Sing Again: A New Beginning
Battling career uncertainty is not an easy task as it comes in many different forms to a number of different people. Effort, passion, and a bit of luck––this combination is the ultimate package that will get one to eventually reach success, but most of the time, it does not pertain to all desperate people.
Many of our beloved artists have endured a phase of career uncertainty as musicians before finally moving into the spotlight of public attention. Nevertheless, there are countless talented artists who are still waiting for their time to shine yet are forced to halt their musical pursuit due to reality.
Following Your Dream and Sing Again
Sing Again is the very program that provides an opportunity to those who have continued to dream for their time to perform on stage and receive appreciation for their music. Anyone who has released an album before were qualified to apply for this show, and ultimately, 71 contestants made it through the preliminary round. Unknown singers, forgotten singers, or those whose names were overshadowed by their songs prepared for two months to make an appearance on the show in hopes of passing the first round of auditions.
Promoting the format of a reboot audition show, Sing Again aims to rid of all contestants’ existing backgrounds and holds everyone at the same standard by using a number system to address each participant. This method is implemented to avoid creating biases in judges’ evaluations of each contestant’s performance because the power a known name holds is pretty significant. It is true that it is inevitable to totally disregard the musical identity of participants who have been popularized at some point through audition programs or any moment in their music career without making a natural association with the contestant and their known skills. However, for those who do not know anyone participating in the show, the number system makes it a fair game for all.
Meet the Cast
An amiable host is the most ideal match for audition shows; playing the role of a bridge to connect the contestants with the judges, the emcee position would require someone with a multitalented and communicative character. Here, Lee Seunggi takes the role as the main host of Sing Again. A well-rounded entertainer who performed in various fields across the industry, his versatile nature definitely eases the tension that normally accompanies such audition shows.
With the role of evaluating every contestant's performances, a panel of eight judges is also present on the scene. The panel of judges is composed of renowned artists already recognized by the public for their talent; from idols to vocalists to a lyricist, the cast is ready to provide the participants with what they believe is the best path for them.
With his profound expertise in the music industry, Yoo Heeyeol is considered as a member of the senior judge line. Yoo Heeyeol plays the role of a strict yet warm mentor as an experienced judge on other famous audition shows.
Lee Sunhee is also another senior judge that is participating in the show. As one of Korea’s national singers, she remains as a legendary figure known for her “small but mighty” charm due to her petite figure that contrasts her explosive and energetic vocals. Watch out for how Lee Sunhee sternly advises each and every contestant for their future improvements but also does not forget to show her genuine support.
An incredibly famous artist who is a part of the Korean band Spring Summer Fall Winter (봄여름가을겨울), Kim Jongjin takes up the third senior judge position. Kim Jongjin participates as the “healing” judge for his ability to immerse himself into the emotional stages and feel the excitement explode during hype stages.
Hit-maker lyricist Kim Eana engages as a judge with her exceptional ability to empathize with the contestant. As a sensuous senior judge, Kim Eana is on the lookout for the discovery of a participant who is like a forgotten gem.
Super Junior’s Kyuhyun marks his spot as a junior judge amongst other panelists. A skilled and experienced vocalist of 15 years, he plays an essential role in connecting the senior and junior line panelists. Make sure to watch out for how Kyuhyun’s emotions come into play as he evaluates the amazing stages.
Performance queen Sunmi is another junior panelist who is responsible for judging the participants of Sing Again. As a singer who explores a broad range of artistry, Sunmi engages with the contestants during their stage performances and is not afraid to voice her thoughts.
DAVICHI’s main vocalist Lee Haeri is the third junior judge on the show. Living up to her title as the queen of emotions, Lee Haeri looks beyond the voice of the contestants to see the truth in the emotions they are conveying during their stage.
The last junior panelist position is taken by WINNER’s MINO. A multiskilled, trendy rapper who placed second in the intense rap survival show Show Me the Money 4, MINO’s evaluations open up a new perspective for other judges to explore.
These eight judges vote individually per stage, granting the contestant an “All Again” if they decide to give them their vote. Three or less “All Again”s indicates the elimination of the respective contestant, four or five “All Again”s puts them on hold until the judges decide their status, and six to eight “All Again”s automatically means that the contestant proceeds to the next round.
Every judge has one chance to use a “Super Again,” a special card that allows a specific contestant to be boosted in their status (either elimination or on hold) to prepare for the following round.
Sing Again’s novel idea in pursuing the audition without disclosing the contestants’ names (unless they are eliminated on the spot) seems to develop a positive consensus in that both the panel and the viewers are able to evaluate performances solely based on the participant’s talent. With the preview showing a 2:2 match, the next episode will reveal the second round that further intensifies the tension among the contestants. Stay tuned to see who will become the winner of this fierce competition!