Sure, you learn that title proper. We’re going again to 2024 for 2 nights with MBC’s (delayed) Gayo Daejejeon. This end-of-year competition was filmed on New Yr’s Eve, however its broadcast was postponed after the tragic Jeju Air Crash. On the time, I assumed the competition would air per week — possibly two — after its recording date, however producers determined to shelve it till this week’s Lunar New Yr. I assume this is sensible given how the competition has at all times been centered round New Yr’s celebrations. And actually, this feels just like the official kick off to Okay-pop’s 2025. The business has largely forfeited the month of January and I count on the idol comeback floodgates to open from this level on. Even so, as somebody who has watched (and written about!) this competition for a decade now, it feels very bizarre watching it on the finish of January.
Normally, MBC’s competition is aired in two components on a single night time. This time, they’ve determined to separate the published between two days so I’ll be following go well with and providing a separate countdown for every night time. This can enable me to highlight extra acts and see which night time I discovered to be the strongest.
As an enormous TWS fan, I used to be excited to see Dohoon taking a rookie host slot alongside veterans Yuna and Minho. That’s an enormous deal, and I additionally assume it’s a good suggestion to pair seasoned hosts with a novice. The distinction gives alternative for some fascinating dynamics. I do know I’m biased, however he did a wonderful job. Very pure!
To match this rookie power, the theme of this yr’s competition is “Wannabe”… as in, “I wanna be a star.” And proper from the opening with its montage of clips that includes present idols once they had been younger kids with goals of stardom, I’m shopping for what MBC is promoting right here.
Since tomorrow shall be that includes many of the yr’s larger/extra established acts, night time one is devoted primarily to rookies and trot singers. I’m okay with the previous since a lot of my favourite teams of the second are of their first or second yr of promotions, however I can’t say I used to be as enthused with the trot singers. Nonetheless, I recognize the custom and the truth that they’ve at all times been an enormous a part of MBC’s competition.
I’m not accustomed to this tune but it surely felt like a missed alternative for this energy trio to decide on one thing a bit extra dynamic.
I needed to place this on my record because it was their remaining efficiency as a full group and the members had been clearly emotional on the finish, however I want Pledis had allow them to do one thing particular reasonably than a comparatively easy music present stage.
8. Mark x Lee Youngji – Fraktsiya
This could most likely be greater if I loved the tune extra. It will get on the record due to their power and the staging, which was among the most dynamic of the night time.
7. NewJeans – Proper Now + How Candy + Harm
I actually just like the jazz model of Proper Now. Their music really works very well in that setting. The dance break into How Candy was additionally an actual deal with. Chairography will at all times win the day. From right here, the efficiency was extra normal, however I nonetheless thought this was a stable medley.
6. TWS – Plot Twist
I believe there’s a been a remix/rearrangement in each single one among TWS’s year-end and award present performances (of which there have been many!). That’s significantly spectacular on their workforce’s half. Plot Twist appears to be the toughest of their singles to remix. I personally wish to hear a heavy EDM or rock combine that absolutely reinvents the tune. This efficiency undoubtedly wasn’t that, but it surely was fairly cute. Bringing within the youngsters was a enjoyable addition.
5. Lee Eunji x Lee Youngji x Mimi (Oh My Woman) x An Yujin (IVE) – Fireplace + I Am The Greatest
This was an fascinating team-up! Two idol singers, a rapper/singer and a comic. It’s form of superb it labored in addition to it did. They’d glorious materials to work with, although. I’m having fun with the 2NE1 love at this yr’s festivals. And naturally, I can’t transfer on from this remark with out mentioning Eunji’s drop into the splits throughout Fireplace!
4. CRAVITY – Now Or By no means
I haven’t been giving CRAVITY a lot love on these year-end competition round-ups, however they’ve executed a pleasant job re-imagining Now Or By no means in many various methods. This “piano concerto” model was one of the best but. The tune itself isn’t my favourite, however I really like the drama.
3. NMIXX – See That?
By now, you all know that I’m a sucker for a rock remix. I don’t discover See That tremendous partaking as a tune, but it surely improved vastly by including a dwell band. This was additionally an ideal alternative to showcase the group’s robust vocals. The dance break was enjoyable, too.
2. Dohoon & Shinyu (TWS), Taesan (BOYNEXTDOOR), Hao (ZEROBASEONE) – Time Of Our Lives
These are a few of my favourite individuals working in Okay-pop proper now singing a monster hit that has reinvigorated DAY6’s profession and legacy. What extra might you ask for? It was the right opening for the present and the blokes sang with such gusto. An on the spot temper lifter.
1. BOYNEXTDOOR x ZEROBASEONE – Mr. Mr. + Taking part in With Fireplace + No.1
Three nice lady group/feminine soloist tracks carried out by two of one of the best fifth gen boy teams. It’s disappointing that Riwoo was lacking from BOYNEXTDOOR’s efficiency. His vocals would have match Taking part in With Fireplace so nicely. Nonetheless, that is the form of particular medley I covet on these year-end festivals. The No.1 team-up finale was an enormous spotlight. It’s an unbelievable tune to start out with and it’s so enjoyable to look at it carried out by a bunch – or on this case, two teams!