Beijing [China], June 21: Vietnamese singer-songwriter Trang Phap has secured a place in the grand finale of Ride the Wind 2026 (Đạp gio 2026) after delivering one of the strongest performances in the show's fifth performance round. The results, announced on June 20, saw the top five rankings go to Zeng Peici, Zhang Yue, Wang Meng, Sun Yi, and Xiao Qiang.
Leading a Challenging Team
For this stage, Trang Phap served as team captain, leading a group that included An Qi, Wen Zhengrong, and Xiao Qiang. The lineup posed a challenge, as only An Qi is a professional singer, while the others are primarily actresses with limited experience in singing and dancing.
Interestingly, Xiao Qiang had previously competed against Trang Phap during the first performance round. As teammates, however, she became an important support system, helping with communication, translation, and team coordination.
Choosing a Strong Opponent
As captain, Trang Phap had the right to choose her rival team. Rather than opting for a safer matchup, she selected the team led by Dan Dan, known for its strong stage presence. The Vietnamese star explained that she wanted a balanced and exciting battle instead of seeking an easy advantage.
Powerful Performance of "Ego Holic"
Trang Phap's team performed "Ego Holic," a popular hit by Jolin Tsai. The song is widely regarded as a demanding stage piece, requiring a combination of live vocals, choreography, and commanding performance skills.
A standout feature of the act was the specially created X-part, which Trang Phap helped design. Every team member contributed their own rap section to showcase their individual style.
One lyric that quickly went viral was Trang Phap's Vietnamese rap line: "Toi sớm đa la quan quân" ("I was already a champion"). Many viewers interpreted it as a statement of confidence and determination after her long journey on the international stage.
Another emotional moment came when the team collectively shouted "Jiāyou" (Keep going!), symbolizing unity among members from different cultural backgrounds.
Highest Score of the Night
The performance earned 884 points, the highest score of the second competition night of Performance Round 5. Teammate An Qi also won her individual battle, helping the team achieve an almost flawless result and securing Trang Phap's direct path to the finale.
Bringing a Taste of Vietnam to the Show
Beyond the competition, Trang Phap gained attention during a segment where contestants introduced specialties from their hometowns. While many participants presented regional Chinese products, she chose kẹo lạc (Vietnamese peanut candy), a simple yet beloved traditional snack.
The singer introduced the treat in Vietnamese, English, and Chinese, while inviting international friends to visit Vietnam. The gesture was widely praised by viewers as a proud representation of Vietnamese culture.
Trang Phap has repeatedly stated that, even while working internationally, she hopes to promote Vietnam's image and culture to audiences across the region.
According to reports, the live grand finale of Ride the Wind 2026 will air on June 27 at 7:30 p.m. local time, with no audio editing or post-production adjustments, making it a fully live competition.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
