It's that time again and Jang Haebyeol is here at your service providing you my own personal insight on the latest MGA news! Like the first season, this season must come to an end and it's a shame when the finalists have become familiar faces, their names buzzing from break rooms to classrooms. From the initial 40 down to 35 and then to 25 before the 20 finalists have brought us to the 15 winners now.
The winners are as follows:
✦ (Click their contestant number to see their journey from start to finish!)
#2000 ★★★★★ Ty Lee Kikwang
#2003 ★★★★★ Mark Tuan Yi-En
#2005 ★★★★★ Bang Minah
#2007 ★★★★★ Bang Yongguk
#2008 ★★★★★ Jung Joonyoung
#2012 ★★★★★ Park Chanyeol
#2013 ★★★★★ Lily Choi Jinri
#2015 ★★★★★ Byun Baekhyun
#2017 ★★★★★ Kim Myungsoo
#2020 ★★★★★ Rome Yu Barom
#2021 ★★★★★ JRoyal Kim Jonghyun
#2032 ★★★★★ Jung Hana
#2034 ★★★★★ Yoon Doojoon
#2036 ★★★★★ Alaska Park Sunyoung
#2037 ★★★★★ Park Sunyoung Luna Carter
As you can see, everyone has received a five star rating now that the seasons has finally come to a close! This is because I cannot ignore the decisions and choices of the CEOs. That being said, that does not mean I must agree with them so my top three surprising choices/placements of the night are listed below but that is among the winners.
✦ #2005 ★★★★★ Bang Minah
✦ #2020 ★★★★★ Rome Yu Barom
✦ #2021 ★★★★★ JRoyal Kim Jonghyun
Other than that, I will say to see Kasper-ssi and Jimin-ssi both go home without a contract was a stunning revelation. It was also a shame to see Jaebum-ssi go. Such young contestants with promise seem like a better choice for the CEOs and their companies if you ask me. Read on to find out my opinions on each winner and the company that has offered them a contract!
✦ (Please note that the above star rating will not be reflected on the yet to be updated contestants page!)
✦ ✦ (The critique following this shall once again be biased and this was used as reference for the following commentary!)
Are you ready to put on those rose-colored glasses? Here we go!
#2000 Ty Lee Kikwang ★★★★★
Offer from: TRC Entertainment
If Tiger JK-sajangnim were to pass up the LA choreographer one more time, I'd say it's the end on both sides but he offered the contract after surprising news from So Jisub-sajangnim. I must say I have no words on this situation except that this winner must be going through an image cleaning after signing the contract and it's safe to say he will be signing. Given the clean image of Royal and how Jisub-sajangnim has strict guidelines (from what netizens can tell) when it comes to protecting his company's image, despite mentioning that Kikwang-ssi passed over an opportunity to audition privately, I think he should be relieved. Kikwang-ssi suits the freedom presumably given to TRC trainees following a certain time period after debut. Let's hope he can clean up his image like Zico seems to have since he turned down his offer in Season 1.
#2003 Mark Tuan Yi-En ★★★★★
Offer from: KT Entertainment
At first, I was skeptical about this decision but taking the history of the company into consideration and the type of artists they promote, this is surprisingly one of the best matches made tonight. With a cute face and incredible dancing skills with a strong potential in rap, it makes sense that Miss Katie Lee would scoop up this English speaker for her company. He's certainly going to appeal to the large international following of the company.
#2005 Bang Minah ★★★★★
Offer from: Royal Entertainment
The first of the most il-suiting placements in my opinion, similar to how I mentioned Jisub-sajangnim's relieved state on passing on a potentially controversial trainee such as Kikwang-ssi, it's astounding that he would take on Bang Minah-ssi. With his current public trainees going through a few small scandals, nothing too note-worthy now but kindling for what will undoubtedly be a large fire to extinguish should debut occur, you'd expect the CEO to take on someone less riddled with doubt and in my personal opinion, charisma. Whether or not Ms. Bang reaches debut or stays with Royal, we'll have to see.
