In the latest episode of 'Say Hi,' which aired on August 8, Ali Hoàng Dương faced the daunting task of being a team captain for the first time. He was responsible for guiding his team members, including Song Luân, KIM LONG, and Ivan, through the challenges of the competition.

The pressure was not only about managing a team with varying ages and experiences but also about the requirement to compose and produce a song within a limited timeframe. Ali expressed that he experienced significant stress while working on his song 'Run to You,' having to revise it eight times before it was approved by team leader Quang Hùng MasterD.

Ali described the early days of this challenge as 'heavy stress,' noting that the time allocated was insufficient. The artists were tasked with completing an EP of three songs while also participating in a Dance Battle with twelve contestants. This workload necessitated careful planning and consideration on his part compared to previous rounds.

Previously focused on individual performances, Ali now had to think about the musical style, strengths of each team member, and how to unify the group into a cohesive performance. He felt fortunate to be placed in a multi-generational group, where Song Luân, the oldest member, played a role in harmonizing the diverse personalities, while KIM LONG handled arrangements and composition, and Ivan was the only foreign artist in the team. Ali welcomed Ivan's presence, expressing happiness about his inclusion.

Ivan praised Ali for his attentiveness and professionalism during their collaboration. Ali acknowledged that the differences in age, experience, and musical styles among team members were both a challenge and an advantage for their group.

Viewers also showered Ali with compliments during the program's broadcast on YouTube, with comments highlighting his performance and leadership skills. Phrases like 'Ali is bright this episode' and 'He did great for a first-time captain' were common among audience reactions.

The competitive atmosphere among the contestants added to Ali's determination. Fellow contestant Pháp Kiều noted that despite their friendship, Ali did not disclose his captaincy until the competition began, emphasizing the seriousness of the contest. Another contestant, Đặng Hồng Hải, remarked on Ali's strategic secrecy, indicating a desire for fair competition.

The competitive nature of the teams made Ali's role as captain even more significant. He not only had to complete his own responsibilities but also find ways to showcase the unique personalities of his teammates within a single performance. Trấn Thành, a judge, remarked that this was an opportunity for Ali to prove his capabilities to the audience, suggesting that his moment had finally arrived.

Ali Hoàng Dương, born Nguyễn Ngọc Dương in 1996, rose to fame as the winner of 'The Voice Vietnam' in 2017. After expressing regret for not having a solo stage in the final of the first season of 'Say Hi,' he returned to the show in 2026 at the age of 30. 'Say Hi' is a reality music program featuring 24 male artists who compete in various rounds to compose, produce, and perform new songs in a short time under the guidance of music producers.