Hong Loan's foray into singing sparks controversy; is Vu Linh's shadow too big?

The fact that Hong Loan, Vu Linh's adopted daughter, has taken to the stage as a singer has divided public opinion. Alongside sympathy, many believe that her voice is not yet convincing enough for professional performance.

Following the death of artist Vu Linh, the name Hong Loan – his adopted daughter – has been mentioned more frequently by the public through her sharing about her personal life and activities commemorating her extraordinary father. No longer appearing alone on social media, Hong Loan has recently begun to take to the stage, trying her hand at singing at some tea rooms, small events, and fairground stages. This shift quickly became a topic of debate on many social media platforms.

According to reports, Hong Loan usually performs in the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City, mainly at fairs, lottery events, and community programs. The songs she performs are mostly familiar tunes with easy-to-listen melodies and moderate tempos, not requiring advanced vocal technique. This is considered a suitable choice for her current abilities. However, when many performance clips were recorded and widely circulated by viewers, especially those from the "Tu Tinh Phuong Nam 3" program, a wave of controversy began to emerge.

Many believe that Hong Loan did not come from a professional singing training environment, and therefore her vocal technique is limited. In some clips, she has been criticized for running out of breath, not staying in rhythm, handling songs awkwardly, and lacking stage presence. Some viewers even frankly stated that Hong Loan's voice is more suitable for singing for entertainment within a family and friend circle than for performing on stage in front of a large audience.

Furthermore, many believe that without her special connection to artist Vu Linh, Hong Loan's singing career might not have received as much attention as it has today. Her frequent performance invitations have also led to questions about the impact of her fame on the late artist's name. Additionally, on many promotional posters, Hong Loan's name is often accompanied by the phrase "Vu Linh's daughter" or she is referred to as an "artist." This has also generated controversy, as many viewers believe the title "artist" should be associated with a long career and significant contributions to the arts, whereas Hong Loan has only performed at a few fairground stages.

Conversely, many viewers expressed sympathy and argued that trying one's hand at singing is a personal right. They believe Hong Loan is in the early stages and has plenty of time to learn and hone her skills. If she is serious about this path, receiving feedback, corrections, and improvement is necessary, rather than harsh criticism. Some also emphasized that Hong Loan is not comparing herself to big names, but is simply seeking opportunities to work and stabilize her life.

Regarding her decision to switch to singing, Hong Loan once shared that coming to music was very natural. She started out of love for it and a desire to have a new direction for herself. Hong Loan also clarified: "I don't aim to become a star. I just see singing as a job to challenge myself and to support myself."

However, given that Hong Loan's name is closely associated with artist Vu Linh – a major icon of Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) – every move she makes easily becomes the focus of public attention. The controversy therefore stems not only from her singing skills but also from the expectations, emotions, and affection that the audience has for the late artist. This is the invisible pressure that Hong Loan faces when choosing to step onto the stage as a performer.

Bich Tram, dressed in traditional Vietnamese costume, "mocked" Hong Loan, spending money to make a film that subtly mocked her opponent. Đình Như16:56:51 19/01/2026Hong Loan attracted attention by showcasing her singing and dancing skills in the Ho Quang style, a genre once associated with the late artist Vu Linh. On stage, she wore traditional attire, maintained a dignified demeanor, and performed the characteristic movements of this theatrical art form.