Đàm Vĩnh Hưng

According to him, in some music shows, he tend to sings many genres, which some of them are not his best, to entertain the audiences, because "If I don't try many genres, I won't be able to gain many fans and audiences, I won't be able to perform at plenty music shows. Meaning I'm able to sing different genres for being such a talented singer".[9]

Trái Tim Hát was his first liveshow. He released the album back in April 2003 with a 680 million (VND) budget. At that time, this budget was considered to be huge, showing his determination and devotion for his music career. The guests were Mỹ Tâm, Hồng Ngọc, Hiền Thục, MTV boyband. In the first liveshow, he performed his own famous songs with the guests such as: Say Tình (Drunk in Love), Lạc Mất Mùa Xuân (Lost the Spring), Cô Đơn Mình Anh (Lonely All By Myself), Góc Phố Rêu Xanh (Green Moss Corner)...For this liveshow, he established a strong foundation for his career.

After the success of the first live show, in 2004, due to audiences' support, he continued to hold the second live show named Giờ H (Hour H). Addressing his thought on the unique name of the liveshow, he explained: "Giờ H means my own hour, only me and music". The guests included Siu Black, Thanh Lam, Hồng Ngọc, Mỹ Tâm,... To prepare for three-night live show, he invited well-known people to be working on his live show such as director Huỳnh Phúc Điền, artist Le Trường Tiêu (stage designer), Hang Anh Duong (martial art group), ABC (dance group). Being one of the most famous stars at that time, he made Giờ H become another step to prove his own brand in Vietnam music industry.

At the end of July 2009, he held the third live show named Thương Hoài Ngàn Năm as a present for middle aged audiences. For this live show, he had a whole Quốc Thanh Theater under large scale innovation to adapt the vibe of songs from 70s, with great approval from Phước Sang. In order to match the vibe of these songs, he invited many artists such as: Hương Lan, Thai Chai, Phương Thanh, Xuân Phú, and Năm Dòng Kẻ group. With this live show, he captured attention from middle aged audiences who own very delicate taste. Ever since, he was known as King of Vietnam Music. Other than that, his name guarantees the quality of live shows made by himself.

Early morning of 2 October 2008, he set two records by holding his White Ball liveshow: the longest duration liveshow and the biggest number of guests dressing in white. This is not only his own record but in Vietnam generally. Mentioning Dam Vinh Hung's White Ball, everyone is reminded of the most luxurious liveshow of all time: the dresscode is white along with all white decoration in also white mansion. White Ball is the origin for color theme party trend later. Thus, by this liveshow, he also set the record of the singer who sings the most songs with 54 songs. The guests of the liveshow included Lệ Quyên, Hồng Ngọc, Thanh Thảo, Hồ Ngọc Hà, TV host Bình Minh. This unique liveshow marks his outstanding class among many singers in Vietnam.

Despite low selling ticket of other liveshows in 2009, Dam Vinh Hung's The Lover liveshow, on the other hand, was a success. Before the liveshow, many doubtfully questioned whether or not the liveshow would be doing great. However, he briefly shared: "I believe in my own brand name". With the guest appearance of Thanh Lam, Lệ Quyên, Hồng Ngọc, Hoài Linh, Cẩm Ly, Mỹ Lệ, Quang Dũng,...he brought an extraordinary music show to the audience across Vietnam.

In 2010, Dam Vinh Hung's Winter Waltz liveshow which was unofficially known as White Ball 2 greatly satisfied the audience. Working on winter theme, the audience were led into a romantic winter themed space on the night of 3 December 2010 at White Palace (Ho Chi Minh City) and together joined in a glamorous gown ball. Also in this liveshow, he officially announced the establishment of his charity foundation named "Mr. Dam va Em" which is contributed for children living under unfortunate conditions, children diagnosed with dangerous defects and children abandoned at hospitals.

On 16 July 2011, Dam Vinh Hung and 30 artists officially launched an exclusive concert named Mr. Dam by Night 5-Footprint on Middle Region at Hoa Binh Theater. The special feature of this concert is all the featured artists are from Middle Region of Vietnam such as: actress Hồng Vân, Ánh Tuyết, Mỹ Lệ, Mỹ Tâm, Cẩm Ly, Quang Dũng, Hồ Ngọc Hà, Dương Triệu Vũ, Lê Cát Trọng Lý, Nguyên Thảo, Mỹ Hằng, Ngọc Anh, Hoàng Lê Vi,...

