Episode 13 of "Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai 2026": Nha Lay Lung retraces memorable dormitory moments, delivering a deeply emotional stage performance

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Talents reflect on their journey in the Decisive Round: Following the stages of Performance 5, the four Houses entered the Decisive Round with four performances: Tim Lai, Co Khi, Nhu Ngay Dau, and Va Toi Cung Yeu Em. The Decisive Round created a space for the talents to look back at themselves, their musical choices, and the bonds forged throughout the journey. Each performance was not merely a stage showcase, but a vessel for the personal stories and innermost feelings of the members.

Nha Hao Mon "rediscover" themselves after times of uncertainty: With Tim Lai, Hoang Ton, Trinh Thang Binh, and Dinh Manh Ninh reflected on their musical paths and the periods that once made them question themselves. Hoang Ton channeled his inner struggles through a fast-flow rap, recounting days of making music in isolation while steadfastly searching for the "dawn" beyond dark times. Trinh Thang Binh also viewed this stage as a milestone to rediscover himself in his singing career. The collaboration of the three artists stood out as a highlight, marking an official reunion of longtime friends on the same stage.

Nha Luc Lac return to the essence of music through "Co Khi": Contrasting with their previous high-energy stages, Nha Luc Lac chose a restrained performance to focus entirely on vocals and raw emotion. Co Khi posed the challenge of blending six distinct vocal colors harmoniously into a single vocal piece. The members jointly crafted the X-Part, thoroughly debating every lyric to ensure the performance carried individual identity while maintaining a cohesive emotional arc.

Nha Lay Lung bring dormitory memories to the stage with "Nhu Ngay Dau": Nhu Ngay Dau conveyed the story of cherished memories that members built together in the dormitory throughout the show. Nha Lay Lung reflected on the early days of being strangers, sharing meals, singing, conversing, and gradually becoming family. The performance served as a heartfelt tribute to the talents, crew, and supporters, while recreating candid, everyday moments rarely seen behind the scenes.

Nha Thang Hoa showcase youthful spirit and love for life through "Va Toi Cung Yeu Em": Nha Thang Hoa chose to preserve the familiar optimism of Va Toi Cung Yeu Em while arranging it over a fresh, vibrant, and energetic musical backdrop. Inspired by the "Flickering flames" theme, the members expanded the song's message from a love for life and small joys to affection for loved ones, expressing gratitude for simply living and being loved. The stage space was envisioned as a summer beach, brimming with youthful energy and the zest of K26. The members also tackled new techniques, including locking and a high-flying stunt by Thuan Nguyen.

It’s Charles earns the "Chien Tuong" title twice, honoring behind-the-scenes dedication: Following Performance 5, It’s Charles was once again awarded the "Chien Tuong" title, marking his second recognition. The producer shared that the ring belonged not to him alone, but symbolized the collective effort of the entire team.

Thuan Nguyen and Will conclude their journey at Performance 5: Performance 5 also marked the departures of Thuan Nguyen and Will from the show. Thuan Nguyen viewed this journey as an opportunity to push past the boundaries of an actor, challenging himself with singing, stage performance, and large-scale productions, while regaining his confidence and passion for the craft. Meanwhile, Will departed with gratitude for the chance to sing again, feeling that audiences had gained an open and embracing perspective toward him. Will’s departure brought particular bittersweet nostalgia for Jun Pham, as the two never shared a stage together despite hoping to revive a 365 reunion after years of disbandment.

A night of "Bitter Water" to unveil unspoken truths: After Performance 5, the talents gathered for a special evening of sharing over food and drinks. The candid questions in the "Bitter Water of Truth" round unveiled heartfelt stories behind their stage personas

from self-doubt and pressure to shifts in self-perception and camaraderie. Dong Hung moved everyone deeply as he recounted the darkest phases of his life, admitting there were moments he never thought he would survive to this day, and emphasizing that simply being heard can be the greatest comfort. These raw moments allowed the talents to witness a more vulnerable Dong Hung behind his everyday cheerful demeanor.

DETAILED CONTENT

The Decisive Round commenced with four performances from four Houses: Tim Lai, Co Khi, Nhu Ngay Dau, and Chuyen Chang Co Don. Concluding the live performance, the members gathered to express previously unshared feelings, fostering a deeply emotional space.

