Funny backstage antics from some of this year’s Vietnam Idol contestants.

From the sublime to the ridiculous, Vietnam Idol is one of the nation’s most popular television shows.

The essence of this reality show is youth and free expression. Contestants perform in front of the jury and the camera while the public decide on the winner. The first Vietnam Idol version in 2007 received mixed feedback from the viewers, but love it or hate it, it still got the highest ratings.

What makes someone an “Idol” is how much support they get from the “people” through text messages, ratings and advertising sponsorships. The interactive technology via mobile networks plays an essential role, but in the first Vietnam Idol, there was a mix up with the results. The show lost some of the public’s trust but the producer and organization board hope this season will restore it.

Put yourself on the line

Winning over the crowd is the goal of both contestants and the jury, and here is the most interesting part of the show. Even the most ridiculous antics can earn the jury’s votes. The audition round is familiar to almost every Vietnamese family. “We like to watch Vietnam Idol for its reality and fun. I record each program and use the recordings to bribe my little grandchildren to eat,” Hanoi Idol fan, Le Huu Son said.

Compared to some of last year’s hilarious performances of cai luong (southern Vietnamese opera), martial arts or skits in Vietnam Idol 2007, the contestants this year seem to be better prepared.

“They rarely forget the lyrics or do something silly, so it’s not as funny as last year. But the way they are creating themselves is very satisfying,” said singer Siu Black, a member of the jury.

The professional staff including the foreign stylist and choreography consultants like Nenny Puspitawati, and John Huy Tran have added to the show. The changes – in the MC, from singer Nguyen Vu to composer/singer Sy Luan, and the jury, from composer Ha Dung and Tuan Khanh to composer Ho Hoai Anh and saxophonist Tran Manh Tuan – have also given Vietnam Idol 2008 new vitality.

“The jury’s remarks seem to be gentle, not intended to shock or be too blunt. It’s easy to understand the difference from American Idol, which draws the viewers’ attention by stirring contestant’s bile, with Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson’s comments. But the most important thing is to make the right comments at the right time,” said Thu Ha, one of Vietnam Idol’s finalists.

This year’s judges, however, especially Ho Hoai Anh, have been blamed by the public for cruel and hurtful comments. Some audiences preferred composer Tuan Khanh, a judge on last year’s jury.

“Khanh’s style was more humorous and entertaining,” an audience member said.

According to Brand channel, a US television rating service, American Idol got more votes than the presidential election. If American Idol has made many dreams come true and given showbiz talented stars, such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken or Jennifer Hudson, so has Vietnam Idol. The first winner of Vietnam Idol, Phuong Vy, has released two albums and taken part in the Asian Idol festival. But it’s true to say, Vietnamese contestants still have a way to go to catch up with Idols in other countries.

Vietnam is a little bit slower than other Asian nations to catch Idol fever, but time is not the point. Idol competitions in Asia are really different from the West and different in each country. For example, Indian Idol has the tag “Forget everything,” meaning the show is so fantastic that you’ll forget everything else: “This is not just about who sings best. It is about who makes the nation sing.” The Philippine Idol is intent on finding “The National Singer,” with the motto “building distinct and alternative content that is edgy, even iconic,” ABC-5 network said.

The remaining 2008 Idol contestants have only one thing on their mind - to become the new Vietnam Idol. “Vietnam Idol is really a wonderful experience and a step closer to my singing dream. I have grown up round by round, and the happiest thing is that the audience appreciates me,” Quoc Thien, one of the contestants who survived the fourth round said.

On Wednesday, Vietnam Idol will start the fifth round with some up-tempo songs from four female and two male wanna-be-Idols.

The contest will wrap up in January.

Reported by Kim