VietNamNet Bridge – This year’s winner of Vietnam Idol will bring home a cash prize of VND600 million instead of VND400 million as in previous years with their music video being shown on MTV Vietnam as well as the channel featuring their image for 12 months.

Singer My Tam (L) will be new judge for Vietnam Idol 2012. (Photo: SGT)
Vietnam’s pop singer My Tam will replace seasoned judge of the three previous seasons of Vietnam Idol, singer Siu Black, to be the sole female judge of this year’s contest with musician Quoc Trung and director Quang Dung. Rising actor Huy Khanh will be the new host replacing MC Phan Anh.

The information was unveiled at the launch of this year’s contest at the Crescent Mall in District 7.

Vietnam Idol 2012 will be expanded to more provinces and cities nationwide including Haiphong, Thanh Hoa, Hue, Nha Trang and Long Xuyen as organizers spread their net a little wider to find a new superstar

If you know a talented singer you can nominate them by sending a link recording their voices to the organizing committee. Three singers will be picked by the judging panel to participate in the contest by this process.

According to Dang Thi Bich Hanh, from BHD – one of the organizers, this year’s contest will focus on quality so contestants will have a tough job being one of the 60 finalists instead of 100 like in previous years. Due to the smaller number, contestants will have more time to practice with experts for their performances.

Would-be singers who are interested can register at the website of Vietnam Idol at www.vietnamidol.vtv.vn or text their information to 8138.

Deadline for applications are July 3, July 10 and July 20 for contestants in Danang City, Hanoi and HCMC respectively.

VietNamNet/SGT