Ha Quynh Nhu: From "folk song girl" to winner of The Voice Kids Vietnam

Overcoming adversity

Quynh Nhu loved singing from a young age and was nurtured by the sweet melodies of folk songs from her homeland. At the age of 5, she sang "A Heartfelt Song of Ha Tinh" to the surprise and admiration of many. Over time, Nhu's soulful voice spread further through school performances and local competitions. In 2017, she boldly registered to participate in the "Future Idol" program on HTV7, officially entering major music competitions.

Young folk singer Ha Quynh Nhu in her early days participating in the "Future Idol 2017" competition. Photo: Huy Thu

Due to her family circumstances, Quynh Nhu's path to music wasn't easy. Coming from a rural village, this "folk song girl" joined "Future Idol" by chance. She entered the competition relying on her natural talent – ​​a gentle, expressive folk singing voice that hadn't been honed much or been used to large stages.

Quynh Nhu's greatest advantage is probably the unwavering support and encouragement she receives from her parents. Despite their impoverished circumstances, Nguyen Thi Huong and Ha Van Y decided to put aside their work at An Mo market – their main source of income – and their small plot of land to support their daughter in competitions. "Even if we have to borrow money, we'll let her compete, to test her abilities," Mrs. Huong affirmed. For the past two years, Mr. Y has worked as a construction worker to earn money for his daughter's travel expenses, while Mrs. Huong has been by her side on her flights.

The winner of The Voice Kids Vietnam 2018, Ha Quynh Nhu. Photo: Provided by the artist.

Recalling the first time she took her daughter to Ho Chi Minh City to participate in a singing competition, Ms. Huong said: "After finishing building the house, the family was heavily in debt, so when my daughter and I set off for the South, many people thought we were 'going to escape debt,' and the rumors spread throughout the region. Only when the first round of the 'Future Idol' program aired on television did people believe that Quynh Nhu was actually competing."

That time, Huong borrowed 5 million dong from her relatives, thinking she would have some left over if she traveled south by car. However, Quynh Nhu got motion sickness, so they had to fly. Upon arriving at Tan Son Nhat airport, she only had 370,000 dong left for miscellaneous expenses. Luckily, relatives in the South gave her a place to stay, so she didn't have to spend any money on food and lodging.

Ha Quynh Nhu's joy on the stage of The Voice Kids Vietnam 2018. Photo: Provided by the artist.

During the two competitions, "Future Idol 2017" and "The Voice Kids Vietnam 2018," Ms. Huong and her daughter took around 26 flights from Nghe An to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The initial awkwardness of being "from the countryside to the city" gradually faded. While waiting for her daughter at the competition rounds, she also worked washing dishes at a restaurant near their accommodation to earn extra money for the two of them.

For Nhu, her mother is not only the one who takes care of her meals and sleep at home, but also a companion who shares her joys and sorrows during competitions. There were times when she was sick, lost her voice, or felt exhausted…when she almost gave up, but she still persevered for her passion and the expectations and hopes of her family.

Quynh Nhu's parents wholeheartedly support their daughter in music competitions. Photo: Huy Thu

Let the song fly far.

On the "Future Idol" stage, with her gentle, expressive, and captivating voice, and her renditions of folk songs, Quynh Nhu gradually gained the attention and affection of the audience. From her first song, "Come Back to Ha Tinh, My Dear," to her last song, "Homeland's Words," this young girl with a distinctly Central Vietnamese style truly left a deep impression on everyone.

Concluding the competition in mid-July 2017, Ha Quynh Nhu was honored to win third prize, marking an important milestone in her musical journey. After this competition, the "folk song girl's" performance schedule became busier, and she embarked on many trips, bringing folk songs to all corners of the country.

Ha Quynh Nhu performs at a charity concert. Photo: Huy Thu

Recently, the "million-view girl" reappeared on VTV3's "The Voice Kids Vietnam 2018" with a diverse and versatile style across various musical genres. Right from the first "Blind Audition" round, Ha Quynh Nhu captivated the stage with an English song. Subsequently, in the "Battle Rounds," "Minishow," "Performance Rounds," and "Semifinals," she brought audiences a range of emotions, from the folk melodies of Northwest, Central Highlands, and Southern Vietnam to youthful and modern tunes.

With her powerful voice, skillful technique, large fan base, and the highest number of votes, Ha Quynh Nhu excellently won the title of Champion of The Voice Kids Vietnam 2018.

The joy of the winner of The Voice Kids Vietnam 2018 as she participates in charitable programs in her hometown. Photo: Huy Thu

From a "folk music girl" with innate talent and tireless hard work, Ha Quynh Nhu has gradually achieved remarkable success on her musical journey, creating a new and proud image in the Vietnamese music scene, a source of pride for the people of Nghe An province.

Besides singing, Nhu is also an all-around excellent student, having achieved the title of outstanding student in Mathematics and English at the district level for many years. Even more commendable, over the years, Quynh Nhu has actively participated in charitable activities both within and outside the province, contributing her singing and resources to charity concerts to raise funds to help the poor in various localities.

Sharing her joy at the beginning of the new year, the winner of The Voice Kids Vietnam said: “After each competition, I focus on my studies. No matter what, I am still passionate about singing and pursuing my dream of becoming a folk singer.”

We wish this bright and talented girl from the rice-growing region even more success in her musical and academic pursuits.

Huy Thu