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HCM CITY (VNS)— The fifth season of the reality show Vietnam Idol will air on VTV3 at 8pm tomorrow.

The first episode will feature "colourful and emotional images" of the audition round that was held in Ha Noi.

This year's contest has a new format, the organiser said at a press conference.

Ha Noi–based musician Anh Quan is the new judge, along with film director Nguyen Quang Dung and pop singer My Tam.

Besides changing the broadcast from Friday to Sunday, the revamped Idol show allowed contestants to send a videotape of their singing to the Facebook page of judge Nguyen Quang Dung. Organisers said these video clips were used as substitutes for live auditions.

Of the total Facebook recipients, eight contestants were chosen, and another 64 were selected from nationwide audition rounds.

Of the 72 contestants in the theatre round, 48 were eliminated during the "microphone challenge", and 12 were then ruled out singing during the "piano challenge".

The remaining 12 contestants will compete in the studio round for nine slots (not 10 as in previous seasons). This will allow them to enter the gala round to be broadcast live on VTV3.

After each show, TV audiences will vote for their favourite contestants, while the jury will have one opportunity to "save" a favourite singer, if necessary. The contest's winner will receive VND600 million in cash.

Debuting in Viet Nam in 2007, Vietnam Idol has become one of the country's five favourite reality shows.

It has helped launch the careers of Phuong Vy, Tra My, Thao Trang, Quoc Thien, Uyen Linh, Van Mai Huong, Hoang Quyen, Ya Suy and Bao Tram. — VNS