In the latest episode announcing the finalists, broadcast on Thursday night, the jury spoke highly of the 25-year-old girl from Hanoi, due to her effort during the competition.

“The thing that surprises me is not your voice, it’s your effort. Your singing is not absolutely excellent, but your effort makes us want to see how you can improve,” judge My Tam commented.

After that, the second judge, film director Nguyen Quang Dung went straight to the point by questioning if Giang had auditioned for Vietnam Idol before. After a few tentative seconds, the contestant admitted that she previously took part in the competition under a male name, Nguyen Ngoc Hieu.

“I really appreciate young people who dare to be true to themselves and other people. Whatever you do, you take responsibility for it,” the film director said.

The jury also didn’t forget to ask why the young girl decided to make such a big change to her life.

“I’ve got passion for singing and every single change in my life is for art. I didn’t change to win love or any kind of happiness,” Giang replied. “I think this is the real me and I have to change to be myself onstage.”

Giang hugs judge My Tam after knowign she's sent to the next round. Photo: 2sao.vn

After the answer, the three judges expressed their admiration of the young girl, who has been so brave to be herself.

“Since you once joined this competition, I feel more admiration for you because you were not good in the previous contest. And with such a change, from appearance to voice, I think you did a thing that not everyone can do,” judge Quang Dung said.

“I know you had been afraid of revealing something true about yourself, but we all respect the truth and see no reason for you to avoid the path that you’ve chosen,” he added.

The third judge, musician Quoc Trung also agreed that Giang’s voice isn’t very good, but he admitted that he can see the fire in her before the whole jury agreed to send her to the next round.

Source: Tuoitrenews