Five months since the release of CD Lost Love, on 26 July 2011, he released the album which was produced by himself. The theme of the album was Xót Xa belonged to his classical music project Dạ Khúc Cho Tình Nhân, including 14 long live songs from songwriters: Lam Phương, Châu Kỳ, Tô Thanh Tùng, Lê Trọng Nguyên, Hoàng Thanh Tâm, Trường Sa, Nguyên Vu,...presented by himself with the remix of Minh Mẫn, Anh Khoa, Vĩnh Tâm, Minh Vy,...The 5th album Xót Xa included many favorite songs by everyone such as: Xót Xa, Biển Tình, Ngưu Lang Chức Nữ, Mưa Thu Chức Nữ,...were performed by his smoothly passionate voice, along with other singers such as Lệ Quyên, Cẩm Ly, Hồng Ngọc and Hoài Lâm.

26 June 2012, he had a press release to introduce liveshow Fate – a liveshow to mark 15th anniversary of his singing career. In 21 and 22 July 2012, he officially launched the liveshow at Lan Anh Stage (Ho Chi Minh City) with the participation of Lệ Quyên, Cẩm Ly, Thu Minh, Dương Triệu Vũ, Kim Xuân, Tú Trinh, Ngoc Huyền, Hương Thảo. 28 July 2012, he performed at National Conference Center along with Cẩm Ly, Thu Minh, Mỹ Dung, Dương Triệu Vũ, Kim Xuân, Tú Trinh, Ngoc Huyền, Hương Thảo. 17 December 2012, he released the DVD of the liveshow including 31 performances in different genres.

8 August 2013, he officially released the duo classical album from his long-term project Da Khuc Cho Tinh Nhan, the theme of these 2 albums are Xóa Tên Người Tình (Erasing the Name of the Lover) and Chờ Đông (Awaiting for Winter). Beside, 1,000 limited editions that were designed with velvety cover and golden imprint with a special booklet of the old Saigon was also released at the same time.

18 March 2014, he released a pop album Tình Buồn Của H (Sad Love of H). The album included 8 songs which were composed by Minh Khang, Phú Quang, Nguyễn Hoàng Duy,...singer Dương Triệu Vũ was featured in the song Con Yêu.

15 October 2014, he continued to releasing a pop album named Làm Sao Anh Biết (How Do I Know?). The album included 10 songs composed by Phương Uyên, Hoàng Nhã, Nguyễn Minh Anh, Hồ Hoài Anh,... the lead single was composed by himself. Especially, the album was released in traditional way but in smart card method.

27 November 2014, the press release for his liveshow Thương Hoài Ngàn Năm 2 (Loving for Million Years 2) was held at Gem Center (Ho Chi Minh City) and JW Marriot Hotel; the ticket price ranged from 2 to 5 million (VND). However, according to the director's technical request, the liveshow location was moved from Gem Center to SECC Saigon. Liveshow had guest appearance of Bảo Yến, Lệ Quyên, Hồng Ngọc, Hồ Ngọc Hà, Phạm Thu Hà, Dương Triệu Vũ, Giang Hồng Ngọc, Quách Ngọc Ngoan. The 600mq stage was uniquely designed along with 3D technology. The liveshow Thương Hoài Ngàn Năm 2 made great attention back in 2007 which was directed by director Huỳnh Phúc Điền, it became a hit of his career. After 7 years, he finally held Thương Hoài Ngàn Năm 2 with the assistance of director Trần Vi Mỹ.

3 November 2015, he released an album titled Khác (Oppose) included 5 songs composed by Trương Lê Sơn, Thái Thịnh, Duy Mạnh. 13 November 2015, another Christian themed album was released titled Lời Con Dâng Chúa (Prayers to God) at the local church in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.

