For many days, Hong Loan has been introduced and invited to perform by some show organizers and units with the title "artist". Even Hong Loan herself posted posters with the title "artist" on her personal page to promote and share with the public, causing a stir.
This is a detail that really worries public opinion, because it raises the core question: on what criteria is the title "artist" being used based?
In essence, Hong Loan is not a professional artist and has products recognized by professionals, winning prestigious awards. She has not undergone formal training in the field of performance...
The fact that an individual like Hong Loan is called a "artist" mainly stems from her relationship with the late artist Vu Linh. Because in addition to the title of artist, Hong Loan has also been mentioned many times with the title "female artist Vu Linh".
According to many media experts, this is no longer a job description, but has become a marketing tool. Vu Linh's name is already too famous and attractive to the audience for many decades. Attaching the name of artist Vu Linh or using the title of artist for Hong Loan partly helps show organizers and performers to be noticed and cared for by the audience more.
It is worth mentioning that in the art environment, the title "artist" is inherently very clear standard. It is the result of the process of learning, training, performing and being recognized by the public over time. The title is not something that can be "inherited", nor can it be awarded just because of a relationship with a celebrity.
Talking to a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, from a media perspective, Mr. Hoang Van - CEO of Clover Media Company, said: "The fact that show organizers call Hong Loan a "artist" reflects the trend of commercializing titles. Instead of looking for people with performing ability, some units prioritize characters with media recognition, attractive personal stories, and the ability to attract audiences with emotions.
This makes viewers easily confuse between "real artists" and "characters who become famous through association". In the long run, career boundaries are broken: anyone with a story that attracts attention can step onto the stage with the title of artist, regardless of level or expertise".
Mr. Van added that Hong Loan's case clearly shows the phenomenon of "derivative fame" (familiarity thanks to relationships). She is not famous for her artistic activities, but for her relationship with a major artist. When this fame is exploited by show organizers, the title of artist becomes a form of "media resource", which can be labeled to serve commercial purposes.
In further exchange with a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, a famous singer who has been in the profession for about 30 years, said that for himself, the title of artist must be someone with senior artistic activities, with works remembered by the public, recognized by professionals and especially with outstanding talent, good morality...
This male singer believes that currently, show organizers are easygoing with the title of an artist. True artists - those who learn the profession, practice the profession, and live by it are placed on par with non-professional figures, only different in the level of "noise".
However, he also said that the title "artist" is not a title that talks about profession, and no one has the right to award or not award, but if Hong Loan and individuals working in art are serious, improve their shortcomings in voice and performance, and be recognized more for their artistic works, they can still be recognized by the public and professionals as true artists later.
