The number of competitions is getting smaller and smaller, and even if they do take place, they end in silence.
No playground for bolero
A few years ago, in addition to comedy game shows, bolero emerged as a phenomenon. Music competitions for bolero almost dominated the airwaves, becoming the main entertainment programs of many TV stations, such as: Drama with bolero, Bolero Idol, Bolero Love, Perfect Couple - Romantic and Bolero, Charming Bolero, Solo with bolero...
Many singers have emerged from these playgrounds and become famous, including: Champion of Bolero Idol 2016 Trung Quang, Runner-up of Solo with Bolero 2016 To My, Runner-up of Solo with Bolero 2018 Tu Tri...
Currently, they still have a certain number of fans, still release music products about bolero, participate in some game shows as guests and judges.
However, recently, bolero programs have been almost absent. Even bolero programs that were held a few seasons ago have gone quiet, with no sign of being held again.
It was not until September 2024 that Solo and Bolero returned for the 8th season after a 2-year hiatus. According to Meritorious Artist Vu Thanh Vinh, during the 2 years the program was absent, the producer decided to produce the 8th season as a gift for viewers.
This year, in addition to director Vu Thanh Vinh, Solo and Bolero welcomes three new judges: famous singer Phuong Dung, famous singer Ngoc Son and singer Quang Le. According to the producer, these are quality singers with extensive experience in the profession to teach the contestants.
At the same time, the Golden Voice of Bolero 2024 is holding its semi-final round. This is also the 9th season of this competition.
However, when on air, these bolero shows are mostly organized quietly, do not create good media effects, and the spread of these game shows on social networks is almost non-existent.
Are audiences turning their backs on bolero?
Bolero is currently not a genre of music that is very popular with young audiences - while this is the top group that watches game shows. Therefore, after its popularity, bolero playgrounds were overshadowed when purely entertaining game shows were born.
It can be seen that the music shows that attract the mass audience today include: Chi dep dap gio roi song, Anh trai say hi, Anh trai vu ngan cong gai...
These music shows not only have famous artists participating but also have new, trendy ways of doing things, attracting the attention of young audiences. Therefore, bolero programs are also having a hard time keeping up.
Moreover, looking at it realistically, many bolero programs today do not have too much investment, even the way of making stage, music, and songs lack innovation, making it difficult to reach a large audience. Although we know that listening is still the most important factor, most of them are still old bolero compositions, going through the years, repeating continuously.
In addition, many champions and runners-up from these competitions are not very famous, and even disappear shortly after being crowned. Therefore, bolero programs are unlikely to be as popular as they were in their heyday.
However, currently, many producers are showing that they are still trying to maintain a music genre that has been associated with many generations. The proof is that there are programs that have been broadcast to the 8th and 9th seasons as mentioned above.
According to the crew of the Solo with Bolero 2024 contest, at the time of casting, more than 1,000 people came to audition. This number has decreased significantly compared to the golden age many years ago. However, the crew still considers this a good sign when there are still many people who love Bolero and want to pursue this passion.
Therefore, it can be said that bolero still has its own audience segment. However, to compete and rise like in the golden age is not easy if the producer does not find ways to innovate or create competition forms that attract the attention of the audience.
