Singer Phương Mỹ Chi. Photo 24h.com.vn

Phương Mỹ Chi placed third at the music show Sing!Asia, which took place in China featuring musicians from all over Asia.

Chi joined the music industry in 2013 after finishing as runner-up in the first season of The Voice Kids of Vietnam, a reality television singing competition for children aged six to 14, based on the concept of The Voice Kids of Holland. The Phụ Nữ TP Hồ Chí Minh (HCM City Women) newspaper spoke to Chi about her experience.

Are you satisfied with your journey in Sing!Asia?

It was fun to take part in Sing! Asia. I am happy and proud of it. I feel that what I have experienced in the show is very worthwhile. I'm happy not only because of the result but also the love from the audience.

Some of the audience felt sorry for me when I came in third, only 0.8 points behind second place. But I think that if I came second, the expectations and comparisons would continue.

In any journey, if I always think about the result and push myself to achieve it, I probably can't enjoy it while it happens.

My original goal when I came to Sing! Asia was to share the beauty of Việt Nam through music, fashion and personality. So, seeing that my goal was partly achieved, I was satisfied with what I had shown.

You had high positions through the rounds at the show, and the audience expected you would be the winner. How do you feel about finishing third?

I understand the audience's expectation. On the final night, I performed more relaxed because I wanted to enjoy performing on the stage.

People think that I cried backstage because I regretted but it was not. I was sad that I finished in third place and I didn't have the chance to perform the final song with the traditional music band.

I cannot forget the image of the band members who are ready for my performance. The feeling of not being able to sing the last song is what haunts me the most.

What was it like behind-the-scenes?

My journey in the show was, of course, colourful. Besides my moment of "ecstasy" on stage, there are also tense and difficult moments backstage. The show was in China, so there was a language barrier for me. This was the first time I worked with the show's crew, so it was difficult to understand each other. I think that we need more time to get acquainted.

When I sang with a live band, I had trouble with the arrangement that was prepared. Of course, I felt frustrated because many things did not go as I wanted.

The motivation that helps me overcome is the audience at home. Before going on stage or finishing a performance, I always think about them and wonder what they think of my performance. In a strange place, I always look for faith and support from my homeland.

You are among a few singers who sing songs that combine folk and modern music. What motivates you to sing these songs?

If you feel happy with the path you are on, then it is the right path. Right now, I'm enjoying my artistic journey. It's truly magical. All the pressure is gone after I finish singing a song on stage. I know that every sentence, every word, every melody I sing will be received by the audience, so I want to convey the best and most positive things.

I always want to combine tradition and modernity. As I once said, the audience is the one who guides me on the journey I have gone through. If I had not received support from the audience at the beginning of my career, I would not have been able to go far in my path.

I will listen to the audience to know when they want me to change or renew and when I should keep the colour in my music.

You have collaborated with DTAP producers for years and you have gained success. Could you tell us about this cooperation?

From the first days of working together, I have always been respected, and the producers listen to my opinion.

We work smoothly and we have the same love for folk music. We have an ambition to preserve the beautiful values of traditional culture.

Before participating in Sing! Asia, I felt proud of Vietnamese traditional music and the cultural and spiritual values that have been preserved over the years.

How do you solve the difficulties?

When I have a problem, I will solve it immediately. Sometimes I ask if something goes wrong on stage, how will I solve it?

There was a slight problem in the song Drunken Sound performed in the final. I was not satisfied with the fan dance and felt quite embarrassed. Before the performance, we had to change the costumes and I would sing without choreography. Last-minute changes always make people feel uneasy and the results are not as I expected. This is also a lesson for me. VNS