A Reflection of PBN Divas

by John Nguyen

First off, I know many have been waiting for this review. I purposely waited until now to post it because I didn’t want people to be confused with this on PBN 99. Plus I wanted to give PBN 99 all the attention it truly deserves. That being said…on to the Diva show.

The was truly a very entertaining and exciting program, nothing like you've seen before; as it features 24 of Paris By Night's female performers - from the legends of Vietnamese music to the stars of tomorrow. The different format created a more anticipatory feel and an atmosphere of the unknown for the audience. In addition to the amazing performances that we’ve all come to expect, there is the incorporation of a fashion element in the show. Most of the performers will be performing in designs from established up-and-coming fashion designers from around the world.

First off, the big news of the day was the weather. It doesn't rain much in Southern California, but when it does it pours!! Last minute accommodations had to be configured to help with parking situations - around 4pm that day, the streets around Knott’s Berry Farm looked more like rivers. We weren't sure if the audience was going to have to get to the theater in cars or in boats!! Also around the same time, we received word from the Thuy Nga store that every single ticket had been sold!! Yay!!

In the middle of last minute rehearsals and having these other issues to worry about made for a very hectic day for all involved. But as if someone was watching from above, just in time before the audience was to arrive the rain stopped and the waters began to recede. These Wednesday shows have always been extra fun simply because of the level of energy from the audience. The energy in the room is further enhanced by the presence of PBN’s male singers sitting in the audience. In attendance tonight are: Bang Kieu, Quang Le, The Son, Luong Tung Quang, Duong Trieu Vu, Tran Thai Hoa, Don Ho, Duy Truong, Mai Tien Dung and guest friends Huy Vu and Trizzie Phuong Trinh all sitting in the first 3 rows of the theater. The sheer energy and excitement really pumps up the other audience members as well as the performers. The stage is similar to that from the past weekend of PBN 99 - but now crystal beads drape various screens and walls of the stage.

1. Thương Nhau Ngày Mưa - LƯU BÍCH, MINH TUYẾT, NHƯ QUỲNH, HỒ LỆ THU, NHƯ LOAN, THỦY TIÊN, THANH HÀ, NGỌC ANH

After the normal pre-show announcements, the theater lights are turned down. We see across the stage, 4 shadow boxes spaced evenly apart. From the back, we see the singers running in to take their starting positions. The audience broke out in applause when they saw this discrete movement on stage. With just that, I'm sure you can already feel the energy and the anticipation in the room. After the 8 singers were hidden behind the partitions, the music begins. One by one they come from behind to stand in front of the partition and strike various poses. The lighting was such that you could only make out the singer’s silhouettes. Once the lights were turned on and you could recognize who the 8 singers were, again applause spread throughout the room. All the singers looked extremely fashionable and excited. That energy quickly filled the room. What an amazing feeling to have 8 divas of Vietnamese music perform together on one stage. This is one of the rare occasions where the opening does not have dancers. This was a diva show and these divas were front and center – in the spotlight. What a treat it was to have such a classic song performed by 8 of the brightest stars in Vietnamese music today. Such a great opening for what promises to be an extravagant program.

Thương nhau thật nhiều biết mấy tin yêu

Cho nhau trọn tình dẫu có điêu linh

Xa nhau trọn đời vẫn nhớ thương nhau

2. Nếu Đã Yêu - LAM ANH

With 3 performances under her belt on the PBN stage, Lam Anh is quickly establishing a name for herself. Her sultry looks and soulful voice have been welcome by audiences both near and far. Tonight she appears in an elegant lime green dress. The 4 shadow boxes used in the opening number have been covered up with a gold detailed lattice pattern – giving the stage a very romantic and antique look. In the center of the stage is a heart shaped red velvet bed further creating the romantic mood of the song. However, this is not a happy romantic song, but rather one of despair and loneliness. The image of a girl alone in a room waiting for her lover to return is one that immediately creates a sad image in your head. The lone guitarist standing at the left side of the stage further enhances this lonely feeling of the song. Lam Anh exerts her soul and feeling into this song. She sings with a sense of conviction and confidence and if you’re not a fan already, you will be after this performance.