#2007 Bang Yongguk ★★★★★
Offer from: Nova Entertainment
An odd placement although not one of my top three, chances are that Yongguk-ssi is indeed following in Zico-ssi's footsteps. With an offer from Nova and his original choice being TRC, there's been no confirmation or otherwise if he has signed the contract but my bet is that he has not. While it is easy to see why Nova would want Yongguk-ssi, I do not think the environment or company image suits him well.
#2008 Jung Joonyoung ★★★★★
Offer from: Sphere Entertainment
It's not surprising that Sphere offered both rockers of the competition a contract with Royal Pirates as one of their current artists. However, I've seen a rise among Royal Pirates fans that are wondering if Sphere plans to replace Royal Pirates with another up and coming band within KPOP. I would've liked to see another company attempt to sign either contestant. The same concept within one company can cause strife but it is comparatively a good placement and Joonyoung-ssi had a hilarious response. I admire his blunt but honest persona.
#2012 Park Chanyeol ★★★★★
Offer from: KT Entertainment
Firstly, this is not about Chanyeol-ssi but leading up to the results. I am extremely disappointed with the "suspenseful" ending of the MGAs Season 2. If we were supposed to be surprised that Chanyeol-ssi received a contract offer over Jaehwan-ssi, I don't think the producers see the same show I have been watching over these past exciting weeks. It would've been an upset to see Jaehwan-ssi win over Chanyeol-ssi and I mean no disrespect to the former but the latter has talent and stage presence. Overall, he has that "it" factor. The pair announced with their results was an upset as well. In terms of showcasing rapping talent, I'd say Chanyeol-ssi and Kasper-ssi are on par with each other when it comes to potential. The final results being between those two would've been much more exciting but enough about the process.
Moving on, while I was disappointed with the delivery, I was excited for Chanyeol-ssi. Another good placement, it's not surprising that Chanyeol-ssi was selected by Katie Lee-sajangnim but what is on my mind now is whether or not his full potential will be explored.
#2013 Lily Choi Jinri ★★★★★
Offer from: Sphere Entertainment
The judges spoke so pleasantly of Jinri-ssi and I've said a few times myself that she has the potential to be one of the nation's little sisters. That being said, the fact that her father works with MNET looms on my mind with Tiger JK-sajangnim's words. "The PDs think so too." I disagree with the (lack of) critique regarding Jinri-ssi's performance throughout the season but that shall be left for my commentary on JRoyal-ssi's results. I have no comment on whether or not Sphere was a good placement for her other than it seems like they are picking contestants of similar concepts and talents to artists they have. Joonyoung-ssi and Myungsoo-ssi for Royal Pirates. Doojoon-ssi and Rome-ssi for ChAOS, and now Jinri-ssi for She'z. My main question regarding Jinri-ssi is why Baek Jiyoung-sajangnim chose her despite saying "she's not the strongest performer in the group." The rest of the commentary rests on my mind like a double-edged sword.
#2015 Byun Baekhyun ★★★★★
Offer from: Nova Entertainment
One of the only confirmed new trainees from the MGAS (inferred from his sns updates and interview with SJ!), given how happy this winner seems, it's difficult to be displeased with the result and I for one am not. When it comes to energy, it makes sense for bubbly Baekhyun-ssi to be a supernova. I hope to see a lot out of this ball of energy in the future!
#2017 Kim Myungsoo ★★★★★
Offer from: Sphere Entertainment
Similar to Joonyoung-ssi, the offer from Sphere is easily understood in terms of his strengths but there is a versaility in Myungsoo-ssy that could've been better placed in either of his alleged dream companies. Although it is not where I would've placed him and I cannot easily imagine him there, it is not a horrible placement.
