HCM CITY — Hồ Văn Cường won first prize at the first Vietnam Idol Kids music talent competition, which is designed for youngsters aged between five and 13, on Sunday.

The 13-year-old folk singer from Tiền Giang Province beat three contenders, winning more than 200,000 audience votes, 59.2 per cent of the total submitted.

Cường won support from judges and audiences for his sweet singing style. He performed two folk songs: Còn thương rau đắng mọc sau hè (Still Loving Bitter Herbs Raised Behind the House) and Bà Năm (An Elderly Woman).

Singers and judges, Tóc Tiên and Văn Mai Hương, and members of the audience, were moved to tears after his performance.

“His voice touched me deeply,” said singer Văn Mai Hương, one of the judges.

Singer Isaac praised Cường for his beautiful voice, saying it was particularly suited for folk songs.

To earn money for school, Cường has performed folk songs at wedding parties. He plans to use some of the VNĐ200 million (US$8,900) prize money to pay school fees.

The finale showcased performances of the top four finalists.

The first runner-up was Nguyễn Phạm Bảo Trân who performed Con cò (Stork) and Born This Way by Lady Gaga. She received 23.7 per cent of the audience vote.

“I cannot believe that a nine-year-old was able to sing so beautifully. You were born to be a superstar,” said singer Tóc Tiên, one of the judges.  

Jayden Jayden Trịnh Jesudhass, 11 and Lương Gia Khiêm, 10. were the second runner-ups.

Jayden, who is from New Zealand, impressed the judges and audience by playing the đàn nhị (two-chord fiddle) for his performance of Quê Hương (Homeland) and the song We Are the World.

Gia Khiêm sang Bang Bang Bang by South Korean K-pop group Big Bang and À ơi (Lullaby). — VNS