13 September 2016, he had a press release as the introduction for first project from a multiple project for his 20th anniversary named Diamond Show. 1 and 2 October 2016, he launched Diamond Show at Hoa Binh Theater. In the second night of Diamond Show, Le Quyen, Thanh Thao, Hong Ngoc, Ho Ngoc Ha together celebrated his birthday on stage. On 15 October 2016, he performed Diamond Show at National Conference Center in Ha Noi. Many artists and colleagues came to the show to support his show such as Le Quyen and husband, Vu Ha, Quach Tuan Du, Han Thai Tu, Miss Thu Hoai, Binh Minh and his wife, Trang Tran, Kim Cuong, actress Ngoc Thanh Tam, Hien Mai, La Quoc Hung, Gia Bao.

22 February 2017, he was confirmed to be the coach of the reality show Bolero Idol 2nd season, the rest of the judge were Ngọc Sơn, Lê Quyên and Quang Lê. In 15 episodes of the show, he recruited 8 excellent contestants for his team: Hellen Thuy, Hoàng Oanh, Chu Hoàng Tuấn, Trương Diễm, Hùng Cường, Võ Duy Thắng, Sỹ Hiếu and Văn Quốc. In the final show on 16 June 2017, one of his team member Hellen Thuy won the first prize of Bolero Idol 2017.

6 July 2017, he introduced his new project in a press release named Saigon Bolero & Hung. This was the second project from his 20th anniversary project. The liveshow was invested with more than 10 billion (VND) budget, it recreated the golden age of bolero – a music genres which was directed by director Trần Vi Mỹ. Hương Lan, Lệ Quyên, Quang Lê, Dương Triệu Vũ, Hoài Lâm and Thu Hằng Bolero were the guests of the liveshow. 5 August 2017, he performed at Hoa Binh Theater and another show at National Conference Center on 26 August 2017.

Beside that, on 15 August 2017, the 8th album named Tình Bơ Vơ (Lonely Love) from Dạ Khúc Cho Tình Nhân project was officially released. 20.000 copies were made for the first sale, as he shared though it wasn't officially distributed, 4.000 copies were already pre ordered in foreign countries.[10] On 19 December 2017, he released the DVD of Saigon Bolero & Hung liveshow including 40 performances from the liveshow.

17 April 2018, he held a press release at his own house to introduce a pop album, including 5 songs from the theme: Love to the Fullest, Hurt to the Fullest. The album included songs composed by Hung Quan. On 1 August 2018, he launched the music video title Hello at Van Hanh Mall, Ho Chi Minh City. The launch had guest appearance from Lệ Quyên, Quang Linh, Dương Triệu Vũ, Hồ Ngọc Hà, Quốc Thiên, Hương Giang Idol, God of Catwalk Simon and hundred audiences.

1. Vol. 1 – My Love Please Sleep Safe and Sound (Tình ơi xin ngủ yên) (2001)
2. Vol. 2 – Sunset Will Take You Away (Bình minh sẽ mang em đi) (2001)
3. Vol. 3 – Một trái tim tình si (2002)
4. Vol. 4 – Bao giờ người trở lại... Hãy đến đây đêm nay (2002)
5. Vol. 5 – Giọt nước mắt cho đời (2003)
6. Vol. 6 – Hưng (2004)
7. Vol. 7 – Mr. Đàm (2005)
8. Vol. 8 – Tình ca hoài niệm (2006) với 12 tình khúc 1954 – 1975 nổi tiếng
9. Vol. 9 – Giải thoát (2007)
10. Vol. 10 – Lạc mất em (2007)
11. Vol. 11 – Hạnh phúc cuối (2008)

1. Dạ khúc cho tình nhân 1 – Hạnh phúc lang thang (2008)
2. Dạ khúc cho tình nhân 2 – Qua cơn mê (2008)
3. Dạ khúc cho tình nhân 3 – Những bài ca không quên (2010)
4. Dạ khúc cho tình nhân 4 – Cuộc tình đã mất (2011)
5. Dạ khúc cho tình nhân 5 – Xót xa (2011)
6. Dạ khúc cho tình nhân 6 – Xóa tên người tình (2013)
7. Dạ khúc cho tình nhân 7 – Chờ đông (2013)
8. Dạ khúc cho tình nhân 8 – Tình bơ vơ (2017)

