Sunday, September 7, 2008

Fan-favorite singers headline football championship

The first time that Thanh Nien invited celebrated singers to perform at its under-21 football event five years ago, the audience in An Giang Province’s Long Xuyen Town was enthralled with the sets.

The organizing board for the event now has decided that singers should become a fixture at the annual championship.

Singers, who are also enthusiastic football fans, have been eager to sing at Thanh Nien’s championship event. Famous pop stars such as Lam Truong, Siu Black, Dam Vinh Hung, My Tam and Ho Quynh Huong have charged up the atmosphere in the past.

Since the scale of the event has expanded to several Asian countries since last year, singers are even more enthusiastic toparticipate in the event.

Singer Ngoc Son, who joined his colleagues in dazzling fans at last year’s championship, is a hardcore football fan. He will appear once again to croon at this year’s event.

This year’s national championship in central Binh Dinh Province and the 2nd Thanh Nien U.21 International Football Cup will once again be headlined by famous singers. Pop favorites Doan Trang, Thu Minh, Nguyen Vu, Kasim Hoang Vu, Minh Thu and Phuong Vy will all appear at tournament games.

Although he was informed on short notice, much-loved singer Quang Dung instantly accepted the offer to sing in Binh Dinh, his hometown, without even inquiring how much he would earn for the performance.

Up-and-coming vocalist Han Thai Tu said after last year’s tournament held in central Khanh Hoa Province that he had hoped to have other opportunities to sing at Thanh Nien’s sporting events. His wish came true this year as he joined other singers in belting out a memorable performance at the opening game last Thursday. Among this year’s star-studded lineup is high-profile singer Thuy Lam, the reigning Miss Universe Vietnam.

Lam will appear at the opening game of Thanh Nien’s U.21 International Football Cup to be held on September 20 in the imperial capital of Hue.

The invitation came as a surprise for Lam, who grabbed the opportunity immediately. She said she would give her best effort, though performing in a large stadium is much more difficult than performing onstage.

Songstress Doan Trang also expressed her joy in attending the event.

“I’m pretty busy right now preparing my English album set to come out soon,” she said. “But when I was invited by Thanh Nien, I put off other plans and accepted the offer right away. I really can’t wait to perform for spectators at the U.21 International Football Cup in Hue.”