Nếu đã yêu xin đừng dối gian Để cuộc tình thêm trái ngang

Nếu đã yêu xin đừng tính toán

Đừng đem con tim bán buôn Một khi đã hứa yêu nhau

Dù phải thương đau em vẫn chờ

3. Tin Yêu Tàn Phai - KỲ PHƯƠNG UYÊN

She amazed us in PBN 98 and charmed us in PBN 99, now with her third performance on the PBN stage, she exudes confidence and passion like never before. This is a full on rock song and she really rocks it out on stage. In a short gold dress and knee high brown boots. The band is configured to give the stage a very intimate and live concert feel with a the drums directly behind KPU, percussion on the left, keyboards on the right, and the 2 guitars on both sides of the drum platform. On both sides of the center screen we see 4 large wooden panels with an intricate design.

Dù cho em đã quên đi người xưa Dù cho em đã quên mối tình thơ

Mà không sao xóa đi vết thương của sai lầm

Thì anh ơi hãy khoan trao về em

Lời tình yêu ngất ngây và dịu êm

Vì tìm em nhỏ nhoi chỉ mong muốn yên bình Anh hỡi…anh hỡi…anh hỡi.

4. I’ll Go This Way - BẢO HÂN

This is Bao Han’s penultimate performance on the PBN stage. It truly has been an enriching career. She may not realize it, but through the course of her career she has touched so many hearts and she will truly be missed. She has proven her worth as one of the most dynamic, most diverse, most daring, and most natural performers ever!! If you have not already seen the short montage I put together of Bao Han’s PBN Journey, take a look here: http://www.youtube.com/user/TNPBN#p/u/3/O_gP_sZ70wQ

But let’s get back to tonight’s performance. The 4 shadow boxes are spaced apart two on each side leaving the center of the stage open. We see 3 black chairs front and center. Bao Han and 2 other dancers are dressed with a stylish tuxedo looking ensemble with a small top hat. A few bars into the song we see emerging from behind the shadow boxes 6 female dancers…wait 6 male dancers…6 drag queens!!! I think it took the audience a few seconds to realize what was going on too, but once they did, you could hear a roar of cheers and laughter spread throughout the room. Nearing the end of the performance, Bao Han will tear off her tuxedo to reveal a very sexy black lace body suit – again to a roar of applause. The song is upbeat, energetic, addicting, fast paced, and full of fun; yet another addition to Bao Han’s long list of memorable performances.

In the interview that followed, Bao Han again clears up any rumors and explains that yes, PBN100 will be her final performance, but she will continue to tour until the end of 2010. A very emotional interview as she will tear up and the male singers in the audience will give her a well-deserving standing ovation.

Cơn mơ ngày nào mình cùng nhau chung bước

Nắm chặt tay nhau và qua từng góc phố quen

Nhưng nay bây giờ chỉ mình em lê bước

Với nỗi nhớ…I will go this way!!

5. Sang Ngang - HƯƠNG GIANG

Three years ago on this very stage, we met Huong Giang for the very first time in PBN’s talent show. She appeared then as a shy and very reserved young lady. Through the years, those characteristics still remain but you can see her confidence in terms of both stage presence of vocal ability. We saw her for the first time with “Ve Day Nghe Em” in a simple white ao dai. We saw this again with Mot Minh (PBN 88) and again tonight. There’s just something so elegant and innocent about a Vietnamese girl in a simple white ao dai and Huong Giang definitely fits that imagery. For someone so young, she has a very mature voice. Tonight she performs one of the great classics of Vietnamese music “Sang Ngang” by Do Le. While she may not have the power and the vocal techniques as some others who have performed this in the past, she makes up for it in terms of emotions, she touched the souls of the audience in similar fashion to when we heard her sing “Mot Minh” for the first time. The slight imperfections and rawness in her voice made this rendition memorable and touching.