1. Vùng trời bình yên – với Hồng Ngọc (2002) - Composed by : Hữu Tâm, Mr Đàm ft Dương Triệu Vũ
2. Phôi pha (2003)
3. Bước chân mùa xuân (2008)
4. Mùa Noel đó (2009)
5. Khoảng cách (2010)
6. Sa mạc tình yêu – với Thanh Lam (2011)
7. Anh còn nợ em (2011)
8. Ca dao mẹ (2011)
9. 3H (2011)
10. Góc khuất (2012)
11. Tuổi hồng thơ ngây (2012)
12. Chúc xuân – Bên em mùa xuân (2012)
13. Tình buồn của H (2014)
14. Làm sao anh biết (2014)
15. Ô kìa... (2014)
16. Khắc (2015)
17. Lời con dâng chúa (2015)
18. Tình ca mùa đông (2015)
19. Tình không biên giới (2016)
20. Yêu tận cùng, đau tận cùng (2018)
21. Một mình có sao đâu (2018)

1. Liveshow Trái tim hát (2003)
2. Liveshow Giờ H (2004)
3. Liveshow Thương hoài ngàn năm (2008)
4. Liveshow Ngày không em (2008)
5. Liveshow Sinh viên họ Đàm (2008)
6. Liveshow Người tình (2010)
7. Biển tình (2011)
8. Liveshow Dạ tiệc trắng (2011)
9. Liveshow Mr. Đàm By Night 5 – Bước chân miền Trung (2011)
10. Liveshow Số phận (2012)
11. Liveshow Thương hoài ngàn năm 2 (2015)
12. Yêu em trong cả giấc mơ (2015)
13. Diamond Show (2017)
14. Liveshow Sài Gòn Bolero và Hưng (2017)

In his Vol. 8 album, Tình Ca Hoài Niệm (also known as Tình Ca 50) including love songs from 1954–1975, Phố Đêm (Night Town) was also one of the chosen songs in the album, on the cover it was said to be one of Nguyen Tuan Kiet's songs, however the song in the album was another song with same title from songwriter Tam Anh, that song was banned due to be thought as songs from old regime before 1975. He explained that he had badly misunderstood, but still got 30 million Vietnam Dong fine, the production company was fined 23 million Vietnamdong and the album was withdrawn from the shelf.[13]

In the album Mr. Dam (2005), the song Em Đã Quên Một Dòng Sông was printed on the cover to be allegedly composed by songwriter Hai Trieu, actually this is a song by Vietnamese-American songwriter Truc Ho without his permission.[14] Thuy Nga Center was the official representative for the release of this album, but Em Đã Quên Một Dòng Sông was cut out. Also in this album, Bạc Tình was a song by Vietnamese-American songwriter Huynh Nhat Tan, but it was printed to belong to songwriter Nhat Dang Khoa on the cover.[15]

Before the news which singer Phương Thanh was blackmailed, he'd had a close friendship with Phuong Thanh. After this incident, Phuong Thanh came to meet him in person and said: "In this case, I only doubt Ngoc and Hung". Dam Vinh Hung also confirmed this news however he'd falsely assumed that Phuong Thanh was talking about singer Hong Ngoc and Tuan Hung.

In 2007, when the feud between Phuong Thanh and journalist Huong Tra was sent to the court, it was reported that Dam Vinh Hung sent his lawyer to assist Huong Tra.

In 2008, both admitted to haven't talked for more than 1 year. During this time, Phuong Thanh shared that there must be someone close to her, had sold out her personal life to the press to write many tabloids regarding her life. Other than that, the news about Dam Vinh Hung were published at the same time of Phuong Thanh's saying constantly added more tensions to their friendship.

Answering many speculations, he addressed that there were only misunderstanding and hopefully everything would be rightfully revealed. However, Phuong Thanh accused that the friendship "was doomed". In Green Waves Award 2012, they made it up.[16]

18 July 2010, he was attacked by Ly Tong while performing at Santa Clara Conference Center, California, USA.[17] Afterward, middle aged and elder audiences didn't approve his appearance at the music show, there were protests and many plans put out to pressure the organizers to cancel any show that Dam Ving Hung involved.[18]

According to Mercurynews, many supported Ly Tong, even local politicians, demanded to release him immediately.[19][20] Ly Tong hoped that the jury wouldn't accuse him of having violent intention, based on his excuse as he "protected Vietnamese community from the representative of the Communist regime".[21] However, he was still accused of being guilty and had to serve 6 months in jail and another 3 years under control.[19]

