Thu Minh (R) and My Le partnered up to expand their careers

Collaboration is key for many local singers looking to broaden their fan base and liven up their careers.

In a interview with Thanh Nien Daily earlier this month, Phuong Vy, winner of Vietnam Idol 2007, unveiled she was going to team up with fellow pop icon Le Hieu on an upcoming album to be released at the beginning of next year.

The pair, who have both signed exclusive contracts with Music Faces Entertainment J.S.C., hope to gain new fans by singing several duets together.

In addition, the joint album and upcoming concerts are hoped to cost less money to produce as both singers can be promoted simultaneously.

Partnering with celebrities

Singers Thu Minh and My Le were determined to improve their reputation by holding two live shows during “Diva’s Night” in Ho Chi Minh City last weekend.

After a three-year break to get married and have children, Le chose to partner with Minh, which was considered a wise pairing as Minh is now among the hottest contemporary performers in the country.

But the move was advantageous for Minh as well. The two have shown great ambition and their show was warmly received. Many came to see Le after her long hiatus away from the stage, while others were curious to see how Minh and Le would perform together.

Minh said she believes the term “diva” now fits her perfectly.

“I think my ability, look and personality combine to create what many would call a ‘diva,’ which is the purpose of my career. I have been trying my best,” she said.

Regarding her new partnership with Le, Minh said, “Le and I shared the same starting point. We became successful based on our efforts and without any sponsorship compared to many young singers now. Though we neither look as stunning nor dance as well as they do, we believe our voice, performing skills and dignity make us stand out.”

Last year, the cooperation between Quang Dung and Hong Nhung was another success that paved the way for many others to follow.

Dung and Nhung are both famous for their elegant pop style and for their performances of revered Trinh Cong Son’s music.

Their album Vi ta can nhau (Because we need each other) and dynamic live show revealed a winning combination that led each star to greater success than they could have attained alone.

When asked why he didn’t choose any of his female counterparts who had performed duets with him on the album Em (My lover), released at the beginning of 2006, Dung said, “Nhung and I have our own solo careers but we share the same music passion for semi-classics and moreover, we have been close friends for a long time.”

“Our duet project was an initiative to become new and more attractive in the eyes of our loyal fans,” he added. “I think a music piece expressed in two different souls and singing voices is always a good idea.

“I knew there had been gossip as well as bad comments about our cooperation before our live show and album were released, which caused greater pressure and challenges for us. Eventually though, our project was well worth the trouble. Our audiences supported us and praised our performances,” Dung said.

Nhung added, “Both of us have already established our names and status in the music sector. There’s no point in saying we took advantage of one another to be more famous. We just want to be innovative and find inspiration in our careers.

“I wonder why people often think singers have to team up simply because their style has become old and that they don’t have anything to offer audiences,” said Nhung.

Reported by Hong Quan