Hanoi [Vietnam], April 8: After winning the 'Ultimate Kids' Duet' competition, Tan Bao did not choose to immediately pursue a professional artistic career. Instead, Dam Vinh Hung's adopted son decided to focus on his academic studies, while simultaneously studying vocal music at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music.
Prioritize education, nurture a passion for music.
Tan Bao, born in 2006, is from Hai Duong (now part of Hai Phong City) and became known to the audience through his participation in the program. The 2018 Ultimate Kids Duet competition. At that time, he was in the team of coaches Oc Thanh Van and Duong Trieu Vu, impressing with his Northern accent but also performing folk and bolero songs sweetly and emotionally. In the final night, two pairs of contestants, Nhat Duy - Tan Bao and Khanh Linh - Minh Ngoc, shared the championship title. In addition, Tan Bao was also awarded the Best Solo Performance prize. After the competition, the 12-year-old boy was adopted by singer Dam Vinh Hung , who provided him with opportunities to study and develop in Ho Chi Minh City.
Speaking to Thanh Nien newspaper, Tan Bao said he is currently studying simultaneously at Hong Bang International University and the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music. After participating in the 2018 Junior Duet Singing Competition , the male singer decided that he needed to prioritize his studies, cultivate his cultural knowledge, and build a solid foundation before thinking about a long-term artistic journey. He believes that thorough preparation will help him be more proactive and persistent on his path ahead.
Speaking about his decision to study International Relations, Tan Bao shared that it was a choice he desired, with the support of his family. The singer, born in 2006, had previously wondered whether he would continue to pursue a long-term career in the arts. Therefore, studying another field is seen as a way for Tan Bao to equip himself with additional skills, thinking abilities, and future career opportunities. However, music has never left the young man's life. Occasionally, he still participates in school art programs and singing activities to nurture his passion.
Tan Bao said that his friends all know he was the champion of the 2018 Junior Duet Singing Competition . However, as he went through puberty, his singing voice changed, causing him to feel insecure and avoid talking about the past. Over time, he learned to see it as a beautiful memory, a proud achievement in his journey to adulthood.
Pursuing folk and bolero music genres.
Recently, Tan Bao attracted attention for his performance of the song "Em di tren co non" (I Walk on the Green Grass ), which garnered millions of listens on TikTok. Many viewers recognized him as the boy from the competition years ago and praised his increasingly sweet and emotional voice. The male singer said he received much encouragement to continue pursuing folk and bolero music, so he is now more proactive in showcasing his talents. "I've always loved and wanted to stick with those genres. Perhaps the fact that I speak with a Northern accent but can sing folk and bolero is a special quality that draws the audience's attention," he shared.
When asked if he ever regretted not pursuing a singing career immediately after winning the competition, Tan Bao frankly stated that he hadn't thought that far ahead at the time. Looking back, the singer believes that the decision to focus on his studies was the right one, as it provided him with a good training environment and allowed him to meet important mentors on his journey to maturity. Among them is singer Dam Vinh Hung , who adopted Tan Bao and closely supported him in his early stages. Tan Bao said that the two used to communicate frequently, discussing academic and artistic direction. However, recently he has deliberately reduced contact because he understands that his adoptive father is busy with his family and personal work.
Regarding student life in Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Bao said he learned to balance his expenses and become more independent in a dynamic and competitive environment. He revealed that his main source of financial support still comes from his family, but he also takes advantage of opportunities to sing to earn extra income and gain stage experience. At the moment, Tan Bao is not in a hurry to outline a specific plan for his artistic career after graduation. "I think I need to dedicate time to studying, improving my knowledge and skills. For me, no matter how much I learn, it's never too much; the more I learn and improve, the more I progress," the male singer expressed.
Source: Thanh Nein Newspaper
