# Sao Mai 2026 singing competition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sao-mai-2026-singing-competition
> Updated: 2026-10-19T00:52:13.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

The Sao Mai 2026 singing competition commenced its final round following a nationwide selection process. The competition features 16 contestants and a judging panel including People's Artist Tấn Minh, Associate Professor Dr. Tân Nhàn, and music producer Nguyễn Hải Phong, supplemented by weekly guest judges.

As the competition progressed to its third liveshow, themed ‘Tình ca’ (Love Songs), contestants began performing diverse musical styles. Performances ranged from traditional folk music combined with EDM to Latin-style arrangements and modern electronic versions of classic songs. Judges provided feedback on contestants' ability to balance modern vocal styles with deep musical study and traditional roots.

During this third liveshow, contestant Đoàn Linh received significant praise for a high-risk performance of ‘Có nợ không duyên’, a new composition by songwriter Hồ Hoài Anh. 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 the performance was highly immersive, stating that Linh ‘completely lived within the work’. Guest judge Võ Hạ Trâm described the style as ‘eerie and enchanting’, while judge Tân Nhàn commended the boldness required to master a new song in a short timeframe. Other contestants, such as Mai Thu Hương and Đỗ Hải Đăng, were also recognized for displaying strong artistic personalities.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Sao Mai 2026: Contestant Đoàn Linh impresses judges with bold musical fusion

Contestant Đoàn Linh earned praise from judges at the Sao Mai 2026 singing competition for a bold performance of a new song, blending electronic music with traditional folk elements.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sao-mai-2026-contestant-on-linh-impresses-judges-with-bold-musical-fusion

### 2026-10-16: Sao Mai 2026 prepares for third liveshow themed Love Songs

Contestants in the Sao Mai 2026 singing competition prepare for Liveshow 3, featuring diverse musical styles from EDM-folk fusion to Latin arrangements and emotional ballads.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sao-mai-2026-prepares-for-third-liveshow-themed-love-songs

### 2026-09-24: Sao Mai 2026 announces final round judges and contestants

The ‘Sao Mai 2026’ singing competition final round features a jury including Tấn Minh, Tân Nhàn, and Nguyễn Hải Phong, focusing on blending traditional Vietnamese music with modern artistry.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sao-mai-2026-announces-final-round-judges-and-contestants

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Cite as: Sao Mai 2026 singing competition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sao-mai-2026-singing-competition