Sao Mai 2026: Contestant Đoàn Linh impresses judges with bold musical fusion

During the third liveshow of the Sao Mai 2026 singing competition, themed ‘Tình ca’, contestant Đoàn Linh received significant praise from the judging panel for a high-risk performance. Linh chose to perform ‘Có nợ không duyên’, a new composition by songwriter Hồ Hoài Anh, which was largely unknown to the audience.

Linh’s performance integrated folk elements with electronic music, including a mashup with a segment from the ca trù piece ‘Gửi thư’. Judge Nguyễn Hải Phong noted that the performance was highly immersive, stating that Linh ‘completely lived within the work’. Guest judge Võ Hạ Trâm described the performance style as ‘eerie and enchanting’, while judge Tân Nhàn commended the contestant's boldness in mastering a new song in a short timeframe.

Other contestants in the group, including Mai Thu Hương and Đỗ Hải Đăng, were also recognized by the judges for displaying strong artistic personalities.