#2020 Rome Yu Barom ★★★★★
Offer from: Sphere Entertainment
My reasoning stems from the original comment of Hyunbin-sajangnim, the CEO of Nova which is coincidentally Rome-ssi's first choice. If all five were "thoroughly impressed," why is it that Sphere has been taking the majority of the large contenders in this season? It seems to me that the other companies have not had much of an interest in the contestants, most notably seen with Royal only making one offer to Minah-ssi of all the choices. The other reason I have chosen Rome-ssi as one of the most ill-placed contestants is his reaction to the news. We've seen him dominate the stage with confidence each round but his apology via his youtube accoun, bboybyu, shows us a shyer image of Rome. To see the contestant who promised us a 20/20 experience become meek in front of the camera raises a lot of questions. That being said, he is the only contestant confirmed to not sign his contract offer. It might not have been the best decision to publicize his decision but I admire the attempt.
#2021 JRoyal Kim Jonghyun ★★★★★
Offer from: KT Entertainment
When considering KT Entertainment and its friendly atmosphere, it's difficult to think of a current artist with the company that isn't as friendly and bubbly. That being said, it's difficult to picture JRoyal-ssi at the company so one has to wonder what Katie Lee-sajangnim was thinking. His variety of talents could've been the deciding factor given how KT artists typically have a wide range of talents, venturing into acting and MCing for certain artists but the commentary from the judges contradict the possibility of this happening. Having worked with this contestant in the past, I can tell you myself he does not seem like KT material and I question how he will fit in at the company and if Jinri-ssi so called "saved" JRoyal-ssi, why not place them together within a company? The idea itself that she brought out the best in him and saved his performance is an insult to JRoyal-ssi who I find shined better on his own.
#2032 Jung Hana ★★★★★
Offer from: TRC Entertainment
It is not surprising that Tiger JK-ssi picked up one of the female rappers from the competition but I was hoping to see more versatility in his choices. Jung Hana-ssi is a good start given her dancing skills and rapping abilities. I'm sure he appreciates any female rapper who can pull off one of his wife's songs but I do think he should've chosen some of the singers among the finalists. With the majority of the publicly known trainees within TRC being rappers, it's surprising that he did not aim for more dancers or singers this season as he did with Hayi-ssi last season.
#2034 Yoon Doojoon ★★★★★
Offer from: Sphere Entertainment
Another contestant receiving an offer from Sphere, the company was listed as Doojoon-ssi's dream company and he was one of the only contestants to be successfully matched through the competition. Whether or not he signed has yet to be confirmed. Seeing as it was his first choice company, I have no complaints but I do think a singer of his caliber could do well in Royal or TRC, which I'd like to personally see because I think TRC did not take a wide range this season whereas Royal's range with one chosen contestant was extremely narrow.
#2036 Alaska Park Sunyoung ★★★★★
Offer from: KT Entertainment
Congratulations to Alaska-ssi! Successful in making her return to KT, I have no complaints about this match and hope her the best. Hopefully, there are no hard feelings among the trainees she once knew about her return but by the comments on twitter including a rare one from fellow KT trainee Kim Taeyeon from season 1 who is rarely found on social media, that should be no problem for the twenty-one year old.
#2037 Park Sunyoung Luna Carter ★★★★★
Offer from: Sphere Entertainment
One of the few confirmed new trainees of Sphere (confirmed via her sns updates and fellow MGA contestant Jinri-ssi!), given Luna-ssi's reaction and updates regarding Sphere, I have no complaints about this match as well. My complaints from here on out refer more to the selections made.
On what was supposed to be an exciting night, there were various ups and downs, more so than a roller coaster and at the end of the day I am altogether not too pleased with the results. How a company did not sign Kasper is beyond my capacity and the choices of some of the CEOs baffles me too. Am I as pleased as I was last MGA season? No, but I'm always here to give you the latest news! Will you be keeping up with your favorite contestants from this season of MNET MGAs?
My surprise for you readers is that I've been keeping up with last season's contestants. Are you ready to find out what they've been up to?