Nha Hao Mon open the decisive round with "Tim Lai": A journey back to oneself

Opening the Decisive Round, Nha Hao Mon delivered Tim Lai through the collaborative performance of Hoang Ton, Trinh Thang Binh, and Dinh Manh Ninh. Far beyond an ordinary love story, the talents expanded Tim Lai into an inward journey of self-reflection, reconsidering their choices and the very reasons they each set out on their musical paths.

Click here to watch: "Tim Lai" performance:

"Tim Lai" helps each Nha Hao Mon member reflect on their own musical journey

Notably, Tim Lai came to Nha Hao Mon quite by chance. Hoang Ton shared that the song was the team's final option after failing to secure their preferred tracks during the bidding round. However, upon closely examining the lyrics and grasping the underlying message, he realized Tim Lai could be narrated from an entirely different angle. Instead of merely recounting a love story, it could depict someone who has lost their way and strives to rediscover themselves, reclaiming what they truly desire.

This concept deeply resonated with Hoang Ton's own reflections throughout the show. The male artist revealed that from the very first stage up to this point, he had constantly prioritized the desires of his teammates and the audience. A conversation with It’s Charles, where the music producer asked, "We are at Performance 5 now, what do you really want?", sparked deep introspection, prompting Hoang Ton to channel those inner conflicts directly into his rap verse in Tim Lai.

Hoang Ton explores the story of a lost soul searching for what he truly desires

The rap verse also marked a fresh experiment for Hoang Ton, who opted for a fast-flow delivery over a darker, gangster-trap-influenced sound. The bars were crafted from the mindset of an artist who once endured prolonged periods of working in isolation yet persevered in pursuing music, holding fast to the belief that beyond the darkest days, everyone will eventually find their own "dawn." "There were nights I sat in the recording studio feeling as if no one embraced my work at all. Yet I kept sitting there and producing. I told myself I would overcome it and find the dawn behind that blinding wall of rain," he reflected. For Hoang Ton, Tim Lai was primarily a gift to himself, and secondarily a heartfelt message to the fans who have stood by and supported him throughout his career.

Much like Hoang Ton, Trinh Thang Binh chose to retrace his path of self-rediscovery through the X-part. The singer shared that his journey on the show rekindled the pure joy of performing on stage. He opened up: "Honestly speaking, this has been an incredibly fulfilling journey because I rediscovered who I am, and I reclaimed the joy of standing under the stage lights and singing."

Trinh Thang Binh shares that he rekindled the joy of standing on stage

Approaching the track this time, Dinh Manh Ninh viewed Tim Lai in connection with Loi Tai Mua, where invisible walls symbolize the pressure, memories, and emotions keeping individuals trapped. According to the artist, the collective energy of the entire team in Tim Lai represents the breakthrough journey past those walls toward better horizons.

Notably, Tim Lai also marked the rare occasion where Hoang Ton, Trinh Thang Binh, and Dinh Manh Ninh shared the same stage and collaborated on a single performance. Prior to this, all three had established long-standing connections in both music and life. Hoang Ton reflected: "Binh and I have known each other for a very long time; we shared an extremely close bond back then. Later on, Binh went through a quiet period, and so did I. We weren't side by side, but we always kept an eye on one another, checking in and offering encouragement when needed. As for Ninh, I knew him even before meeting Binh. One based in the South, one in the North, yet our paths always crossed somehow. However, the timing was never quite right for an official collaboration. Fortunately, I finally had the chance to make it happen, like old friends catching up after a long separation and talking about our music."

Behind the overarching narrative of the stage, Mew Amazing explained that the theme "Flickering flames" challenged the artists to listen to the inner fire and hear what it had to tell them. Guided by this thought, the entire group decided to tell the story of a person embarking on their journey with pure innocence, only to endure hardships, setbacks, and moments of losing sight of who they were and what they truly wanted. Nearing the end of that journey, the character listens inward once more to rediscover the very reason they started.

Through the seamless blend of rap, melody, and distinctive personal colors, Tim Lai launched the Decisive Round with a contemplative, resonant narrative.