Nếu biết rằng tình là giây oan

Nếu biết rằng hợp rồi sẽ tan

Nếu biết rằng yêu là đau khổ

Thà dương gian đừng có chúng mình

6. Tình Ngăn Cách - QUỲNH VI

This was definitely one of my favorite performances of the evening. Through the 3 years on the Paris By Night stage, Quynh Vi never seizes to amaze me. She is such a diverse performer. From classics (Mua Hong) to traditional (Trang Sang Vuon Che) and pop ballads (Vui Sau Trai Tim Buon) she performs music in all genres of music with conviction and soul. If you enjoyed "Vui Sau Trai Tim Buon" you will definitely love this song as well. Tonight she again sings a brand new pop song from Hoai An. She appears in an elegant white gown with embellishments at the waist (designed by Thai Nguyen). Besides the amazing song with a catchy and memorable chorus, what resonated with me, was how much emotions and passion Quynh Vi brought to the song. When she pulled her fist towards her body or when she reached her arms out you felt drawn in and mesmerized. You could tell she poured all her heart and soul in the lyrics of the song and it touched the audience deeply. For a moment there I had tears in my eyes because I could relate and was so moved by the lyrics and Quynh Vi's interpretation of the song.

Tình giờ ngăn cách với những nỗi lòng khác nhau

Giờ yêu thương chưa bao lau bước đi trong ràng buộc

Đường anh thênh thang tương lai

Em về với những dĩ vãng Để mai sau không buồn đau

Tình ta ngăn cách như ánh sáng và bóng đêm mịt mờ

Thà ta xa nhau hôm nay Trước khi quá muộn màng

Làm sao quên anh trong tim Hay là trốn tránh nỗi nhớ

Phút giây nào trong vòng tay…nụ hôn đầu

7. Hàn Mặc Tử - MAI THIÊN VÂN

Ever since she first appeared on PBN, Mai Thien Van has quickly made a name for herself. Her duets with Quang Le have definitely made this the "it" que huong couple right now. Despite performing well-known songs, she brings something special and new to each performance. People linger on her every note. Her voice is distinct and she sings with supreb vocals. Tonight she tackles one of Tran Thien Thanh's most challenging and well-known hits "Han Mac Tu." It's challenging not only for its wide vocal range but also because of the sheer length of the song. She appears in a white ao dai with red and silver sequin designs throughout. Ever since a child I have been in love with this song. And I think when a song follows a tangible story, it is easier for people to connect. This is of course the story of Han Mac Tu, the famous young poet. She starts off with a few lines of ngam tho. The first few lines of this segment are from the poem "Giet Nguoi Trong Mong" one of Han Mac Tu's most famous works. It then immediately transitions "Ai mua trang toi ban trang cho..." Thus on the screen behind, we see a large moon shining onto the stage. Then as the ngam tho segment ends and moves into the song ("Duong len doc da...") the audience breaks out in applause. Oh what a thrill it was to be in the theater that night. There's not much more I can say about Mai Thien Van that hasn't been said before. She is truly a shining light on Thuy Nga's stage. Her voice is pure and effortless. Listen and watch as Mai Thien Van tells you the story of Han Mac Tu.

Hàn Mạc Tử xuôi về quê cũ Dấu thân nơi nhà hoang

Mộng Cầm hỡi thôi đừng thương tiếc

Tủi cho nhau mà thôi

Tình đã lỡ xin một câu hứa

Kiếp sau ta trọn đôi

Còn gì nữa thân tàn xin để một mình mình đơn côi

8. Tựa Vào Vai Anh - TÚ QUYÊN

First off let’s talk about the stage. On both sides you will see 2 HUGE speakers, giving the stage a very young and hip atmosphere. Tu Quyen and her dancers start from center stage. The song itself is very addictive. You will find yourself tapping your toes to the very subtle R&B beat. The song has very cute lyrics and will definitely be a hit for the young crowd. What enhanced the song even more is Tu Quyen’s charming personality. She is one of those singers who can make you smile each and every time. In all her performances her personality fully shines through. Although the lyrics may be sad, the rhythm and beat of the song make it a very fun and entertaining number.

