Talent or scandal: which is more fun to watch?

The 2013 Vietnamese version of America’s Next Top Model has broadcast 5 episodes so far and is attracting audiences with both talent and scandal.

The scandals began during auditions. Although the contest’s regulations don’t allow transgender participants, the contest attracted a number of transgender people. Surprisingly, organizers agreed to let them walk the catwalk to be judged by the jury, and then eliminated them immediately after due to the regulation. Even though it was brief, the transgender contestants’ appearance was enough to make local news.

The jury of the contest has also had their scandals. After the auditions, audiences of the show were pulled into another incident in which judge Nam Trung, a makeup artist, was accused of offending a male contestant who is also a makeup artist by asking “Is makeup so shameful a job that you now seek to become a model?” Following the incident, fellow judge Do Manh Cuong showed his support for Trung on his Facebook page, making the incident a hot topic during the first days of the show.

The host of the show, model Thanh Hang, has been accused of having an affair with a married man, although the model is known in the industry for her scandal-free lifestyle. Also, Thanh Hang has received complaints for her exaggerated and unfriendly behavior toward contestants during broadcast episodes.

Famed Australian catwalk coach Adam Williams, also a member of the jury, has drawn the most attention. Aside from being praised for his professional skills in coaching contestants, Adam has been criticized for his flamboyant outfits and inappropriate jokes which are considered offensive to traditional Vietnamese culture.

Contestants have had their own issues. They live together in a house and are constantly being filmed, so they have no choice but to show audiences how they truly interact. Many local viewers expressed their shock in seeing how the contestants defame each other on screen.

Reader Mai Thi shared her thoughts on the show to Tuoi Tre: “This year, Vietnam’s Next Top Model impresses with a host who tries to look “dangerous” and an excessive catwalk coach. It’s undeniable that viewers will compare the Vietnamese and American versions. I hope the two judges will become more sophisticated.”

The total prize for the winner of this season’s Vietnam’s Next Top Model is VND2 billion (US$95,080). The top candidates will get the chance to train in Paris.

The original America’s Next Top Model reality show was created in 2003 and hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks. Localized spin-offs have been produced in over 20 countries including Australia, Brazil, Germany, Russia, New Zealand, the UK, Italy, Greece, Mexico, Korea, and Vietnam.