The award, handed out on September 22, recognises her contributions to preserving, practising and promoting folk music values, as well as bringing traditional musical material closer to communities and younger generations.

This milestone came to her 13 years after she won the folk music category at Sao Mai 2013 - a national singing contest. Throughout this journey, she has not only continued to pursue folk-inspired music but also gradually improved her vocal technique and music videos.

Hailing from Nghe An province, Huyen Trang shows a deep understanding about the folk music traditions of Central Vietnam, particularly the ví and giặm genres. Early in her career, her feminine voice enabled her to make a distinctive mark with songs celebrating her homeland.

Her debut album Lời trái tim released in 2015 featuring songs such as Đôi bờ sông quê, Điệu ví dặm là em, Thương ơi điệu ví, Mơ quê, and Ca dao em và tôi followed popular folk style.

In the following music projects, Huyen Trang continued to expand her musical horizons. With Đóa sen ngời, folk elements were combined with semi-classical style, while other works incorporated more elements of light music and modern sound arrangements.

From the Sao Mai singing contest to the 2026 award in Athens, folk music has remained the thread running through Huyen Trang’s career. The latest honour marks recognition of the path she has pursued, while exploring new forms of expression that allow it to continue reaching audiences today.

Singer Toc Tien to represent Vietnam at Eurovision Song Contest Asia

VOV.VN - Singer Toc Tien has been announced as Vietnam’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 which is set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 14.