JTBC

‘Sing Again - Battle of Unknown Singers Season 4’ has opened the curtain on an even fiercer competition.

On episode 8 of JTBC’s ‘Sing Again - Battle of Unknown Singers Season 4’ (planned by Yoon Hyun-Joon, directed by Wi Jae-Hyeok; hereafter ‘Sing Again 4’), which aired on the 2nd, the Round 4 TOP 10 decider began. As it is the gateway to the TOP 10, where they can finally hang their own names instead of numbers, the unknown singers bared their hidden claws, and their true head-to-head battles sent dopamine surging.

The 16 unknown singers were divided into four groups through a draw by MC Lee Seung-Gi. After all performances end, the top two in each group secure advancement to the TOP 10, while the bottom two automatically become elimination candidates. The eight candidates then vie for the final two TOP 10 spots through a revival round.

Group 1 pitted ‘boyfriend-voice’ No. 28 with a uniquely distinctive tone, ‘dark horse’ No. 17, No. 19 who showed the force of the first ‘All Again,’ and No. 61 with a compelling timbre. No. 28 chose Park Won’s ‘all of my life,’ which had comforted him during tough times. Kyuhyun praised his delivery of the lyrics, saying, “It felt like you were telling us a story.” Lee Hae-Ri said, “There was more emotional expression than in your other stages, and I liked that.” With a song choice that fit him to a tee and his sweet tone, No. 28 captivated everyone and earned 6 Again. Next up was No. 17, who had been put on hold in Round 1 before getting an extra pass, then grew at a remarkable pace to the point of even receiving Im Jae-Bum’s “yo so sexy.” Wanting to set aside ambition and create a stage everyone could enjoy together, he chose G-DRAGON’s ‘Who You?’ Although No. 17’s signature relaxed stage manner stood out, the judging panel was split. Yoon Jong-Shin said, “At a stage where you pick the TOP 10, you should come out asking yourself, ‘Should I show something sharper?’ and that part was a pity,” while Im Jae-Bum, empathizing with No. 17’s tears of regret, offered pointed advice: “Take the advice to heart and think more about ‘How can I express it better?’” Baek Ji-Young, however, applauded No. 17’s vocal stamina and stage manners, asking, “Isn’t this exactly the kind of stage the TOP 10 needs?” With opinions divided, No. 17 received 3 Again.

No. 19 sang Imi Ki’s ‘Becoming Dust,’ the first song through which he learned to play guitar and an audition “hit.” Pouring everything into the performance with a high register he had kept under wraps, he closed the stage to cries of “Bravo” from the judges’ table. Baek Ji-Young lavished praise, saying, “It is already Round 4 and you hid your claws,” and, “That new voice was a counterpunch.” Kyuhyun likewise said, “It was a stage that showed you still have a lot left to show.” However, Yoon Jong-Shin said, “I think No. 19 is better when he goes with a slightly freer rhythm.” As they had to select someone to take a spot of great importance in the TOP 10, differences in judging criteria showed, and No. 19 received 6 Again, tying No. 28 for first place.

Last up to decide Group 1’s TOP 10 entrants, No. 61 accepted the Round 3 feedback and chose a song that would highlight his voice, his key charm. Lee Sora’s ‘TRACK 11,’ reborn with No. 61’s tone and a swelling band sound, created a fresh sensation. Taeyeon said, “It likely became an opportunity to let people know your color for sure,” and Code Kunst praised the arrangement direction as “well-made music,” while Lee Hae-Ri expressed slight regret about the song choice. With No. 61 receiving 5 Again, Group 1 sent No. 19 and No. 28 to the TOP 10 with 6 Again, while No. 17 and No. 61 headed for the revival round.

Group 2, composed of No. 76, ‘another boyfriend-voice’; No. 27, with ‘unrivaled groove’; No. 55, with ‘deep resonance’; and No. 37, a ‘vocal monster,’ was formidable. Above all, the revenge match between Nos. 27 and 37, who delivered a historic big match in the Round 3 rival showdown, drew intense anticipation. First up in this ‘group of death’ was No. 76. Taking the stage to show ‘me’ as a singer rather than a composer, No. 76 performed Paul Kim’s ‘Every Day, Every Moment’ with a cozy tone. The judges were unsparing. Code Kunst said, “It would have been nice to have a point that made me think, ‘Ah, that person comes to mind.’” Im Jae-Bum and Kyuhyun also expressed regret about appeal and emotional delivery. The result was a shocking 0 Again, a moment that demonstrated the stricter criteria befitting a TOP 10 decider.

With the shock of 0 Again still lingering, No. 27, who has emerged as a fearsome title contender on ‘Sing Again 4,’ appeared. He was the ‘All Again’ protagonist in Round 1 but survived Rounds 2 and 3 via extra passes. With the resolve, “This time I really want to fly; I want to have fun on stage,” he chose Sam Kim’s ‘Make Up,’ a song that would showcase his charms. A stage packed with his one-of-a-kind groove and soulful vocals drew a shower of applause from the judges. Kim Eana expressed heartfelt admiration for the overwhelming immersion, saying, “It felt like you shook time and space. I was completely absorbed.” Yoon Jong-Shin said, “It felt like watching a complete gift set,” adding, “Whether it is jazz or pop, you showed everything you can do well.” Showing limitless potential, No. 27 became the first ‘All Again’ recipient of Round 4.

No. 55 presented a faster-tempo stage than his previous performances with Panic’s ‘The Sea in My Old Drawer.’ Carrying the hope that “listeners might recall their bygone yesterdays,” his stage left a deep afterglow. Taeyeon said, “It is so new yet so good,” adding, “The lingering resonance was so strong I did not know when to clap,” expressing surprise at No. 55’s fresh song choice. While Kim Eana and Kyuhyun voiced regret about the beginning, they cited the fade-out ending that delivered a quiet shiver, saying, “Will this not become a reason many people keep loving No. 55?” and, “Thank you for taking on a new challenge.” No. 55 earned 5 Again.

The last of the ‘group of death’ was No. 37. As he has been setting a new legend each round, expectations soared, and No. 37 chose a bold attempt. With the mindset, “I want to show you a new side,” he selected Yoon Sang’s ‘To You,’ preparing a sentimental stage different from before. The judging panel responded to No. 37’s transformation. Lee Hae-Ri said, “I have decided in my heart there is no genre you cannot do,” and Code Kunst exclaimed, “Seeing a side I had not seen was attractive.” Baek Ji-Young also praised the fresh arrangement, saying, “I hope there are far more attempts like this going forward,” and offered acclaim: “It was such a good stage that made me even think, ‘Might he become a role model for many professional singers?’” Showing a broad spectrum, the stage received an ‘All Again,’ and Group 2 sent Nos. 27 and 37 together to the TOP 10. No. 37 shared, “I am so happy to have gotten my first ‘All Again.’”

Meanwhile, as Lee Seung-Gi remarked, “Is this not another group of death?” Nos. 23 and 44 were called into Group 3, and attention is focusing on which unknown singer will join them and on the draw results.

JTBC’s ‘Sing Again 4’ episode 9 airs at 10:30 p.m. on the 9th (Tue).