Ziplining and launching suspended boats mid-air at a concert of nearly 50,000 spectators

The concert also featured poignant, reflective moments marked by MC Anh Tuan's cello performance, heartfelt family narratives, and acts steeped in rich traditional folklore.

On the evening of October 17, the 33 Talents reunited for the opening concert night of "Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai 2026" in Ho Chi Minh City. The theme song Hoa Tam brought the Talents back to the stage amidst thunderous cheers, as a sea of red lightsticks blanketed the arena of nearly 50,000 attendees (according to figures provided by the Organizing Committee).

Following Hoa Tam, Lien minh Ky Tich performed Ngau Det, followed by Lien minh Khai Hoan with Thang Hoa. This marked the first major reunion of all 33 Anh Tai after an intense competitive journey marked by shocking televised eliminations.

Following the opening act, the Hop Luc chapter presented a sequence of tracks: Buong Tay, Xin Hay Thu Tha, Chien, Xa, and Truoc Khi Em Ton Tai. "Only at Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai have I had so many opportunities to transform and experiment with various personas that I never had the chance to before," Hoang Rob shared on stage.

In Truoc Khi Em Ton Tai, Huynh Lap, Neko Le, Cheng, and Thai Le Minh Hieu of Nha Hien Nhien appeared in fantasy-inspired styling. The performance drew significant attention with a zipline descent from the back of the stands straight down to the main stage.

Transitioning into the Tri Tuong Tuong Khong Lo chapter, Em Chi Im Lang by Nha Chien Ma featured Trinh Thang Binh, Thuan Nguyen, Ha An Huy, and Phung Minh Cuong. The highlight was a boat set carrying Ha An Huy and Phung Minh Cuong as it glided mid-air.

Circus artist Phung Minh Cuong shared that he never imagined having the opportunity to perform as a singer before such a massive audience.

The performance of Em Toi created a poignant pause within the Nho Xiu chapter, delivered through the showcase of Hoang Ton, Thanh Duy, Tho (Da LAB), Dinh Manh Ninh, Cheng, and 14 Casper. Both the Anh Tai and the audience were visibly moved as the stage recreated the narrative of loss and the fragility of humans in the face of natural disasters.

MC Anh Tuan reenacted the scene of sitting on a rooftop amid floodwaters, playing the cello during the performance of Em Toi. He noted that the arrangement on the show was deeply moving, inspiring him to continue joining the artists to recount the story on the concert stage. "It is an honor for me to take part and wear this proud military uniform," the male MC shared after the performance.

Com Nha carried forward the family narrative through the performance of It's Charles, Thai VG, Dong Hung, Thom (Da LAB), and Toki Thanh Tho. Following large-scale ensemble spectacles and mid-air stunts, the imagery of a home-cooked family meal offered a warm sense of intimacy before tens of thousands of concertgoers.

Thơm và Thái VG trong tiết mục Cơm nhà. Ở phần giao lưu, các nghệ sĩ xúc động khi nhắc về bữa cơm nhà có mẹ, gửi lời cảm ơn những bà mẹ đang có mặt trên khán đài concert.

Day 1 of the Anh Trai Chong Gai 2026 Concert guided audiences through diverse regional cultural landscapes and storylines. The Coi Nguon chapter drew on traditional folk elements, from melodies and musical instruments to performance styles, through the stages of Tren Dat Minh, Dai Khai Hoan, Chim Sao Ngay Xua, Ly Ngua O, Tich Tich Tinh Tang, and Tieng Ru Coi Nguon.

Tren Dat Minh featured a collaboration between Nha Quy Tu and Nha Benh Bong. Traditional vong co vocal lines paired with flag-dancing choreography highlighted the performance delivered by Huynh Lap, Thom, Ho Dong Quan, Jun Pham, It's Charles, Mew Amazing, BB Tran, Thai Le Minh Hieu, and Dai Nghia.

Departing the flatlands, Hoang Dung, Hoang Rob, Will, Tung Mint, and Tho (Da LAB) transported the audience to the highlands with Tich Tich Tinh Tang. The performance featured traditional then singing artisans and Hoang Thi Chien, Hoang Dung's mother. The male artist shared his joy and gratitude for the chance to perform alongside his mother before tens of thousands of spectators.

Departing the flatlands, Hoang Dung, Hoang Rob, Will, Tung Mint, and Tho (Da LAB) transported the audience to the highlands with Tich Tich Tinh Tang. The performance featured traditional then singing artisans and Hoang Thi Chien, Hoang Dung's mother. The male artist shared his joy and gratitude for the chance to perform alongside his mother before tens of thousands of spectators.

Following nine chapters spanning contemporary styles, rich culture, and traditional heritage, all 33 artists returned to the stage to bid farewell to the audience to the strains of Hoa Tam. The second night of the Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai 2026 concert continues on the evening of October 18 in Ho Chi Minh City.

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