YouTube sensation wins Vietnamese version of ‘The Winner Is’

Lan Anh, a student at Ho Chi Minh City Foreign Trade University, beat Nam Huong, a strong opponent, in the September 28 finale to be crowned the champion.

The finale, which took place at Maximart Cong Hoa Stadium, saw the fiery battles between four finalists, Lan Anh, Nam Huong and two established singers Phuong Trinh and Truong The Vinh.

Phuong Trinh is the winner of the 2006 “Ngoi Sao Tieng Hat Truyen Hinh” (Project Superstar) singing contest, which is organized annually by Ho Chi Minh City Television.

According to expert opinions, Nam Huong has a more striking singing voice and better techniques than Lan Anh.

With her cover of “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” posted on YouTube on March 27, 2012 and a catchy mashup, Lan Anh – who is loved for her clear voice and small build – won the majority of 101 jurors’ votes, including the main one.

“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” is a song in the studio album “Stronger” released in 2011 by American pop recording artist Kelly Clarson.

The song is the album's most successful release and Clarkson's most successful single overall, according to Wikipedia.

It topped the charts in the United States, Poland, Denmark, and Slovakia and has attained top-ten positions in over 20 countries around the world, the encyclopedia says.

The “The Winner Is” title earned Lan Anh VND300 million (US$14,120) and a recording contract with Universal Music Group (UMG), one of the largest music corporations in the world.

Hai Chau, the winner of last year’s season, which closed in August 2013, is also a university student.

“The Winner Is” is not the first or only music competition whose prize is a working agreement with American music corporation UMG.

Other contests including “Sao Mai Diem Hen” (a Vietnamese singing competition) and “Vietnam Idol” – the Vietnamese version of “American Idol” – also gave a similar contract as the grand prize in the past.

However, 21-year-old Chau is the first contestant and singer to accept the prize, as the winners of other contests often collaborate with their own team instead of UMG.