Đã có những lúc buông xuôi dần

Đã có những lúc như quên từng

Kỷ niệm ngọt ngào ngày nào khi cõi lòng băng giá

Phút chốc nước mắt dâng trong lòng

Cố gắng nắm lấy cơn mơ mộng

Để thêm một lần tựa vai nhau bước đi.

9. Vàng Son Một Thuở Yêu Em - NGUYỆT ANH

Nguyet Anh is another very diverse singer on the Paris by Night stage. From traditional (Giong An Giang, Que Huong Minh) to the very modern (Khi Nguoi Xa Toi) she has quickly showed her immense range as a performer. She sings and performs with a sense of conviction yet with a touch of innocence. On stage, she is confident while remaining reserved. It is such a joy to watch her on stage. She tells the story of the song through your voice and facial expressions. Tonight she is dressed in a very sexy red and silver dress. This is perhaps the dress that most people remembered and will talk about most after you watch it on DVD. Tonight she has chosen a very romantic and beautiful love ballad by Vu Quoc Viet. Listen to the soft pleas of love as sung by the beautiful Nguyet Anh. She truly looks like a Greek goodness in this performance. So beautiful!!

Vàng son một thuở yêu em

Vàng son bờ bến ru êm

Yêu nhau từ thuở ban mai hàn vi

Đơn sơ cho đến khi bạc đầu phai dấu

Vàng son một thuở lên ngôi

Lòng nghe tự hỏi trong tôi

Ơn em tạ lỗi trên môi Tình lớn lao hơn cuộc đời

10. Hững Hờ - HỒ LỆ THU

Ho Le Thu’s powerful vocals are again on display in this performance. She is dressed in a sparkly gold rhinestone dress. She looks overly elegant and glamorous tonight. Through the years, Ho Le Thu has wowed the audience countless times with her incredible performances and powerful vocals. Tonight she does it again. Despite belting out these high notes, she never loses the emotions and feeling of the song. You’re still able to experience the heartbreak, the passion, and the love described in Ho Le Thu’s songs.

Người đã ra đi còn reo tiếng oán cho nhau làm chi

Tình đã phôi pha lời xưa ân ái phai trên đầu môi

Người đã xa rồi Tình cũng theo người

Lời yêu thương sao quá đắng cay…đắng cay!!

11. Tủi Phận - PHI NHUNG

This was definitely one of the most talked about numbers of the evening. “Tui Phan” in itself it is a very typical que huong kind of song. However, in Phi Nhung’s version, this innately que huong song will be remixed with an R&B beat with the incorporation of rap segments throughout the song. The screen in the back is a video taped segment of 4 guys dressed in black suits portraying the rappers and backup dancers for Phi Nhung. Phi Nhung herself is dressed in a black ao dai with a blue tie! This performance is truly an “east meets west” performance. It really freshens up and presents que huong songs in a whole new light.

Thôi anh hãy về bên người giàu sang

Còn em tay trắng cam đành lỡ làng

Nào đâu dám mơ dám ước

Tình đẹp như người đến trước

Bao đêm rồi tủi phận bọt bèo

12. Chuyện Người Con Gái - HƯƠNG THỦY

Perhaps when people mention Huong Thuy, you will innately think of a graceful and gentle performer. You will envision an ideal Vietnamese girl with her long flowing hair and ao dai. That is how the first half of the song is staged. Huong Thuy with her hair in a bun in ao dai and the dancers on stage. The song has a definite Chinese-esque tonality and you will the graceful movements on stage with silk scarves. Everything is very pleasant and calming but what the audience doesn't know is that they're in for a big surprise. For most of her career Huong Thuy has been known for her simplicity and for her delivery of Southern Vietnam songs. Since PBN 93, she has added another dimension to her repertoire as she won PBN's first Celebrity Dancing competition. Ever since that, besides her graceful Vietnamese dancers, she has wowed audiences with her exquisite ballroom style dancing. Towards the middle of the song, the dancers will gather around Huong Thuy and all of a sudden we see that the ao dai has instantaneously been transformed to a short dress. Cheers and Applause from the audience. The dancers leave and we see from the ramp, her dance partner Christian Baerens appear. The slow Chinese-esqe beat of the song is also transitioned into a fun Cha-cha beat. This was definitely one of the most exciting and entertaining numbers of the show.