Nha Luc Lac bring "Co Khi" to the stage, narrating a unified story through vocals

Click here to watch: "Co Khi" performance:

Following their high-energy showcase in the Fire Ignition Round, Nha Luc Lac returned to the Decisive Round with Co Khi, a vocal performance intentionally stripped of complex movement to focus purely on emotion and each member's singing capability.

Sharing the direction for this stage, Will said: "This stage will be aesthetically refined and emotional; there will be no choreography, just us standing and singing the song. The team will pour all effort into the vocals for this performance."

Following their high-energy showcase in the Fire Ignition Round, Nha Luc Lac returned to the Decisive Round with Co Khi, a vocal performance intentionally stripped of complex movement to focus purely on emotion and each member's singing capability.

Sharing the direction for this stage, Will said: "This stage will be aesthetically refined and emotional; there will be no choreography, just us standing and singing the song. The team will pour all effort into the vocals for this performance."

The "Co Khi" stage carries the distinct essence of a romantic ballad

Opting for this approach posed another challenge for Nha Luc Lac: how to blend six distinct vocal colors harmoniously within a single piece. Cheng considered this one of the greatest hurdles when crafting Co Khi, as not every member shared vocal technique as their primary strength. "Generally speaking, everyone can sing, but in terms of seasoned vocalists, our team really only has Duy and Will. The rest are good singers. So the real problem was how to balance all six voices so that everyone blended seamlessly together," Cheng shared.

According to Thanh Duy, during the preparation process, Nha Luc Lac's working style allowed each member to discover the exact part that best showcased their personal strengths, rather than forcing them into a rigid template. He explained: "Nha Luc Lac has a distinct taste and working dynamic where we never box anyone in, like dictating who must write this specific line or that section. Instead, everyone listens to the demo first, and only then do we start shaping the X-part.

The X-part was crafted by the members without adhering to rigid templates

However, because every member wished to leave their personal mark on the performance, finalizing Co Khi turned into a delicate balancing act. Thanh Duy revealed that out of six members, as many as five wrote their own lines. This forced the group to make multiple revisions so the individual X-parts would not feel disjointed while preserving the overarching emotional narrative. One of the notable debates arose between Thanh Duy and Tho Da LAB over whether to use the word "worship" or "yearn" in a specific lyric. For Thanh Duy, words needed not only to fit the melody, but also to capture the true psychology of the story's character. He aimed to push the emotion of love in the track to the point of desperation, crafting a lyric potent enough to leave an indelible impact on the audience. He explained: "The way the character in this song expresses love is essentially hopeless devotion. I wanted a line that hits the listener's psyche harder. If Tho feels the word carries too much weight, then it might be heading in the exact direction I envision for this song." In the end, the two members agreed to keep the word "worship" for that line.

Co Khi continued to showcase a distinct facet of Nha Luc Lac in the show's final stretch. Following a stage full of energy, the six talents chose to slow down, rein in movement, and focus entirely on the core essence of a vocal performance.

Nha Lay Lung look back on the journey through "Nhu Ngay Dau", preserving another kind of brilliance behind the scenes

Click here to watch: "Nhu Ngay Dau" performance:

Entering the Decisive Round of Performance 5 under the theme "Flickering flames", Nha Lay Lung presented Nhu Ngay Dau as a reminder to reflect on the journey they had traveled. While previous stages centered on showcasing strong individual identities and unique colors, this time the members chose to return to their most authentic memories: the early days of meeting one another, the months spent living together in the dormitory, and the shared emotions cultivated throughout their journey on Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai 2026.

"Nhu Ngay Dau" recreates the Talents' early days of meeting one another on the show

The initial concept for Nhu Ngay Dau stemmed from the imagery of a flame in the dark. Thom Da LAB reflected that people often spend too much of their lives chasing external brilliance while overlooking their inner world. "Initially, Thom thought about exploring how people spend a lifetime striving for external brilliance, sometimes forgetting the world inside themselves. People evaluate their self-worth against external benchmarks, believing their lives must shine brilliantly to the outside," he shared.

From that thought, Thom Da LAB viewed the flame as a symbol of confronting one's own self: "Sometimes, when people learn to face their own darkness, they uncover the brilliance within. Just like kindling a small flame inside oneself, that tiny spark shining in the pitch dark becomes the brightest light one has ever seen."