The incident which Dam Vinh Hung was heavily protested by Vietnamese Community in the US due to they viewed him as someone who propagandizes the Government of Vietnam. He was previously honored by the Government of Vietnam for performing multiple political songs while waving Vietnam national flag which happened to be hated by American-Vietnamese. Moreover, his statement for Ly Tong as "I'm willing to forgive" was considered to be provocative.[22]

Singer Thanh Lam negatively commented on how Dam Vinh Hung and Ho Ngoc Ha were the judges of The Voice Vietnam 2012: "While watching The Voice, I was surprised and couldn't imagine myself that Dam Vinh Hung, Ho Ngoc Ha would be the judge, what are they going to teach the contestants though?". On 21 August 2012, he declared: "I'm not fake, neither pretending nor keeping silence on the matter. If you know how important your image is then everyone else does. Please end this relationship immediately. Stop meeting each other from now on".[23] Thanh Lam and Dam Vinh Hung later due to conflicts had been avoiding each other ever since although they perform on the same stage.[24] Previously, he had often stated that Thanh Lam was his idol.[8]

During the auction as a contribution for charity foundation for Wanbi Tuan Anh at Khong Ten Music Tearoom on 4 November 2012, he brought a bottle of wine on stage for auctioning along the declaration: The winner will bring the bottle of wine home and my two kisses".[25] As the result, the winner was two monks for auctioning the bottle of wine for 55 million Vietnamdong.

Afterward, he kissed one of two monks on the lips and kissed the hand of the older monk. The monks later were fined from the higher monks for 3 months under control.[26] The younger monk who kissed Dam Vinh Hung on the lip later deconsecrated due to family circumstance and his will was accepted.

In the letter to the press in 9 November, Dam Vinh Hung sent an apology to the audiences and monks.[25] On 14 November 2012, the inspector of Vietnam's bureau of culture, sport and tourism invited him to Ha Noi for reporting, then fined him for 5 million Vietnam Dong for hi previous action toward the monk which was considered to be offensive.[27] Later, another letter from Dam Vinh Hung allegedly, he revealed that the monk was the one who wanted to do the kiss and some negative accusations about this monk.[28]

However, after deconsecration, the monk stated that Dam Vinh Hung was the one who ignited it and denied all the false accusations from Dam Vinh Hung.[29]

His company (appear to be Joint Stock Company Song Kim) lost a law court for the trading of the brand "Chao Cay Thi". Therefore, the company must return 1,5 billion Vietnam Dong for the trading previously. Up to now, his business didn't gain much success.

In August 2013, during an interview, composer Nguyen Anh 9 frankly commented on Dam Vinh Hung as he stated that: "His voice is half Southern-half Northern, he has no techniques and style in singing whatsoever. In the past, he could only be C list singer as a back up singer, not the main singer of tearooms at all"[30]

"Dam Vinh Hung only own polished outside, I don't consider him as a true singer" (Nguyen Anh 9)[31]

Artist Tran Hieu said: "We need someone to wake up everyone on the reality of Vietnam music industry nowadays like composer Nguyen Anh 9. If we keep complimenting this and that singer then Vietnam music industry will be hollow".[32]

For those comments, he also gave an aggressive flashback on his Facebook page, in which he assumed composer Nguyen Anh 9 was only a person wearing a mask, that the composer's comment was offensive towards his achievement throughout the years as well as his fans.

"I promise you that from now on, I will never sing any of your songs although you had never said anything like the statement in the interview "please don't perform my songs" (Dam Vinh Hung).[31]

The statement was considered to be "ungraceful" and provoked disapproval from other artists[33][34] and the press.[35] Many readers said that his behavior is impolite.[36]

Composer Nguyen Anh 9 on the other hand, felt funny when reading Hung's letter, as he replied: "If you want to fight back, you need to be polite first".[32]

On 6 October 2013, instead of queuing to visit General Vo Nguyen Giap's funeral, he and his assistant entered the funeral zone without queuing like others. He got the privilege to visit first in the surprise of many military veterans and Vietnam citizens.[37][38]

Answering the journalist of Dat Viet Newspaper, the security guard at the funeral said that: "Before the visit, he had already called for permission".[37]