Khi biết yêu thương người

Cuộc đời em ngỡ quên môi cười

Nhủ lòng sẽ cố quên

Mà tìm yêu vẫn mãi gọi tên

Đêm về trong hoang vắng

Nước mắt rơi đã biết bao lần

13. Dấu Chân Địa Đàng - KHÁNH LY

Khanh Ly is perhaps the ultimate diva of Vietnamese music. There's not much I can say that hasn't already been said before. She is truly a diva and the standing ovation by the male singers at the end of her performance again proves this. She is respected not only by the audience but by her peers as well. Khanh Ly's name will forever be mentioned when Vietnamese music is talked about for all eternity. Furthermore, her voice has been connected to the music of Trinh Cong Son. Tonight she is dressed in a black ao dai with large white flowers print on the front.

Trời buông gió và mây về ngang bên lưng đèo

Mùa xanh lá loài sâu ngủ quên trong tóc chiều

Cuộc đời đó nửa đêm tiếng ca lên như than phiền

Bàng hoàng lạc gió mấy miền

Trùng trùng ngoài khơi nước lên sóng mềm

14. Cỏ Hồng - KHÁNH HÀ

Another diva of Vietnamese music. Her career has sustained all these years because of her soulful vocals and her wide range of music genres and styles. She started off singing pop selections and through time has transitioned to more classical and mature song choices. She sings from the inner of her soul to move and stir the audience. Tonight she sings Pham Duy’s classic song “Co Hong” with a very jazzed up arrangement through the very prominent brass songs. Khanh Ha is one of the few singers whose vocals are powerful enough to handle the strong sounds of a brass band. Tonight she still has her short hair (as in PBN 98) and in a very elegant black/red dress.

Rước em lên đồi cỏ hoang ngập lối

Rước em lên đồi hẹn với bình minh

Đôi chân xinh xinh như tình thôi khép nép

Hãy vứt chiếc dép bước đi ôm cỏ mềm

15. Dạ Cổ Hoài Lang - HƯƠNG LAN

Huong Lan is another ultimate diva of this generation. 100 years from now she will always be remembered as one of the greatest que huong singers of all time. And in addition, she will be remembered for her ability to sing both tan nhac and vong co music equally well. Despite having breaks throughout the years, Huong Lan has been working with Thuy Nga since the very beginning. Tonight she is dressed in a black velvet ao dai and performing a masterpiece of Vietnamese music. What truly enhanced this performance was the inclusion of the band of traditional musicians. That inclusion gave this performance was a sense of grandeur and elegance. On top of that we have the masterful vocals of Huong Lan. When she hit those high notes with ease and power and grace, it literally sent chills down your spine. Again, standing ovation from the male singers in the audience followed suit.

Từ là từ phu tướng

Bảo kiếm sắc phong lên đàng

Vào ra luống trông tin chàng

Năm canh mơ màng

Em luống trông tin chàng

Cho gan vàng quặn đau í a

16. La Vie En Rose - Ý LAN

Y Lan is one of the favorite performers of all time. Her powerful and flawless vocals are able to stir your emotions and captivate your soul. Tonight she tackles the famous song La Vie En Rose made famous by incredible French sing Edith Piaf. Y Lan is dressed in a black and fusia dress – a very elegant and “French” style dress if you will. The Eiffel tower used in LTQ and MTD’s number from PBN 99 is used in this performance as well. It is positioned more towards the front and center of the stage. To add to the overall ambience of the performance an old fashioned microphone is positioned in the middle of stage as well. Her voice is just so amazing. From technical aspect to vocal precision, listening to Y Lan is an experience that remains within you. The first half of the song is performed in the slow tempo that Piaf performed in Vietnamese (translation by Dieu Huong). During the middle, the beat picks up and she sings the second half in French. Be prepared to travel to France with Y Lan!