1. acting or done without forethought.
synonyms: impetuous, spontaneous, hasty, reckless, uninhibited; rash
"Hyung, you're taking forever!" He can hear Dabin's voice through the door and he laughs at the impatient knocking. If it were him on the other side of the door, he'd be doing the same. "I'll be out later. Eat first, eo?" Borrowing Dabin's room in the apartment he shares with Seik, the camera is tottering on the desk, cluttered piles of papers and wrappers making the surface uneven and Rome has to laugh at how similar Dabin is to him. He misses his own little brother more, who isn't as unkempt but is still his little bro.
Taking off the snapback, he smooths the back of his head, fingertips finding unsightly parts of his fringe and flicking it back into place. He's rash, he'd say yeah if she asked him at that moment if he's this impulsive when it comes to large decisions in his life. He's impulsive when it comes to everything. Rome prefers to live based off his emotions instead of following his rational mind. Rationalism is what leads to fear half the time. With a deep exhale, he presses the record button, plopping into the seat and moistening his lips. There were no intentions of editing this or uploading it anywhere but it still made him nervous. Revealing himself wrecked his nerves more than standing on any stage, even if he had to be in his underwear. Being naked physically you can get over, being naked emotionally shows all your scars.
"If you’re happy being a face in the crowd, then perhaps you’ll be happy elsewhere"
"My name is Yu Barom. Second son of Yu Seungri and Yu Jiyu. Rick Yu and Jane Yu. My English name is Blake. The first son named me, Blake to match his name Jake. I am the second middle child and I was forgotten." He grins, hands clapped together above his lap, reaching for a molecule of his composure and confidence when his heart was racing against itself; faster and faster until he thought it would give out. "I am a face in the crowd. My father wasn't sure I was his son. To him, he must've felt like he was raising a stranger. I am a nobody. I am the child left behind at the amusement park because I didn't look like him when I was small."
There's a strained chuckle, a small cough, and a vague smile when he lifts his head. "I wasn't happy. No one is happy being a face in the crowd but to someone, you will always be a face in the crowd. You can't please everyone. I don't think I can please the needs of Sphere," he nods, dark hues finding warmth after how cold they had run at the topic of his childhood.
"If you want to be the star you’re meant to be — "
"Myung was right. I have no guarantee. I can't guarantee I won't think back on this one day and think 'Rome you wacka, should'a said yes when you had the chance.' I can't guarantee I'll get another chance. But to be the star I'm meant to be," he laughs genuinely now, eyes beginning to melt into chocolate pools. "I thought about what that means to me and — "
"Rome!" Seik's at the door now and Rome scrambles to turn the camera off, laughing as he picks it up, his hand blocking the lens until it powers down seconds later and he's opening the door. "I told Dabin y'all could eat first."
"Yeah and he's eatin it all."
...
It's not til hours later than Rome is back in the room, claiming it as his own since it looks close enough to the same while they get ready to go to practice for the night. "You sure about this, man?" Standing over him, Seik eyes Rome cautiously, his expression riddled with doubt and confusion as the latter deletes the footage from earlier, sealing the letter in its envelope. "I'm sure."
The building in Itaewon is hard to miss and Dabin's "whoa" announces when they're close enough, the giant sphere shape visible blocks away from the building. No one had spoken during the ride over, cautious that Rome was like a ticking bomb because the more he kept to himself, the more explosive and dangerous he could become but he felt calm. At peace, he felt like himself. For hours, he struggled because doubt settled in his mind with each person who tried to convince him this was it but his heart wasn't in it. His mind wasn't in it, even if his body wanted to run forward.
He walks in and there's a moment when Dabin and Seik think he's not coming back. "He changed his mind," and Rome glares at them when he walks through the door because they should know him better. Once he's set his mind, it doesn't waver. It's the same before he does a performance. Once he's built up his confidence, he's unstoppable. But he does turn back and it shocks those around him to see him kneel down before the building, as if asking for complete forgiveness. Lasting a good minute, the guys waiting in the car have to yell at him for dirtying the streets and he's laughing as he gets up, a final bow towards the giant sphere and a wave so energetic and hopeful, wistful, like he's sending off an old friend to study abroad. "You ready, hyung?" Seik asks as he starts up the vehicle, wild hand gestures flying when the car behind them edges closer. "Nah, but I'll get there."
