Tran Nguyen Uyen Linh of Ho Chi Minh City won the Vietnam Idol 2010 contest on December 25.

Tran Nguyen Uyen Linh (L) crowned Vietnam Idol 2010.

22 year old Linh, a recent graduate of the Vietnam Academy of Diplomacy in Hanoi, beat Van Mai Huong to the title and won the prize of US$20,000 and a year-long record contract.

On the final day of Vietnam Idol, Linh sang Giac Mo Nao Cua Toi (dreams of mine), composed by Bao Chan and also sang a duet with singer My Linh (I believe I can fly).

Last week, she sang “Sao Anh Chang Ve” (Why You Don\'t Return) composed by Vietnam Idol judge, Quoc Trung. She entertained viewers with a wonderful improvisation of the melody and lyrics.

For the final song on the final night of Vietnam Idol, she performed Cam On Tinh Yeu (Grateful for Love). Linh modulated her voice rendering an emotional version that moved judges and audiences alike.

Runner up Huong from Hanoi, though only 17 was a good competitor and consistently wowed audiences and judges with a great and powerful voice. She bowled over audiences with her impersonation of Katy Perry when she appeared in a black wig and rimmed glasses to sing Hot and Cold. However she was unable to match Linh in the finals.

Judge Diem Quynh believed this young student from the Military Culture and Arts College had a great talent and could have a long career ahead of her. The two contestants beat 25,000 competitors to make it to the finals at the Lan Anh Theatre.

Vietnam Idol is based on the British television hit show Pop Idol and is produced by Ho Chi Minh City Television and Vietnam Advertising Company. In its first season in 2007, Phuong Vy was the winner.