Ôi khát khao đầy tràn dâng đôi mắt

Ôi đôi môi mềm dịu dàng ngây ngất

Đây bức tranh tình tuyệt vời duy nhất

Tình yêu ơi đêm nay đang về quanh đây

17. Trên Đỉnh Phù Vân - NGỌC HẠ

Ever since she appeared on PBN 63 with “Mai Dinh Lang Bien” she has time and time again wowed audiences with her amazing vocals and impressed us all with her incredible range. She has one of those voices, which resonate and can fill any room. People linger on her every note. She has one of those very distinct voices recognizable by anyone who hears her voice. Personally for me, Ngoc Ha has a special place in my heart because she reintroduces to the younger generation songs, which were popular before I were born. Beyond that she has such a varied diversity. Tonight she performs another song by Pho Duc Phuong. Pho Duc Phuong is also the composer to “Khong The Va Co The” another of Ngoc Ha’s most memorable performances. This performance has a definite ca tru feel. We see Ngoc Ha in a deep red dress. The dancers are in white dresses and all are carrying fans draped with black chiffon. The image in the background is that of a temple on a mountain cliff surrounded by fog. The song itself tells a story of a girl looking for her dead husband. So the music and overall feel of the song is very haunting and mysterious.

Mênh mênh mang mang Phù Vân Yên Tử

Vi vi vu vu Trúc Lâm thiền tự

Thổn thức nỗi lòng ai kẻ tình si

Nước mắt tràn mi tìm người trong mộng

18. Tình Phụ Tôi - LƯU BÍCH

Over the years Luu Bich has brought us many memorable love ballads. From “Pho Van Xua” to “Hiu Hat Doi Nhau” to “Thien Duong Co Don,” there’s something in Luu Bich’s voice, which can make your soul cry. Tonight we will add another of such ballads to the list. “Tinh Phu Toi” written by her sister Lan Anh. She is dressed in a black lacey shirt and black pants. Be prepared to feel the pains and sadness of love once again through the voice of Luu Bich.

Tuyết rơi mãi cho tôi quên đường về

Phố khuya vắng không gian nặng nề trôi

Ta mất nhau để tình chia hai lối

Tôi với tôi trong đêm vắng quạnh hiu

19. LK Hỡi Người Tình, Trời Còn Làm Mưa Mãi, Mưa Trên Biển Vắng - MINH TUYẾT

The ultimate queen of pop - she has captured the hearts of millions because of the passion she brings to each and every one of her performances. She is able to make the audience feel the message of the song in a way no other singer has before. Minh Tuyet has mentioned several times in various interviews throughout the years that Ngoc Lan is her ultimate idol. As a small homage to Ngoc Lan, tonight Minh Tuyet performs a medley of 3 songs previously made popular by Ngoc Lan - Hoi Nguoi Tinh, Mua Tren Bien Vang, and Troi Con Mua Mai. The stage is set up with a large pink square ottoman in the middle of stage and surrounded by many candles. It is a very romantic and elegant scene on stage. Minh Tuyet is dressed in a gress long dress. This medley shows off all of Minh Tuyet's strength: from vocal range, emotional delivery, and musical passion.