To: Baek Jiyoung-sajangnim
I told you that not everyone gets my heart, didn't I? So I took your words to heart. I took those two days to think and I want to tell you that I did change my mind. Not to accept but about myself. The way you said it, I know you believe I have it in me to be a star. I wanna thank you for believing in an idiot like me. That's why I wanna be an idol. Kids like me, we're not taken seriously. If you wanna dance, you don't have a future. You can only do things with your body and not your mind. It's not true. What I want is for people to know if I can do it, if I can believe in myself, then they should believe in themselves too. Being a star or being a crowd in the face, if someone believes in me and in turn can believe in their self, I'm gonna be happy.
I dunno if that's what you meant when you told me I could be a star in your company or be a face in the crowd in another but I wanna find out what it means for me. I think I'm not ready yet. One day, I will be. I hope everyone will be ready for me too. The 20/20 experience won't end here!
Hello Mister Rome? How are you feeling? The MGAs are over and you are going back home with the Sphere Entertainment contract. Congratulations. Now give us some words your entire experience, what you would do again. Also, are you happy with the outcome? I was surprised that Sphere decided to snatch you.
Ayyy, S.J. Nice to talk to you again {` — grins, laughing } How am I feeling? 내가 제일 잘 나가 {` — cracks a wider grin at the nod to his round 3 performance song } But you know what, I’m really sad it’s over. I loved this {` — chuckles softly, hand unknowingly reaching for his shoulder and he plays it off, patting himself on the back } I worked hard. Played hard. Went hard on that stage because go hard or go home and it’s weird to know it’s over. {` — shrugs his head, moistening his lips and smiling } Nothing. I’d change nothing. This was the 20/20 experience for me and hopefully for everyone who watched me. You can’t change the 20/20 experience or there’s no point right? {` — he freezes at the mention of Sphere again, when he thought he could avoid discussing it directly } I’m happy for my friends, for everyone. A little sad for those who are going home without the contract. JB, my partner… Mr. 2009, that contract should’ve been his. All I’ma say on it.
JANG HAE BYEOL's MGA RECAP ★ FINALS AND NEW RATINGS! 〖 ★ 〗
It’s that time again and Jang Haebyeol is here at your service providing you my own personal insight on the latest MGA news! The final performances have aired and the time for those contract offers has come! From mash-ups to ballads to performances filled with skilled choreography, this season's finale does not disappoint! What does come with it are a few reminders of last season's performances and previous performances from this season. First, let's recap on the pairings for the finals!
The pairings are as follows:
✦ (Click their contestant number for their activity in Season 2 now that it has concluded!)
#2000 + #2005! ★★★★✩ Ty Lee Kikwang + Bang Minah
#2003 + #2008! ★★★✩✩ Mark Tuan Yi-En + Jung Joonyoung
#2007 + #2017! ★★★★✩ Bang Yongguk + Kim Myungsoo
#2009 + #2020! ★★★★✩ Jeffrey Im Jaebum + Rome Yu Barom
#2011 + #2024! ★★★★✩ Kasper Lee Serine +Park Jimin
#2012 + #2026! ★★★★✩ Park Chanyeol + Lee Jaehwan
#2013 + #2021! ★★★✩✩ Lily Choi Jinri + JRoyal Kim Jonghyun
#2015 + #2032! ★★★✩✩ Byun Baekhyun + Jung Hana
#2027 + #2034! ★★★✩✩ Kim Yubin + Yoon Doojoon
#2036 + #2037! ★★★★✩ Alaska Park Sunyoung + Park Sunyoung Luna Carter
The star ratings here reflect what level the kind of performance I expected before the last episode.
From this point on, only 15 will receive the chance to sign with one of the big 5 companies. Who do you think it will be?
