Phạm Phương Thảo (singer)

Phạm Phương Thảo (born Phạm Thị Thảo on January 18, 1982) is a Vietnamese singer, songwriter, and composer known for her contributions to Vietnamese folk and lyrical music. Her career began with singing competitions and national contests, where she won multiple awards including Audience Favorite and 3rd Place. Trained at the Vietnamese Army of Culture and Arts, Thảo is a member of the Vietnam National Music and Dance Theater and has released numerous albums. Over the years, she has received several reputable honors, served as a judge for a singing competition and participated in charity events across Vietnam. Born to a poor family in a rural area, Phạm was the fourth of five siblings. Phạm had developed a passion for music from a young age, constantly singing while doing chores such as washing dishes.

Phạm later pursued formal music training by enrolling in the Vietnamese Army College of Culture and Arts, known as Trường Cao đẳng Văn hóa Nghệ thuật Quân đội in Vietnamese. She graduated from this institution in 2002. In 2003, Phạm entered the "Sao Mai" (Morning Star) national television singing competition in the folk category, eventually placing third while also winning the "Audience Favorite" award. In addition to this, she also won three gold medals consecutively between the years of 2001–2003 at the National Professional Youth & Students Music Festival. These combined successes soon quickly launched her into public attention.

2003–2009: First studio albums released In 2003, she joined the Vietnam Music and Dance Theater as a performing singer, recording albums soon after. Her debut studio album Một khúc tâm tình (Vol. 1) was released in 2004, and was soon followed by her sophomore album Cho mẹ, cho em và cho tôi (Vol. 2) in 2005.

2010–2018: Songwriting, composing, and poetry In 2010, she composed the song "Gái Nghệ" which is regarded as her first work as a composer. In 2011, Phạm released the album titled "Điệu buồn điệu thương" as a tribute to the singer An Thuyên, her teacher whom she felt indebted to. Phạm is also known to be a prolific songwriter, writing most of her own songs, as well as ones for other artists, all in a traditional style. After her first composition "Gái Nghệ" in 2010, she continued composing songs, with notable ones being "Chàng vinh quy", "Mơ duyên", "Chút tình em gửi", "Mười đóa sen thơm", "Đất mẹ ngày về", "Gái Nghệ", "Mong manh em", and "Cõng mẹ về trời", among others. A 2018 concert and album cycle (her 20th anniversary "Mơ duyên" tour) featured a third of the program consisting of her own compositions.

2019–Present: Hosting "Con đường âm nhạc" and judging on Sao Mai In addition to music and recordings, Phạm has also appeared on television. Vietnam Television produced a special program about her music titled "Con đường âm nhạc" (The Music Path). She has also performed at concerts and charity galas nationwide. Over the years, she has also become a leading figure in Vietnam's folk-music scene, mentoring younger artists informally—notably being a judge in the folk category for the Sao Mai category in 2019 and in 2022. In 2024, she was invited to sit on the Artistic Counsel of the National Music and Dance Festival for the second time. These critics have also described her voice as "sweet and deep". A VTV profile similarly remarks that her "giọng hát ngọt ngào, tình cảm" (sweet, emotive voice) and attractive stage presence have impressed audiences. Her performances often incorporate patriotic Vietnamese themes, such as in "Ai vô xứ Nghệ", as well as in other odes to her homeland. As a person and a lyricist however, she is sometimes characterized by contrasting images. As journalist Huy Hoàng notes, "Nếu hát và sáng tác 'sắc như dao', thì cô gái quê Nghệ An cũng thật 'mềm như lụa' trong chuyện yêu" ("if her singing and songwriting are 'sharp as a knife', the Nghệ An country girl is also 'soft as silk' in love"). Phạm is also known for charitable involvement. She "actively participates in community activities, giving gifts to poor families and performing in charity fundraising events."

Personal life In 2007, she married a businessman whom she met in 2004 named Trần Sỹ Thịnh. They divorced in 2009. Media reports also indicate that she has had two failed marriages prior to this one as well.

Discography

Other works

Poetry 2018 – Đi hết xuân thì Poetry Collection

Movie(s) 2021 – "Điều không thể mất"

Music videos 2014 – Hết đứng lại ngồi

2017 – Dọc ngang đò tình

2019 – Có thương nhau thì về

Solo live shows 2019 – Mơ Duyên

Compositions

Đất mẹ ngày về Cho em thôi chòng chành Trăng sáng một mình Chàng vinh quy Mong manh em Mơ duyên Gái Nghệ