Hỡi người tình vẫn biết anh không hề yêu

Sao em vẫn đợi chờ trong hắt hiu

Nếu một ngày buốt giá anh không còn ai

Thì hãy nhớ sẽ có em ngồi đây…vẫn mong chờ

20. LK Nước Cuốn Hoa Trôi & Tình Nàng La Lan - NHƯ QUỲNH

Like Huong Thuy, Nhu Quynh has always been known for her delivery of que huong songs and also for her unrivaled authentic Vietnamese movements and dances. In tonight's show, Thuy Nga wants to display and showcase those 2 aspects of her career. She starts off the song in a turquoise ao dai with flowy arms. The ao dai itself is very flowy, designers Huynh Gia Tuan and Preston Tran explained since the first song was "Nuoc Cuon Hoa Troi" they wanted to design something that went represented the title of the song. She sings the first song standing alone on stage. There is no band or any dancers. It is Nhu Quynh's superb vocals on display her. The purpose is to have everyone focus on the amazing vocals of Nhu Quynh. And truly she is one of a kind. The emotions she conveys while performing is uncanny. She tells the story of the girl in the song and makes the audience feel sad for the love of the characters in the song. At the end of the first song we will see NQ slowly make her way backstage while dancers dressed in "mountain people" clothes. After about one minute, NQ reappears in a new ensemble, shirt and skirt. This is also a subtle reference to one of her most famous performances of "Noi Buon Chau Pha" from PBN 42. It is a joy to watch NQ perform and dance like this on stage. She's so natural at it and it comes across with no effort. This also speaks of the amazing partnership between NQ and Thuy Nga. Only Thuy Nga can stage this kind of performance and utilize the full potential of NQ's talents. She refers to this in the following interview as well. This is a long awaited performance for all of NQ's fans and you will not be disappointed.

Người con gái năm ấy thường hay ra hái hoa bên bờ suối

Rồi nâng niu thả hoa trên giòng nước đứng trông theo mà buồn

Để rồi đây nước chảy hoa trôi hoa úa màu tim vỡ thôi

Cuộc đời hoa thoáng như làn gió bay phớt ngang trên mặt hồ

21. Tình Lỡ - THANH HÀ

There is something in Thanh Ha’s voice that makes you stop and listen, a certain element in her voice which immediately catches your attention. That sexy raspy quality simply melts your soul. But beyond that she sings with power, with passion, and with an ability to wake up your emotions. She has that certain way of emphasizing words within a phrase to make the words flow and the sentence structure glide along. Tonight she is dressed in pink, gold, and black gown designed by Canadian designer Andy The Anh, who has briefly mentioned in the fashion clip in PBN 99. I’ll always remember Thanh Ha’s first appearance of PBN 31 with Ngoc Trong’s “An Tinh Mong Manh.” There was that quality about her that made me latch on; and I have been a fan ever since. Most of the singers stand during the interviews, but for a couple of segments 2 large high-heeled shaped chairs are brought out. As Thanh Ha and NNN sit on these shoe-looking chairs she will recall a very cute story of how she tried to contact Thuy Nga to send in her demo tape many years ago.

Thôi rồi còn chi đâu anh ơi

Có còn lại chăng dư âm thôi

Trong cơn thương đau men đắng môi

Yêu rồi tình yêu sao chua cay

Men nào bằng men thương đau đây

Hỡi người bỏ ta trong mưa bay

22. Mùa Thu Chết - NGỌC ANH

With only a year on the Paris By Night stage, many people have quickly fallen in love with Ngoc Anh’s voice. She has the voice, which is distinct, and a certain quality that makes you want to listen more. From “Giet Nguoi Trong Mong” to “Bai Khong Ten So 4” to “Thang 6 Troi Mua” she is able to breathe new life into very classic songs. She injects her personality into these songs and makes the words on the page come to life. Tonight she is dressed in a brown dress with a netted hat as was popular in the 50s and 60s. Again she sings into a classic microphone and through the settings and arrangement of the song, you will be transported to a intimate night club of that time. Tonight she takes on Pham Duy’s “Mua Thu Chet.” Her vocals are just so amazing and so powerful. You’re on the edge of your seat the entire time because she presents the song with such delicacy while retaining the drama of the piece. Her breath support is so amazing – it felt as if she sang the entire song without a single breath to create that feel of having the audience linger on her every note. Simply amazing!!