✦ (Please note that the above star ratings will not be reflected on the yet to be updated contestant page and the new ratings are below the cut! Also, bias has not been exempted from this round's rating as it is the final round!)
Are you ready to put on those rose-colored glasses? Here we go!
#2000 + #2005! ★★★✩✩ Ty Lee Kikwang + Bang Minah
Pretentiously, I will quote myself and mention my prior expectations of this pairing. "With a blend of vocals and rap with well-executed choreography, these two could have a fighting chance." With the male lead being a choreographer with an impressive resume and the female lead aiming for Nova, a company renowned for dance, the choreography that blossoms and flourishes during this performance does not fail sub-par in comparison but let's rewind to what I said regarding Kikwang-ssi's performance in the third round. I reported that the song did not suit Kikwang-ssi's style in order to deliver the best performance. However, the song choice here seems perfect for him, a nod to the LA hip-hop scene people categorize him as belonging to. That said, I do think more could have been done in terms of better suiting the song to Minah-ssi. Shockingly, my critique veers more towards the lyrics for this final round performance. I will not quote it specifically myself for the sake of premature eyes but there are suggestive lyrics and a mention of illegal contraband. I wonder how that will affect censorship.
#2003 + #2008! ★★★★✩ Mark Tuan Yi-En + Jung Joonyoung
A lack of choreography isn't shocking in order to accommodate one partner, as expected, but the ability of the two to meld and blend their preferences together culminates in a beautiful result. The lyrics do include profanity so my admiration does falter but it does so fleetingly in comparison to the intention of the song, showcasing Joonyoung-ssi's lovely vocal ability and introducing the other talents of Mark-ssi that we have no witnessed until this round: rapping and piano playing skills. As the rap is unique and different from the original, transitioning from English into Korea, it's evident that it was written by Mark or the two together. Seeing as we already know Mark-ssi's ability to dance and Joonyoung-ss's ability to rock, the versatility emphasized in this round will likely lead to a contract. A pompous guess but I predict this is not the last we will see of these two talented contestants.
#2007 + #2017! ★★★★★ Bang Yongguk + Kim Myungsoo
Expectations are set at the highest level for this pairing and I wasn't sure there could be a song that suited both styles of each contestant. Whereas Mark-ssi and Joonyoung-ssi had to find a steady middle ground, the song choice of Yongguk-ssi and Myungsoo-ssi is perfect for both of them and for this particular stage. This is a type of performance at its purest form, no gimmicks, no fan-service but pure effort and talent. Myungsoo-ssi's accent is not the best but considering the attempt and the situation, it is comparable to idols currently on the scene now. While not as exciting or thrilling as the other stages for the final round, I favor this performance for its message and execution.
Not veering away from my expectations, Jaebum-ssi and Rome-ssi brought a cheerful, cheesy performance composed of singing, (mild)rapping, and choreography that is chock-full of fan-service. A start that varies from the other performances, Rome's charm is showcased in the first part of their act and an act is what they begin with. Telling a story with their performance, the curt synopsis being "Excuse me miss but I think I like you," their farewell statement to the audience, I have to say that all the women in the crowd were smiling at either charming contestant. Embracing the differences in their skills, Jaebum-ssi focuses on singing while Rome-ssi showcases his dancing, playing the crowd the best they both can. While not a thrilling performance either, it is enjoyable and brings a smile to your face, a stark contrast to the dance tracks and ballads chosen by their fellow competitors.
#2011 + #2024! ★★★★★ Kasper Lee Serine +Park Jimin
This performance left me speechless from Kasper-ssi's more than capable LTE rapping to Jimin-ssi's showstopping vocals. While I do have a concern over the fluiduty and continuity of one song to the other, the transition itself is masterfully executed, a series of beats interluding into Sweet Dreams. That being said, it has to be mentioned that the song was also on last season's finale, performed by Hanbin-ssi and Yuri-ssi of TRC Entertainment (Hanbin-ssi's status allegedly reduced to that of former trainee, reasons unknown). A transition utilized juxtaposed against that of an original mash-up, it's difficult to compare to the previous contestants but this performance speaks for itself in terms of talent. After all, originality and creativity could be developed within a company.
