Phạm TúThe label “hot girl” might have followed Chi Pu throughout her career if her team hadn’t made some bold moves. Back in 2018, when social media was buzzing about her (let’s be honest) less-than-stellar vocals, marketing experts saw a daring strategy unfolding, one that could redefine her image. The proof is in the pudding: her latest music video racked up over 40 million views in record time. Chi Pu’s fame and media influence are skyrocketing!
Let’s take a look at the key milestones in Chi Pu’s journey to stardom:
The Debut: Hot Girl Era (2009)
Winning the Miss Teen 2009 title launched Chi Pu into the public eye. She graced teen magazine covers, became a sought-after model, and solidified her status as a “hot girl” – a term for popular, stylish young women.
Diversifying Her Talents (2010-2013)
Chi Pu took a pivotal step by pursuing her artistic path with more seriousness. She starred in various film projects like “Giọt nước rơi,” “Giấc mơ hạnh phúc,” “Thần tượng,” “Cô gái trên tầng thượng,” and the sitcom “5S Online,” captivating young audiences and aiming for recognition as a true actress.
Testing New Waters (2014-2016)
In 2014, Chi Pu made a strategic move to the South of Vietnam. Her short film “Cô gái trên tầng thượng,” which she co-produced, won the Golden Kite Award for Best Short Film in 2014. This was a significant achievement, proving her dedication to evolving beyond the “hot girl” image.
Her fan page hit 3 million likes, making her one of the top 3 individuals with the largest social media following in Vietnam, trailing only Hoài Linh and Khởi My. This surge in popularity was fueled by the success of her self-written and starring short film, “My Sunshine.”
2015 saw Chi Pu competing in “Bước nhảy hoàn vũ” (Dancing with the Stars). She also landed her first leading role in the movie “Yêu,” which raked in 12 billion VND in just 3 days. This film, exploring a same-sex relationship, further solidified her acting credentials.
In 2016, Chi Pu launched the web series “Tỉnh dậy tôi thấy mình trong ai,” which she wrote, produced, and starred in. This series offered a glimpse into the life of a celebrity and marked Chi Pu’s growth as a multi-talented artist.
Strategic Missteps or Clever PR? (2017-2018)
Despite not being the most skilled actress or singer, Chi Pu’s versatility and hard work had earned her a positive public image. But she and her team wanted more. This led to a significant shift in her image.
Chi Pu ventured into singing, despite her vocal limitations. Her debut singles “Từ hôm nay” and “Cho ta gần hơn” instantly made her the talk of the town, attracting criticism from the public and fellow artists. Comments like “In Vietnam, anyone who holds a mic is called a singer” and “From today, call me a singer” were used to mock her.
Undeterred, Chi Pu released a new music video every month, determined to pursue her singing career. She followed up with tracks like “Talk to me” and “Em sai rồi anh xin lỗi em đi,” all with an EDM vibe and modern dance moves, cultivating a sexy and sophisticated image.
The media labeled this as an experimental phase, with flawed products and a tarnished reputation compared to her “hot girl” days. But in the age of social media, this constant activity and rapid information spread kept Chi Pu in the spotlight. Even those unfamiliar with her joined the conversation.
Whether her foray into singing was a misstep is debatable. What’s undeniable is that Chi Pu landed more endorsement deals and became the face of major brands like Tiki, Huawei, and Adidas. This proves that scandals, when handled strategically, can be powerful tools for generating buzz and achieving long-term goals.
“She Was Right” (2019)
Looking back at 2012-2014, it was uncertain where Chi Pu would fit in the Vietnamese entertainment industry. Despite numerous film projects and modeling gigs, she couldn’t shake off the “hot girl” label. The question was, how long could that last in the ever-evolving world of showbiz?
Chi Pu’s journey has been full of transformations. While she may not be a perfect singer, her recent ballad “Anh ơi anh ở lại” became a massive hit, topping YouTube trending charts and racking up millions of views.
After nearly 10 years in the industry, one thing is clear: for an artist, being harshly criticized is less frightening than being forgotten. Without a solid team and a clever strategy, Chi Pu’s journey could have been much more difficult.
One of her team’s strengths is maintaining her positive public image. They avoid overreacting, choose their words carefully, and don’t engage in arguments with anti-fans. Chi Pu stands out in the Vietnamese showbiz landscape by heavily investing in her team and developing long-term strategies for her image.
