HCM CITY — Vietnam Idol, the music talent-scouting show based on the world-famous format Pop Idol, will be auditioning again after one year of absence, beginning at the end of June. The auditions will take place in Da Nang on June 27-29; Ha Noi on July 3-7; Can Tho on July 13-15; and HCM City on July 21-25.
Candidates aged 16 to 30 are eligible to compete in the auditions.
The winner of Vietnam Idol will receive an award of US$20,000 and a year-long contract to promote their image in the media.
The auditions will select 100 contestants who will train together and perform in rounds of competition in HCM City.
One member of the three-member jury has already been appointed, singer Siu Black, who was a judge in 2007 and 2008.
"Members of the jury are crucial to the show's success," organisers told a press briefing. "Not only are they authorities in music, but they can also supplement each other to offer a wide range of opinions."
The shows will be aired live on national television's youth channel, VTV6, beginning on August 21. For the previous two seasons, the show aired on HCM City Television's HTV7.
To ensure the quality of contestants, the organisers will arrange trips to remote areas to search for unknown talent, who may be unaware of the contest or who find it difficult to take part because of the need for long-distance travel.
The first audition will take place in the Central Highlands province of Dac Lac.
Vietnam Idol hit local TV for the first time in 2008 and quickly became a hit among young viewers.
The first idol, Phuong Vy, emerged from the competition as a popular singer. — VNS