Thom Da LAB views the flame as a symbol of confronting one's own self

However, when translating the concept into a collective performance, Nha Lay Lung realized the narrative went beyond individual journeys. After five live performances, themes like the "inner child" or personal growth had already been explored, prompting the team to focus on what they had experienced together. It’s Charles shared that upon receiving the X-Song brief, he recalled the early days entering the dormitory, their initial impressions of one another, and the emotions sparked from that very starting point.

Drawing from those memories, It’s Charles continued: "Everyone reached an agreement that we would write about our shared experiences and personal reflections, detailing what we have been through together from the very beginning of the Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai journey until now." Nhu Ngay Dau thus became a tribute from Nha Lay Lung to their companions: "This is a gift Nha Lay Lung wants to dedicate to everyone here, to the entire production crew, and to all the brothers who stood alongside us throughout this journey."

On his part, Ho Dong Quan viewed Nhu Ngay Dau as a homecoming, yet not one returning to the innocence of early days, but arriving as a more mature version forged through shared hardships. "The narrative is quite compelling and profound—a homecoming imbued with nostalgia and greater maturity compared to 'Cho Ta Be Lai," he reflected.

Ho Dong Quan shares his perspective on personal growth since the early days of joining the show

Jun Pham further elaborated on the song message: "Because the narrative was so deeply touching, we had to rediscover the reason we started in the first place. It was not about money, nor fame; simply put, we wanted to meet new souls and build genuine connections, no matter what tomorrow holds. Tomorrow the earth will still spin, the sun will still rise, and the trees will still flourish with green. So the brothers poured that exact energy into this song."

Following the performance, Jun Pham candidly confessed that the most defining part of the journey did not take place on stage. He reflected that what audiences witnessed represented merely a fraction of the real story behind the curtains: "To us, what happens on stage accounts for only about 20%. The remaining 80%, which represents the most authentic moments where the brothers opened their hearts, unfolded mostly inside the dormitory." It was these everyday, genuine bonds that affirmed for Jun Pham that he held zero regrets about joining the show.

For Huynh Lap, Nhu Ngay Dau felt like translating their dormitory memories directly onto the stage. He shared that every member still treasured gifts and tokens from the other talents, all of which they longed to weave into the performance. "I felt as if I were back in the dorm, humming and singing casually with everyone. Today differs from normal days only because of the presence of all our Gai Con fans witnessing it here. Usually, you only see the talents lounging in the dorm through a screen, but now we are recreating that exact scene live. We just gathered around each other, joking, laughing, and singing away," he expressed.

Perhaps that is why Nhu Ngay Dau went beyond a nostalgic look into the past; it stood as Nha Lay Lung way of preserving the invaluable bonds forged throughout this journey. Thai VG reminisced about his bewildering first days when everything was unknown, only for strangers to gradually become family across different groups, stages, and shared trials. To Thai VG, that profound unity also came from those who quietly supported each other backstage. He gave heartfelt nods to Huynh Lap and It’s Charles, who aided him through the early hurdles, as well as Jun Pham, whom he regarded as someone who perpetually puts the collective whole before himself.

Nha Lay Lung preserve these precious moments through the performance "Nhu Ngay Dau"

Ultimately, Nhu Ngay Dau brought Nha Lay Lung back to the simplest things that shaped this entire journey. From early days when they were strangers to experiencing numerous stages and memories together, the members gradually formed a cohesive group with distinct individual colors while sharing an unforgettable journey.

Nha Thang Hoa bring "Va Toi Cung Yeu Em" to Performance 5 with youthful spirit

Click here to watch: "Va Toi Cung Yeu Em" performance:

Nha Thang Hoa presented the performance stage Va Toi Cung Yeu Em with a fresh approach to a familiar song. Instead of altering the original spirit completely, the members chose to preserve the inherent warmth and optimism of the track while placing it into a more youthful, vibrant setting.

Nha Thang Hoa preserve the original spirit of the song, delivering optimism and joy through the performance "Va Toi Cung Yeu Em"

Dong Hung considered familiarity itself to be one of the song major advantages. "When the song starts playing, everyone will notice two things. First is familiarity, and second is the optimistic spirit embedded in this song. I often tease the brothers: 'That is the winning factor, the real winning factor of this song.'" According to him, because the timeless values of classic songs remain vibrant, Nha Thang Hoa did not need to alter the inherent spirit, but chose instead to elevate them onto a fresh musical backdrop. "Sometimes listening back to old songs, their core values are still intact right there, yet they will be presented over an entirely new musical foundation."

