Vietnam Idol's new season will begin in the central coastal city of Da Nang on March 20, in which contestants between the ages of 16 and 30 will participate.

Vietnamese-German Trong Hieu becomes musical idol in Viet Nam last year. — Photo kenh14.vn

Auditions will be also held in Ha Noi on March 27 and 28 and in HCM City on April 4 and 5. None of the contestants have ever taken part in a singing competition. The winners of the auditions will meet the jury members in Ha Noi on April 11 and 12, and in HCM City on April 18 and 19.

Launched in Viet Nam in 2007, the Vietnamese version of the American television show American Idol has grown into one of the country's most popular singing contests.

Previous Viet Nam Idol winners such as Phuong Vy (2007), Uyen Linh (2009) and Nhat Thuy (2014) have become popular. They have become successful in their careers and have made remarkable contribution to the music scene in Viet Nam.

Last season's winner was Vietnamese-German youth Trong Hieu. The 23-year-old won over the audience not only with his smooth vocals, but also attractive dancing. Along with the title, Hieu won a VND600-million (US$27,000) cash prize.

Hieu showed great passion for music from a very young age and attended several music shows in Germany. He was among the top 25 of the German Idol contest in 2008.

The final round of Viet Nam Idol's season 7 will be aired on Viet Nam Television's Channel 3 at the end of May.

The contest organisers are considering to include two pop A-list singers My Tam and Thu Minh in the jury this season. My Tam was a judge in seasons 4 and 5 and Thu Minh replaced her in season 6. Both were highly appreciated by professionals and the audience. 

VNS