Ta ngắt đi một cụm hoa thạch thảo

Em nhớ cho mùa thu đã chết rồi

Mùa Thu đã chết, em nhớ cho

Mùa Thu đã chết, em nhớ cho

Mùa Thu đã chết, đã chết rồi

23. Em Muốn Tin Anh - NHƯ LOAN

Nhu Loan, Vietnamese music’s sweetheart; and according to many, the most beautiful Viet singer (NNN will ask this about her in the subsequent interview). But beyond looks, Nhu Loan has a very distinct voice - voice that uplifts and enlightens. She sings with a grace and a quality that sets her apart. She is able to allow the audience to feel the emotions she is wishing to convey. In sad songs you can feel her pain and in happy songs she is able to make us smile. There is that cuteness and innocence about her personality about her which makes Nhu Loan so likeable. Tonight she sings a song with a light R&B beat which really bring out all her qualities. You will feel the emotions as she pleas for her lover to return in this great song. She is dressed in a short nude colored dress with black rhinestones and the 4 dancers are dressed in purple dresses.

Em muốn tin anh và em muốn anh mãi yêu em

Như ngày xưa Ta đã yêu nhau và ta đã có nhau từ thuở nào

Vòng tay ấm ân tình trao nhau

Từng tiếng nói ngọt ngào thiết tha gọi nhau

24. Voyage, Voyage - THỦY TIÊN

With “Nho Anh” in PBN 62, Thuy Tien immediately became one of my favorite singers. From ballads to dance numbers she performs with a passion and true sense of entertaining. Tonight’s performance is truly “out of this world.” From costumes to dance to music arrangement, it will take you to a whole new world. And as the song is rightfully titled “Voyage, Voyage” let Thuy Tien and the dancers take you on this musical journey. Thuy Tien is dressed in a black and silver outfit with a very elaborate skirt designed by Tommy Pham and the dancers are all in silver/black. The high-energy, highly creative performance will keep you glued to the TV set. Tình vội đến vội đi ai ngờ Tựa cơn gió nhẹ trôi cuối trời mộng mơ Con tim hững hờ Với tháng năm buồn trôi

25. Cát Bụi Tình Xa - QUỲNH VI, LAM ANH, TÚ QUYÊN, NGUYÊT ANH, KỲ PHƯƠNG UYÊN, HƯƠNG GIANG

This was one of my favorite performances of the evening because of its simplicity; and because it allowed and showcased the vocals these singers. We see first off on stage 6 empty stools. As the music begins the 6 sings will slowly make their way to the stools and each holding a hand microphone. The simplicity of the setup immediately made the performance very intimate and you forgot for a second you were sitting in a room with two thousand other people. In the middle interlude, the singers would stand up and in unison walk around the chair. The very simple movements made the song even more beautiful. The simple arrangement also allowed the voices of these singers to echo throughout the hall. The vocals were incredible and the harmony among the 6 vocalists was truly inspiring. “Cat Bui Tinh Xa” is one of those songs everyone knows, but to have it performed and arranged like it was on this Diva show made me appreciate the song and these singers even more.

Bao nhiêu năm làm kiếp con người

Chợt một chiều tóc trắng như vôi

Lá úa trên cao rụng đầy

Cho trăm năm vào chết một ngày

26. Làm Sao Giữ Được Anh - TÓC TIÊN

Through 3 PBN performances, most people will remember Toc Tien in elegant and innocent ao dai with “Toc May” or “Em Trong Mat Toi.” Tonight she shows off another side of her self with a high energy, very young, and powerful dance song. Toc Tien is dressed in black pants and lacy shirt designed by Kelly Bui. For this song, Thuy Nga has invited “We Are Heroes” to participate. “We Are Heroes” are the season 4 winners of MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew” and the first all-girl group to win that title. Together with Toc Tien, they truly rock the stage with attitude and personality and bring the energy of the house up and a very fitting way to end this special Paris By Night edition – Divas! Đôi khi trong mơ Em thường hay tiếc nuối hờn ghen Ngỡ như phút giây mình còn nồng nàn đam mê Bao nhiêu yêu thương Bao niềm vui nước mắt giờ đây Đã xa mãi chân trời Tình mình đành dang dở