From the creative prompt "Flickering flames", OSAD along with the members developed the song toward celebrating simple life values. While the opening portion spoke of loving life and cherishing small daily things around us, the subsequent section expanded into affection for cherished loved ones. He added that the bridge performed by Hoang Dung and Ha An Huy further broadened that message into gratitude toward existence: "Thank you because we are still alive, thank you because we still have people who love us standing by our side."

OSAD shares that the song aims to celebrate simple values in life

With that message, Nha Thang Hoa did not want to create a stage merely for performance, but aimed to draw the audience directly into the atmosphere of the song. OSAD shared: “The spirit we want to bring to this performance is enjoyment within the atmosphere our stage creates, whether it is a vocal track or a performance track. We want to offer the audience a setting where everyone can immerse themselves in the song, feeling like an active part of it.”

The stage environment was therefore built like a summer beach filled with sand, vibrant light, and youthful energy. Hoang Rob shared that the concept surfaced right from the very first listen of Va Toi Cung Yeu Em: “I thought of a beach, a sun-drenched beach brimming with the spirit of youth.” To him, the beach was not just a picturesque setting, but also tied closely to the zest for life embraced by the K26 members: “When thinking of this beach, I think of two things. First is the energy of youth. We will always possess abundant energy, just like the way we revel in a summer beach, enjoying a party no matter what. That mirrors how the K26 brothers are enjoying this summer.” He continued: “Furthermore, 'Flickering flames' also represents the heartbeat of youth as we venture into the unknown, embarking on exciting yet challenging journeys. That is our collective spirit. And I am delighted that this time, a finale song can bring such an uplifting mood to everyone at midnight like this.”

The finale song carries the youthful spirit of braving challenges while capturing the joy of savoring summer, just as the K26 members have been doing

Beyond the musical arrangement and overarching concept, Nha Thang Hoa also ventured into new performance techniques. Hoang Rob revealed that the members had to master the locking dance technique within a tight timeframe, a formidable challenge with merely two to three days of preparation. Meanwhile, Thuan Nguyen pushed his personal boundaries further with a high-flying descent onto the stage. Having tackled various daring acts across previous live performances, he felt this was the moment he had zero reasons left to feel fear.

Performance 5 concludes: It’s Charles earns the "Chien Tuong" title, Thuan Nguyen and Will are the two talents bowing out

Performance 5 of Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai 2026 came to an end with Nha Hao Mon and Nha Lay Lung securing the safe positions. Conversely, the talents belonging to the remaining Houses entered the danger zone to await the final tally.

Following the final stages of the Live Performance journey, It’s Charles was honored with the Chien Tuong title for Performance 5. To him, the Chien Tuong distinction this time represented far more than personal recognition, serving as a testament to the collective efforts of the entire team. He expressed: “I think in this Live Performance, this Chien Tuong ring represents the spirit of giving our absolute all. I do not believe I was the only person working hard here, because everyone was pouring in that same effort. I am simply the representative receiving this ring on behalf of everyone.” This marked the second time It’s Charles achieved the Chien Tuong title. For the music producer, every time the ring was placed into his hands, it symbolized the profound trust granted by the brothers walking beside him.

It’s Charles receives the Chien Tuong title for Performance 5 following quiet dedication to the collective

Huynh Lap also affirmed that this title was genuine recognition for backstage contributions, especially for the person steering the music production. He shared: “There must be a great track for the stage sets to look stunning and fitting, enabling the brothers to truly elevate their performances. It’s Charles is exceptionally meticulous, and one could almost always find Charles online until three or four in the morning producing music. Nobody could be more deserving of that Chien Tuong title than Charles.”

Alongside moments of recognition, Performance 5 also bore witness to emotional farewells. Following the voting results, each House secured only two safe talents, while the remaining members entered the danger zone. For Cheng, whether advancing or stopping was simply part of the path already traveled. Learning he had fallen into the danger group, he reflected: “Cheng feels that every single brother is truly deserving. Having reached Performance 5, advancing to the Finale would bring complete joy to all brothers. But if not, this has already been a remarkably beautiful journey.”