#2012 + #2026! ★★★★✩ Park Chanyeol + Lee Jaehwan
✦ (I could not open and read the solo on kenrk's blog so this review does not cover every aspect of the performance but was conducted regardless for the sake of completion!)
The pair I previously dubbed comparible to Spidey and Max ala The Amazing Spiderman 2. Jaehwan-ssi seems at home with the ballad genre and Chanyeol-ssi shows us a completely different side of him from the previous round. The use of the piano and his performance is what saves Jaehwan-ssi in my eyes in terms of showcasing more versatility whereas Chanyeol-ssi thrived on showing his versatility round to round. On the other hand, one necessary aspect of the performance to point out is the lack of connection I felt between the two. Should the performers feel interchangeable as in Jaehwan-ssi could've easily been replaced by another singer for this performance and vice versa for Chanyeol-ssi as in another rapper could've stood in his place, it is a problem of compatibility. My reasoning for this is the perfect compability of Myungsoo-ssi and Yongguk-ssi with their song and each other's vocal strength. Chanyeol-ssi and Jaehwan-ssi display strong vocal strength but individually as opposed to collectively.
A beautiful song choice that reminds me of former contestant #2023. The sad, spiteful tone of the song best suits JRoyal-ssi's image and I would've enjoyed more of a contrast to Jinri-ssi's soft, gentle image. This review will become more personal, in regards to me expressing what concepts I would've liked to see, ranging from a more playful duet as the chemistry between these two must've been amusing to witness, to one such as "미친거니" . The provision of a promised "twist" as Jinri-ssi says gives us better perspective on JRoyal-s versatility, given his rap, but the same could not be said for Jinri-ssi beyond her singing skills, which are impressive as well. Beautiful simplicity is how I would describe this performance but admittedly I would have liked to see more.
#2015 + #2032! ★★★★✩ Byun Baekhyun + Jung Hana
With an exquisite mash-up, explosive choreography, and powerful vocals, you must be wondering why I am not awarding this pair a 5 star level performance. It is wonderfully executed, vocals and choreography meshing in a manner that celebrates collaboration but it is the fact that I am far too distracted by the constant changing of beats and its overall business to pay attention entirely to the performers that I cannot grant 5 stars. With a beautiful transition seen in other performances, I find it hard to find my bearing during this performance. This is no fault of the performers or the performance they gave but the music editing. Seeing as they chose the song, I cannot ignore how that affects my scoring. That aside, I would be awe-striken if they walked away without a contract or being shown interest in.
#2027 + #2034! ★★★✩✩ Kim Yubin + Yoon Doojoon
The vocals and acting emphasized in this performance are beautiful. I won't deny I am more inclined towards Doojoon-ssi, feeling interrupted by the sudden call of Yubin-ssi to the audience in the midst of an emotional song but she does return to the somber atmosphere well. The performance itself is amazing but the chemistry is lacking, as it should be for the song, and they seem to bring energy to the stage despite a slower paced song.
#2036 + #2037! ★★★★★ Alaska Park Sunyoung + Park Sunyoung Luna Carter
Risque choreography in comparison to their other competitors and charismatic expression to match the lyrics, this performance is on fire. Potentially a crowd favorite, this mash-up is busy as well but not as contradictory so. My only hesitation is on the fact that the choreography was more risque but considering the choice of lyrics on behalf of contestants such as Mark-ssi and Kikwang-ssi, it's considerably more acceptable. Katie Lee-sunbaenim, do you think you will take back Alaska-ssi with this outstanding performance?
As some of you might have noticed, I did award five star rankings because this is the final report on the MGAs in terms of performances and ranking. The next time we meet, the trainee line-up for this season's MGAs will be out! Are you just as nervous as our contestants?
