‘Sing Again 4’ TOP 4, A Storm Blew In - 스포츠경향

Dorado·Lee O-uk·Kim Jae-min·Slowly advance to the final On ‘Sing AgainUnknown Singer War Season 4’, Dorado, Lee O-uk, Kim Jae-min, and Slowly advanced to the grand final. In episode 12 of JTBC ‘Sing AgainUnknown Singer War’ Season 4 (hereinafter ‘Sing Again 4’), aired on the 30th, the first final round, the ‘New Song Mission’, was unveiled. From the mission featuring brand-new songs imbued with the unique color of each performer to the TOP 4 announcement that remained impossible to predict until the end, fervent reactions poured in. Episode 12 recorded a 2049 target rating of 1.4% (Nielsen Korea, Seoul metropolitan area). The ‘Sing Again 4’ final proceeds in two rounds. The first final, the ‘New Song Mission’, unfolded with new songs by top-tier producers. Opening the night, Kim Ye-chan teamed up with Gureum, known for a broad musical spectrum and collaborations across the scene, on the new song ‘Let Us Not Regret’. At Gureum’s suggestion, Kim Ye-chan tried his hand at lyric writing, pouring into the performance the emotions he felt from the song. On a stage that, like its title, left no room for regret, Yoon Jong-shin commented, “The tremulous tone characteristic of Ye-chan matched the song’s emotion well,” and Baek Ji-young praised, “Not only the singing but also the acting was excellent,” adding, “The way he never lost his smile until the end looked highly professional.” Code Kunst added, “If earlier stages felt like ‘I have to pull this off’, today felt like ‘let’s show what we can show’,” giving unstinting praise to Kim Ye-chan for a relaxed performance. Kim Ye-chan signaled a strong start with a judges’ score of 725 points. The next stage featured the ‘genius youngest’ Slowly. Long eager to sing classic ballads, Slowly presented the new song ‘Wait For Me(Wait For Me)’, created with composer Kim Hyung-seok, the hitmaker behind countless legendary songs. Even though it was a first foray into traditional balladry, the performance was imbued with Slowly’s own style. Taeyeon said, “It feels like I am hearing music with this sensibility for the first time in a while,” expressing thanks for the surprising synergy between a newcomer and a master. Lee Hae-ri also said, “I hope you continue to sing many ballads,” adding, “You have so much. As a singer, your sense of rhythm is good, your power is good, and I think you can show many more wonderful stages.” Slowly received 719 points from the judges. Gyuri had the chance to collaborate with 10CM, whom she respects so much that she listed a 10CM song as one she felt most confident about on her ‘Sing Again 4’ application. ‘Even If No One Accepts This Heart’, which 10CM composed with heartfelt immersion in the contestants, mirrored Gyuri’s own situation. The judges also responded to the song, which conveyed the sincere wish to sing even when no one seems to be watching. Kyuhyun praised, “I could see the attitude with which Gyuri approached ‘Sing Again 4’,” adding, “It was a stage where I saw charms I had not seen from you before.” Im Jae-beom said, “Gyuri achieved a human victory. Just having come this far is worthy of applause,” paying respect to Gyuri for overcoming circumstances that made singing difficult and reaching the final. He continued, “You also met a truly great song, creating a perfect match,” and stamped an approval reading ‘Excellent job’. Gyuri recorded 722 points from the judges. Lee O-uk teamed up with Jo Won-sang of the youth-representing band LUCY. The new song ‘Not Afraid’, which carries the message “To avoid fear, faith must come first,” aligned with Lee O-uk’s credo ‘Assume it will work’, giving it special meaning. With a refreshing, lively band sound and clapping that drew audience participation, the stage etched the presence of Lee O-uk transformed into a full-fledged rock star. Baek Ji-young marveled, “I could see this at a rock festival,” and Taeyeon also said, “In the refrain when you say ‘believe’, the projection and diction create a thrill,” adding, “The trust that made me feel ‘I want to keep following this singer’ came through.” Im Jae-beom declared, “Lee O-uk was Lee O-uk!”, and added, “This feels like the first stage at the rock festival you wanted,” saying, “I hope the time comes soon when, even from afar, I can clap and cheer for Lee O-uk standing on a great rock festival stage,” raising expectations for the birth of a new rock star. Amid consecutive rave reviews, Lee O-uk scored 776 points to surge into first place. Seodo received a song from the versatile singer-songwriter Ahn Shin-ae, whose gentle touch stirs the emotions. The new song ‘It Is Love’, which delivers the message that, for anyone going through a hard time for whatever reason, what keeps us going is love, was a fresh challenge for Seodo as well. On the deeply moving stage, Kim Eana said, “There are musicians who make music with a craftsman-like spirit,” adding, “I can tell you put in tremendous effort, out of sight, to become one with this song,” praising Seodo for m