Ultimately, Thuan Nguyen and Will were the two talents parting ways with the show. For Thuan Nguyen, the days spent beside his brothers not only enriched his stage experience, but fundamentally reshaped how he viewed himself. “This is a journey where Thuan learned so much, felt greater happiness, and gained more confidence stepping onto such a massive stage. Many times I overcame the fears within myself. On top of that, it granted me so many wonderful brothers.”

After Performance 5, Will and Thuan Nguyen are the two names concluding their journey

Looking back at his goals when joining the show, Thuan Nguyen believed he accomplished what he set out to achieve, which was pushing beyond the boundaries of an actor to embrace multifaceted roles on stage. “I wanted to show everyone that I am an actor, yet I can accomplish everything far beyond an actor's standard requirements, namely singing, staging full performances, and standing alongside everyone on such a grand stage.” He also added that this journey rekindled his artistic fire.

Thuan Nguyen bowing out deeply moved the companions who stood by him. Ha An Huy shared that this was one of the very first times he cried for a friend, praising Thuan Nguyen's dedication across every live performance: “He harbors so many great aspirations. I always saw him brainstorming, constantly contemplating what he should deliver for each performance. That is an extraordinarily rare quality to find in an artist.”

Dong Hung also sent a heartfelt message to Thuan Nguyen: “Thuan's journey at Chong Gai is merely reaching a temporary conclusion. Our brothers will definitely cross paths again. Moreover, I believe that once the show concludes and all episodes air, everyone will surely view Thuan Nguyen through a completely transformed lens.”

Meanwhile, Will also brought his journey to a close with profound gratitude toward the brothers who walked alongside him. “Thank you to all my brothers who journeyed together, walking through four or five months side by side by now. Although there were several brothers I never had the chance to share a performance with, I will summarize my feelings in just two words: grateful and happy.”

Before taking his leave, Will recalled a wish he held since the opening days: to keep singing and to be regarded through an open, welcoming lens. “During the first gathering days of filming, the very first thing I wished for was the opportunity to sing, to sing far more often. And amidst that, there was something I treasure even more than returning to the stage, which was hoping people would believe I am a good person. And I feel people have gained a far more welcoming perspective toward me.”

The moment Will stepped down also left lingering regret for Jun Pham, as the two never had the chance to fulfill a shared stage collaboration as they had hoped. Jun Pham shared: “Jun feels remorseful. If only I had been more assertive, so I could invite Will to join my team. That is what Jun regrets most. Going home early or late does not matter as much as the fact that the two of us ultimately could not create a shared memory on this show.” To Jun, Will's journey and his own could never feel entirely complete without that shared milestone.

Witnessing the sorrow etched on his elder brother's face, Ho Dong Quan shared in empathy: “I understand what Jun Pham is going through. Not once on this show did Jun share a live performance with Will, despite Jun longing for and desiring it deeply. Jun often confided in me that group 365 has been on hiatus for quite a long time. Jun rarely gets the chance to collaborate with his former group members. Reconnecting with Will on this show brought Jun immense joy. Jun always dreamed of a performance where both could unite, singing together just like old times. So the moment Will held that elimination card, I felt as though Jun had plunged into an abyss.”

The talents share an evening gathering to voice unspoken truths after Performance 5

The conclusion of Performance 5 signaled the entry of Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai 2026 into its final stretch toward the Grand Finale. Following months of training, competing, and withstanding intense pressures on stage, the talents were treated to an exclusive evening hosted by the show where everyone could gather, share food, and converse openly together.

The brothers gather to share heartfelt emotions after concluding Performance 5

In the opening segment titled Bitter Water, games and shared activities served as an icebreaker, helping the talents unwind after a demanding journey. Moving past initial laughter, the segment Bitter Water of Truth led the talents toward deeper inquiries, including the reflective prompt: "How has the past three month journey changed me and my life?" This became the moment when numerous unspoken stories were shared with profound sincerity.

For Thai VG, the greatest transformation lay in gradually opening his heart to his companions. He admitted that being inherently introverted, he takes considerable time to place trust in someone new. Yet the collaborative process fostered deeper understanding and respect toward his fellow talents: “I am not the type of person who sits here pretending that we are 100 percent close, but I know we constantly hold mutual respect so that we deliver our absolute best for the show and for ourselves.”

