The 68-year-old woman who was the runner-up in a bolero singing competition continues to attract attention

Jun 30, 2026

Entertainment
The 68-year-old woman who was the runner-up in a bolero singing competition continues to attract attention

Seoul [South Korea], June 30: Just days after becoming the runner-up in a bolero singing competition, Ms. Pham Anh Phuong (real name Pham Tuyet Lan) continued to make her mark by winning third prize in 'Vietnamese Homeland Love Songs'.
Winning two consecutive awards is a sweet reward for Ms. Pham Anh Phuong's journey of maintaining her passion for singing at the age of 68, even though she spent most of her life in business before that.
For Ms. Pham Anh Phuong, being able to stand on stage at this age is already a great happiness. Therefore, each time her name is called, it is not only a recognition of her professional skills but also a motivation for her to continue nurturing her passion for music.
Following her previous runner-up finish, Ms. Pham Anh Phuong continued to test her skills in the Vietnamese Homeland Love Songs competition , hoping to bring a different musical style to the stage. On stage, the 68-year-old contestant performed the songs "Dust" and "Oh, Don't Despair" by the late composer Trinh Cong Son, impressing with her simple and heartfelt voice. Her performance earned her third place overall.
Upon receiving the award, Ms. Pham Anh Phuong couldn't hide her happiness. "Honestly, I'm very happy and moved. At 68, I never thought I would have such beautiful memories with music. I've loved singing since I was a child, but life was full of worries, so I kept that passion to myself. These awards are not just achievements for me, but a very precious gift, an encouragement for me to continue singing and spreading the love of music to everyone," the contestant shared.
Born in Da Nang and establishing her career in Phan Thiet, Pham Anh Phuong does not come from an artistic background. However, when speaking with us, the representative of the organizing committee - singer Kim Huyen Sam - said she was impressed by contestant Pham Anh Phuong's confidence and unique singing style. She knows all of Trinh Cong Son's songs and has thoroughly researched each work. "Seeing a woman in her late 60s holding the application form in her hand, I was deeply moved. At an age when she should be choosing peace and tranquility, this contestant chose to tell her life story through music. Passion never has an expiration date. This is proof that 'as long as we have dreams, the stage of life is always waiting for us to shine,'" Kim Huyen Sam said.
After two consecutive competitions, Ms. Pham Anh Phuong said she will return to her familiar business work, while continuing to dedicate time to music when possible. What made her happiest after the two competitions was not only the awards but also the affection of the audience and the opportunity to meet many people who share her love of music. For the 68-year-old contestant, each stage was a beautiful experience and each song carried cherished memories.
Concluding this extraordinary journey, the 68-year-old contestant shared a message she has always believed in: "Never think that age is too late. Everyone's life has its difficult times, but if you still have a passion, a dream in your heart, then keep trying. Music has helped me feel happier and lighter. I hope everyone lives happily, lives positively, and doesn't forget the things that make their hearts happy."
Source: Thain Newspaper