Ung Hoang Phuc and Thanh Thao accused of being "out of sync" in the 2026 Tet music race?

The 2026 Lunar New Year music market is vibrant but also full of controversy, with Ung Hoang Phuc and Thanh Thao being criticized for choosing a safe, uninnovative approach. Meanwhile, a series of music videos featuring brand collaborations are making a strong breakthrough.

Every year-end, the Tet music market becomes a vibrant "battleground," where artists continuously release new products to capture the audience's attention. However, not every comeback receives positive feedback. The 2026 Tet season is witnessing mixed opinions surrounding two familiar names in Vpop: Ung Hoang Phuc and Thanh Thao.

Joining the Lunar New Year music race this year, Ung Hoang Phuc released the song " Tet is Home, Home is Tet" . Immediately after its release on TikTok, the product quickly attracted many comments and debates. Many people felt the arrangement lacked climax, the mix was rather monotonous, and there wasn't a strong enough hook to create a viral effect. The visuals in the music video were also criticized as simple, with repetitive settings and a staging that reminded many viewers of karaoke videos from previous years.

Meanwhile, Thanh Thảo opted for a safe approach by covering the familiar song "Look, Tet is Coming." However, this very safety turned out to be a drawback. The way she handled the melody was criticized as outdated and lacking creativity compared to the current market standard for Tet music. The visuals and effects in the music video also failed to offer anything new, and were even considered out of sync with the tastes of younger audiences.

On social media, many opinions frankly stated: "The musical thinking of the two artists seems to be stuck in the 2000s," or "Their products feel stuck in the past, making it difficult to compete when compared to Tet music videos that are well-invested in terms of ideas, visuals, and communication strategies."

It's not just Ung Hoang Phuc or Thanh Thao; several other long-standing artists are facing a similar situation. For example, Luong Gia Huy's music video " Tet is about reunion" has only garnered over 1,600 views after nearly two weeks of release – a rather modest number considering the usually vibrant Tet music market.

However, alongside the negative comments, many viewers defended the songs. They argued that Tet music doesn't necessarily have to follow trends. For this group of viewers, nostalgia and familiar melodies are what truly create the Tet atmosphere. One comment that received much agreement read: "Whether Tet music is good or bad depends on each person's taste. If you don't like this song, listen to another."

Some argue that demanding singers associated with the 80s and 90s generations completely change their style to align with modern pop music is not easy. Their musical style has become an identity, and it's difficult to alter it in just a few releases. However, there's also debate about whether maintaining a consistent style means accepting being left out of the game. In an increasingly competitive market, playing it safe can sometimes become a barrier, causing artists to make things difficult for themselves.

Contrary to the aforementioned controversies, the overall picture of Tet music in 2026 remains vibrant. Tet music videos have now become a "specialty" in the communication strategies of many brands. According to statistics from YouNet Media , in the top 10 most popular Tet music videos, 8 out of 10 projects are collaborations between artists and brands to spread messages, connect emotions, and increase brand awareness.

Thanh Thảo returns to Vietnam and is astonished by singer Quang Dũng's "massive" 400m² estate. Thảo Vi14:23:56 20/01/2026The reunion of Thanh Thảo and other artists at Quang Dũng's 400m² villa has attracted attention. Through a series of intimate photos, viewers have gained a better understanding of the singer's living space, career, and current life.