match," musician Tiến Luân expressed his frustration.
Redrawing the picture of Vietnamese music
Many singers acknowledge that audiences are becoming increasingly "smarter and more sophisticated," demanding higher quality live performances, from technique to emotion and authenticity.
To maintain a long-term connection with their audience, singers must invest in their talent and identity to deliver authentic performances. "When trust is strengthened, the music market will develop more sustainably, both in terms of quality and cultural value," expressed singer Thien Vuong (a member of the MTV group).
Talented young singers with the right level of professionalism are reshaping the Vietnamese music scene. On April 11th, "Every Day" - buitruonglinh's first live concert - will premiere at the Hoa Binh Theater (Ho Chi Minh City). This program marks buitruonglinh's breakthrough after emerging from the second season of "Anh trai say hi" (Brother Says Hi). Notably, buitruonglinh's debut live concert sold out in just 12 minutes! Taking inspiration from the cycle of the four seasons, "Every Day" is a journey that explores the milestones in buitruonglinh's musical path.
Previously, Rhyder's debut concert "Luminarhy" (April 4th) also sold out before the show even started. Throughout the concert, he sang live, performed dance routines, and even played drums in some segments. The sets were spectacular, well-coordinated, and never felt out of place.
Hoang Dung's recent concert "Spinning Around" in Ho Chi Minh City was also highly praised for its musical quality and the singer's maturity. Besides "Spinning Around," the "J-UNZIP" showcase also left a mark with Jun Pham's transformation and growth in his musical journey. Meanwhile, Phung Khanh Linh's live show "Amidst Ten Thousand People," held over two nights at the Hoa Binh Theater with 4,000 attendees, proved she is shining in the right way...
Returning to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports ' request to ban lip-syncing, this regulation has sparked heated discussions within the Vietnamese music industry. The majority support the ban to honor true artistic value. Singers who can perform live well will have more opportunities to showcase their talent. Those with less established vocal abilities will have to work harder to improve their live singing skills or risk losing their chance to perform on stage.
The decision to ban lip-syncing will necessitate systemic changes aimed at improving quality and delivering genuine musical value to audiences. Experts emphasize that concert organizers must say no to lip-syncing and allocate more time for singers to rehearse thoroughly. Sound quality and performance equipment must also be carefully considered to meet standards that allow singers to showcase their vocal talents.
Public opinion strongly supports the ban on lip-syncing. The hope is that from now on, music programs will always feature live, emotionally charged performances by singers. Singers should also be re-evaluated according to the performance standards of each program. The era of "beauty" has come to an end, making way for talented vocalists to develop their skills.
The Vietnamese music market has been attracting young audiences through music events. Concerts and festivals are held continuously every week and every month. Organizers are becoming increasingly extravagant, and audiences are increasingly willing to spend. However, the quality of the music product remains the most important factor in maintaining a singer's reputation and retaining the audience.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/noi-khong-voi-hat-nhep-19626040920440068.htm








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