While local singers in Vietnam are hesitant organise live shows recently for fear of losing money on ticket sales, many overseas Vietnamese singers have enjoyed success in the country.

The trend of overseas Vietnamese singers returning to perform in Vietnam is about 15 years old, and a large number of well known performers, such as Huong Lan, Duc Huy, Elvis Phuong, Giao Linh, Phi Nhung and Khanh Ly, have done so.

Overseas Vietnamese singer Y Lan is planning a show on Aug 9

Huong Lan said, “Most Vietnamese who go abroad have a deep desire to return their and make contributions.”

The legendary singer Khanh Ly said she has had plans to perform in Vietnam for years. Last year she could not make it even though she had already secured a license. However, she then began preparing her shows this year, which were held in May and early August.

“After these shows I couldn’t sleep because I felt so elated with the audience reactions. I never imagined that my performances would be so successful,” she said.

Overseas Vietnamese singers are often warmly welcomed by local audiences, despite not having had a presence here for years. Recent shows by Bang Kieu, Quang Le and Khanh Ly sold out despite high prices. They are also highly paid compared to local singers.

One anonymous sponsor said that the singer Khanh Ly was offered USD200,000 for six performances in Vietnam. Another undisclosed source said that Bang Kieu’s fees are as high as USD20,000 for one performance in Vietnam. Other overseas Vietnamese singers often get between USD2,000 and USD8,000 per night.

Another sponsor explained that overseas Vietnamese singers often bring something special to the audience. They are also more professional and cooperative, he said, adding that they prefer to perform classic music, which many Vietnamese prefer.