Meritorious Artist Ngoc Doi: Dedicated to Cai Luong

Since the age of 7, Ngoc Doi has been traveling with his father on the cai luong stages.

Ngoc Doi's real name is Nguyen Ngoc Doi, born in 1987; from Bac Lieu province (now Ca Mau province). Her father is a musician, her uncle is a singer, so music flows in her blood. Just hearing it once, she can sing it like breathing naturally.

Living with the character

Tonight (September 28) is the final night of the 20th "Golden Bell of Traditional Music" contest in 2025, organized by Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). It is still unclear who will win the "Golden Bell", but the greatest joy belongs to Meritorious Artist Ngoc Doi, who has witnessed the contest increasingly perfecting and spreading humanistic values.

Meritorious Artist Ngoc Doi

At the rehearsal room of the Ho Chi Minh City Television Theater, Meritorious Artist Ngoc Doi sat quietly, attentively listening to each verse of the three finalists. When Quan Tri sang a young vọng cổ verse, she stopped, adjusted the rhythm and emphasized each word. With Ha Nhu, she patiently taught her how to sing softly while still maintaining the Southern soul.

When it was Thuy Duong's turn, Ngoc Doi stepped closer, demonstrating each hand movement and eye contact, so that the lyrics resonated not only through the voice but also through the body.

Meritorious Artist Ngoc Doi performs the song "Da Co Hoai Lang" in the art program welcoming "Golden Bell of Traditional Music" organized by HTV (Photo provided by the character)

There are times when she is gentle like an older sister, and sometimes strict like a devoted teacher. Meritorious Artist Ngoc Doi understands better than anyone that on the journey to reach the "Golden Bell", the most valuable thing is not only singing correctly but also living with the character, breathing with the rhythm of the stage.

Looking at the contestants, she saw herself 18 years ago - the girl who first stepped onto the stage of the Television Theater, under the shimmering lights, both nervous and eager. At the age of 15, when her friends were still in school, Ngoc Doi chose to wander with the troupe. The criticism that she had "no beauty, only suited for the role of a maid" had deeply hurt her. Instead of giving up, she diligently practiced, learned to sing, learned to act. It was that perseverance that forged a voice capable of conquering the peak.

"I was born in the land where musician Cao Van Lau composed the song "Da Co Hoai Lang", so I am determined to preserve the affectionate soul and preserve the famous song of the talented musician" - Meritorious Artist Ngoc Doi confided.

The fateful turn

In 2007, from Bac Lieu, the 20-year-old girl packed her bags and went to Ho Chi Minh City to compete in the "Golden Bell of Traditional Music". And then the highest position was awarded to Ngoc Doi.

Since the award, audiences have remembered Ngoc Doi for her soulful voice and unique vọng cổ singing style, especially when singing heart-wrenching songs. Not only does she have a singing voice, she also proves her ability to transform on stage through her subtle and genuine acting.

From Quynh Nga in "Ben cau det lua", Ut Luom in "Cung zither nao cho em", to Thi Hen in "Ngao So Oc Hen" or Thu An in "Dem hoi Long Tri", each character was carefully researched by her, finding its own rhythm to breathe life into the character. Recently, Ngoc Doi continued to impress when transforming into a new role in the play "De do song ca" (author: People's Artist Trieu Trung Kien, about the Dinh Tien Hoang era). She had experienced depression, wanted to stop, but thinking of her old and weak parents, she tried to overcome it. It was the love of her family that lifted her spirit, helping her continue on the stage path that she considered her destiny.

For Ngoc Doi, preserving and passing on the flame of Cai Luong to the younger generation has always been a great concern, because she cherishes the journey from a 15-year-old girl following the troupe to the experienced woman she is today. Ngoc Doi has gone through many sorrows and joys. But beyond all that, there is still the sweet voice of Bac Lieu, there is still an artist who is devoted to Cai Luong - the art form that has nurtured her soul since birth.

People's Artist Minh Vuong commented: "Ngoc Doi is a testament to perseverance. She has maintained her singing form for nearly 20 years and is increasingly mature in her acting - something rare in young artists." People's Artist Thanh Tuan also affirmed: "The most precious thing about Ngoc Doi is that she sings with all her heart. It is that sincerity that helps her retain her audience."

For Meritorious Artist Ngoc Doi, what makes her happiest is not the glory of the past, but seeing the young generation today still passionate about each vọng cổ verse. She shared: "The Golden Bell is just a commemorative trophy, but the singing that remains in the hearts of the audience is the greatest reward."

"Ngoc Doi does not keep the light of a stage star for himself, but quietly passes on and lights up the belief: Cai Luong still exists and will exist forever, because of the artists who know how to live and dedicate themselves to it" - People's Artist Phuong Loan expressed.

For a long time, Ngoc Doi was associated with the Cao Van Lau Cai Luong Troupe and currently the Vam Co Cai Luong Art Troupe ( Tay Ninh province).

Wherever she goes, she devotes herself wholeheartedly, both performing and guiding the young generation. In 2025, Ngoc Doi will return to "Golden Bell of Traditional Opera" for the 20th time with a new role - participating in the coaching staff and the professional jury. She shared: "I want to instill in the students the belief that the artistic path is difficult, but if you truly love Cai Luong, the audience will never abandon you."

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nsut-ngoc-doi-tron-tinh-voi-cai-luong-196250927210132626.htm