Vietnamese music show ‘Anh Trai Say Hi’ draws 14,000 fans to Las Vegas debut
Record-breaking concert marks milestone for Asian entertainment on the Strip
The PH Live Theatre at Planet Hollywood transformed into a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese culture last month as “Anh Trai Say Hi” (Say Hi with Bros) made its international debut, drawing 14,000 attendees across two sold-out nights and setting new benchmarks for Asian entertainment in Las Vegas.
The July 26-27 concerts marked a watershed moment for Vietnamese music, transitioning from traditional community-based performances to a mainstream entertainment spectacle that generated over $1.5 million in ticket sales within the first hour of release — a record for Vietnamese showbiz on the global ticketing platform.
A cultural phenomenon goes global
“Anh Trai Say Hi” isn’t just another music show — it’s a cultural phenomenon that has dominated Vietnamese entertainment since its launch in mid-2024. The reality TV program, created and produced entirely by Vietnamese company DatVietVAC, has amassed over 18 billion views across digital platforms and consistently topped YouTube, Spotify, and iTunes charts in Asia.
The show features 30 young Vietnamese artists competing and collaborating in various musical challenges, creating a fresh blend of pop, hip-hop, and traditional Vietnamese elements that has captivated audiences across generations.
Breaking barriers in Vegas
The decision to bring the show to Las Vegas was both ambitious and strategic. Unlike previous Vietnamese performances abroad, which typically catered to diaspora communities in smaller venues, this production aimed for the mainstream entertainment market.
“Bringing the show to Las Vegas was a calculated move,” noted media analyst Hồng Quang Minh. “Performing at a well-known venue like PH Live reflects a new level of ambition for Vietnamese music — not just to serve overseas Vietnamese communities, but to compete internationally with a professional product.”
Star power and emotional moments
Twenty-six of the show’s most popular artists took the stage, performing hits that have become viral sensations including “Catch Me If You Can,” “Walk,” and “Sao Hạng A” (A-list Celebrity). The production spared no expense, featuring elaborate staging, state-of-the-art sound systems, and lighting that met international concert standards.
Singer Hieuthuhai delivered one of the night’s most poignant moments, telling the crowd: “Today, singing the newest songs written by our crew in Vietnamese, right here in Las Vegas, in an auditorium where everyone sang along together — that was the most special moment of my year. A moment of pride for the Vietnamese language and for Vietnamese people.”
Fellow performer Rhyder noted the dramatic scale difference from his previous Vegas performances, saying this event was “20 times larger” than anything he’d experienced before in the city.
Fan dedication drives success
Despite initial skepticism about ticket prices — with VIP packages reaching $2,500 — the show’s dedicated fanbase proved doubters wrong. Fans traveled from across the United States, with some organizing elaborate promotional campaigns including:
- Hiring trucks to broadcast music throughout Las Vegas
- Displaying LED screens in public areas
- Securing billboard advertisements celebrating the performers
- Creating social media campaigns that went viral
Co-organizer Michael Nguyễn revealed that early criticism quickly turned to amazement: “What many didn’t expect was how smart and bold the younger generation has become. They acted on their excitement by purchasing tickets the moment they went on sale.”
Setting new standards
The production team invested heavily in adapting the show for an international audience while maintaining its Vietnamese essence. Though PH Live’s 7,000-capacity venue is smaller than those used for concerts in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the team maximized the space with:
- High-quality augmented reality (AR) technology
- Giant LED screens creating immersive visuals
- A three-hour-plus runtime featuring non-stop performances
- Professional-grade sound systems designed for the venue’s acoustics
Audience reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the unexpected energy and production value. “It was a 3 hours long concert but I was not tired at all. All the music is fire and the artists are awesome,” one attendee wrote on Ticketmaster.
A new chapter for Asian entertainment
The success of “Anh Trai Say Hi” in Las Vegas represents more than just a successful concert — it signals a shift in how Asian entertainment can compete on the global stage. The show’s listing on Ticketmaster, a platform known for its selective curation, and its ability to sell out a major Vegas venue demonstrate that language and cultural barriers can be overcome with quality production and passionate audiences.
Industry insiders believe this could open doors for other Asian entertainment properties to consider Las Vegas as a viable market, particularly given the city’s growing Asian population and tourist base.
Looking ahead
The overwhelming response has sparked discussions about future international performances. Many attendees expressed hope for return engagements, with some calling for the full 30-member cast to perform together.
As Vietnamese entertainment continues to evolve and reach new heights, the Las Vegas debut of “Anh Trai Say Hi” will be remembered as the moment when Vietnamese music announced itself on the world stage — not as a niche cultural event, but as a competitive, professional entertainment product capable of filling major venues and creating unforgettable experiences.
The show’s success in Las Vegas has been recognized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as one of the ten most influential cultural events of 2024, cementing its place in Vietnamese entertainment history.
Image Sources: https://vietnamnews.vn/life-style/1722715/popular-vietnamese-music-show-draws-thousands-in-las-vegas-debut.html
Category: Nightlife
Subcategory: Entertainment, Events
Date: 08/06/2025