Thai VG also emphasized that what he valued most in the talents was their professional dedication to the craft. “I see everyone's talent, I feel your devotion to the profession, and that is what I respect most about everyone here.” To him, even if not everyone had the chance to form absolute closeness, the relationships forged throughout the show remained cherished memories he wished to keep long into the future.

On Dong Hung's part, he confronted a different reflection: what once made him feel insecure standing among talents endowed with distinguished achievements and extensive experience? Looking back at the early days, Dong Hung admitted he was completely overwhelmed upon entering the show. He shared that previously, he mainly accepted singing gigs according to existing programs and available stages, having released few personal music projects. He also opened up about the grueling hardships he had weathered: “Truthfully speaking, life aged me beyond my years. Certain ordeals I was forced to endure compelled me to bow my head repeatedly, because bowing my head was the only way to survive, leaving me deeply insecure. Back when I was burdened with debts, I had a mindset that a song lasts only three to five minutes, so I would live with every ounce of my being on stage, because those three to five minutes were considered the rare moments I was truly living.” Dong Hung expressed that his current efforts are no longer solely for himself. He confided that there was a period when he never thought he could live to see today, but now he feels far more fulfilled inside. Previously, he felt self conscious believing he had nothing to offer others; yet joining Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai, receiving care and gifts from fans made him realize he is genuinely cherished and supported. For Dong Hung, that profound realization serves as the very foundation of his confidence today.

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Dong Hung previously felt insecure, but joining the show made him realize he is deeply loved and supported by countless fans

Dong Hung's reflections helped the other talents recognize a vulnerable side behind the cheerful, optimistic exterior they usually saw in him. Ha An Huy was moved to tears when speaking of the elder brother he had once teamed up with: “I deeply understand Hung's situation. I know what he went through, and it was horrifying. It was beyond imagination for someone under thirty years old. He endured ordeals far worse than anything I have faced, and I just feel immense empathy for Hung.”

Beyond Dong Hung, BB Tran also revealed that the moment he entered the reunion lounge to meet the talents, he nearly lost all his usual confidence. Following a previous season filled with prominent impressions, BB Tran feared that what he had shown was already too familiar and that viewers were no longer looking forward to his appearance. He shared: “That was entirely my own insecurity, and I withdrew completely into my shell.” Reaching the recent Live Performance with Nha Hao Mon, BB Tran noted that he began reclaiming his confidence and feeling far more at ease on stage. From there, he hoped to carve out an even clearer mark in the Finale.

The talents' stories centered not only on stage pressures, but also on the profound sense of belonging to a collective. Duy Khanh shared that he initially had numerous reasons to decline the invitation to return, as he was not a professional singer and worried about his limitations. However, genuine encouragement from senior brothers ultimately convinced him to take part. After the show aired, Duy Khanh faced added pressure when feeling he was not received by the audience as warmly as expected. He no longer dared to proactively initiate interactions in front of the camera and often kept himself out of recorded moments.

From another angle, Thom Da LAB reflected that what the talents gained after this journey extended far beyond stages or competition results. “Brothers might not notice it, but we have actually attained something every adult is searching for, which is the pure joy of a child. We found happiness in the process, not from the final outcome.” To Thom Da LAB, seemingly conflicting emotions—ranging from joy, sorrow, and anger to feeling hurt, wronged, or envious—were all vital parts of the experience the talents navigated together. Being able to live authentically with those emotions made the journey profoundly meaningful.

As the journey neared its closing chapter, reflections naturally transitioned into heartfelt gratitude dedicated to fellow companions. OSAD pointed out that regardless of distinct starting points or when each person joined the show, everyone had truly become one family: “No matter which batch we belong to, we are all talents, we are brothers, we are family to one another.”

Performance 5 of Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai 2026 concluded with vibrant stages that were meticulously invested in both sound and visuals. Alongside emotionally charged showcases, Performance 5 also witnessed Thuan Nguyen and Will concluding their run on the show. Even as their Chong Gai journey pauses, the memories, brotherhood, and core values cultivated throughout this path of overcoming a thousand thorns will continue walking beside the talents on their journeys ahead.

Source: 1Production