Shining in own way

Nguyen Trung Quoc Anh, 18, has a great passion for music though he’s a student specializing in mathematics. His journey to the Sing Out Loud competition is the way he overcame self-doubt and believes in himself to move forward.

Although a math-focused student, Nguyen Trung Quoc Anh, 18, has a strong affinity for music. He overcame self-doubt and developed confidence in himself reflected in the journey of the Sing Out Loud competition.

Putting self-doubt behind

The audience of Sing Out Loud, an English singing competition for high school students from across the nation, was captivated by a new, high-pitched voice that seemed to have the power to speak directly to the hearts of the audience. Few people anticipate that the owner of that unique voice is a male student at a Quang Tri gifted school. Nguyen Trung Quoc Anh admitted that he used to be self-deprecating with his own voice before learning about the surprise and admiration of many viewers.

Nguyen Trung Quoc Anh was peacefully brought up and was born into a loving home. He was always given devoted and considerate care by his parents and older brother. Quoc Anh had a reputation for being submissive from a young age. Many other parents use him as an example when raising their children. But that admirable quality is accompanied by shyness and a fear of speaking up. Quoc Anh does not want to show too much personality or become a prominent factor in the crowd.

Nguyen Trung Quoc Anh - Top 9 Contestant at the Sing Out Loud competition

Entering puberty was the most challenging time for Quoc Anh. He continued to speak in his old voice even after his friends started to speak more softly one by one. Quoc Anh has felt awkward speaking since then. He continued to harbor a secret wish to sound like many others and have a deep, hoarse voice. Nevertheless, Quoc Anh decided to focus on her studies rather than letting his sadness linger for too long. He promised himself that he would accomplish things that everyone would find surprising. “That is why I chose to take the math exam at Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted,” Quoc Anh explained. Despite having a long history of being a good student, he had a lot of difficulties getting into math class.

He ignored the fun of adolescence and worked diligently all through the night. He experiences greater joy as he gains more knowledge of the calculations. He was once too preoccupied thinking about his homework to remember to eat. As anticipated, the gentle male student succeeded in getting into the dream school and class. “I was overcome with joy the day I learned the good news. Quoc Anh confided,”I realized that all efforts are well rewarded.

Quoc Anh used to have low self-esteem because of his voice

Awakening passion

For many teenage boys and girls, including Quoc Anh, entering a math class with so many impressive faces left them feeling under a lot of pressure. Fortunately, he quickly discovered that music significantly assisted him in “resolving” the pressure. “I frequently listen to music when I“m under pressure. I”m more at ease and have a happier, more optimistic outlook on life. That"s another reason why I enjoy singing and music,” according to Quoc Anh.

Quoc Anh claimed that he did not come from a musically inclined family. His father, a bank officer, however, has a deep appreciation for music and lyrics. When Quoc Anh was a young boy, he frequently saw his father winning awards and standing on stage at festivals and competitions.

His passion and qualities were probably transferred to Quoc Anh. When he was 4 years old, his voice surprised many people. Increasingly, Quoc Anh’s love for music is growing. Sometimes he stayed up until midnight just to listen to music. Quoc Anh feels happy when singing in the public.

Quoc Anh had a deep love for music, but he was reluctant to pursue it because he believed his voice would be unsuitable for winning over an audience. He also worries that a lot of people will be interested in and aware of singers“private lives. Inevitably, there may be joy and problems. He and his friends aren”t always prepared to deal with it because they"re young.

Quoc Anh also intended to concentrate on his academics during the sprinting phase of the level-up exam. “After entering a specialized class and reflecting more maturely, I soon understood that my love and enthusiasm for music were too tremendous. I can get through any stress or exhaustion with the help of music,” he said.

Quoc Anh’s everyday pictures

To make things possible, Quoc Anh set out on a route to conquer his musical dream. In 11th grade, he actively looked for a teacher to study vocal music, spent time singing at Aucostic cafes, joined the club, and participated in music events.

Quoc Anh was able to make a lot of dependable friends because of music. Also, he exuded more confidence when taking the stage for tournaments. Most recently, he took part in the Quang Tri education sector“s art team for the Pink Age Melodies competition and helped to make the team”s performances stand out.

Quoc Anh and his team joined the Pink Age Melody competition

Making impressions by special voice

The news that Nguyen Trung Quoc Anh entered the top 8 of the Sing Out Loud contest surprised many people. Sing Out Loud is the largest English singing contest for high school students in the country, organized by the Swinburne Vietnam Alliance Program, attracting a large number of young people who are passionate about music, good at foreign languages, and have special personality traits. Therefore, many students hope to compete in the competition"s final round.

Quoc Anh revealed that he learned unintentionally about the competition through a friend“s introduction. Quoc Anh did not dare to have high hopes when sending the contest film to the organizers. But beyond his wildest dreams, Quoc Anh”s rendition of the song “One night only” triumphed over the judges.

Quoc Anh at Sing Out Loud

He was chosen as one of the top 100 candidates out of more than 1,000 test takers to advance to the audition round, which was held at three different venues across the nation, including Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Quoc Anh competed in Danang and proceeded to move up the regional finals rankings, eventually being chosen as one of the top four vocalists. “It”s already beyond my wildest dreams to be listed among the top 12 prospective vocalists throughout all three of the North, Central, and South regions. Thus, when I was chosen by the judges and organizers to compete in the national final round alongside 8 other friends, I really broke down," stated Quoc Anh.

Quoc Anh was no longer worried as he made his debut on the large platform with an incredibly great voice. He bravely and talentedly burned his heart out on stage. Quoc Anh and the other contenders especially won the audience over with their performance during the group singing segment. The performance of Quoc Anh and his two companions won “The group of contestants with the most remarkable performance combination” after the jury made their decision quickly.

In addition to the prize, receiving a lot of support and encouragement makes Quoc Anh happy. Quoc Anh is a “unique vocalist,” “a powerful false voice,” and “high voice, unusual timbre,” according to the Sing Out Loud jury. “I used to be self-critical in the past, and I even despise my voice. I”ve progressively modified that perspective as an adult. The Sing Out Loud competition is a turning point for me in erasing my inferiority complex," Quoc Anh noted.

Quoc Anh and his companions won “The group of contestants with the most remarkable performance combination”

The adventure of Sing Out Loud with Nguyen Trung Quoc Anh has come to a conclusion, leaving behind many feelings and lovely memories. He nevertheless continues to get lots of attention today. For Quoc Anh, that holds a very special significance. He felt as though he had just traveled a great distance only to discover himself in an entirely different version. Quoc Anh now feels secure and at ease expressing his individuality, enthusiasm, and drive. He made a commitment to himself to keep striving to stand out for his unique talents.

Quang Hiep – Linh Pham