'1등들' is a groundbreaking program that brings together past winners from various music auditions to compete for the ultimate champion title. The show promises an unprecedented gathering of 'kings' from different competitions, including 'Superstar K2' winner Huh Gak, 'Our Ballad' winner Lee Ye-ji, and 'Tomorrow's National Singer' winner Park Chang-geun.
The lineup also features contestants praised by renowned producers like JYP's Park Jin-young, who described one participant as a singer with no flaws, and veteran judge Yoon Jong-shin, who called another contestant the most overwhelming and perfect winner.
'1등들' introduces a bold new format where contestants perform face-to-face with their competitors, a first in Korean competition history. Even seasoned winners admitted to feeling immense pressure, with some confessing to trembling hands and severe tension during filming.
Adding to the intensity is the 'real-time push-out' system by a 301-member audience panel. Without authoritative judges, panelists like Baek Ji-young, Heo Sung-tae, Park Ji-hyun, and Kim Chae-won have only one vote each, just like the general audience. This fair competition means that a challenger with a higher score can immediately take the lead, creating a thrilling and unpredictable ranking battle.
'1등들' focuses on the sincerity of singers who return to the stage after winning their respective auditions. These artists, each with unique stories, set aside their 'champion' titles to compete solely with their voices.
In the premiere, contestants will perform their 'life songs' that made them champions, rekindling the emotions that once captivated the nation and showcasing their evolved 'complete live' performances after years in the industry.
Tune in tonight at 8:50 PM for the first episode.
By Da-yeon Jeong, TenAsia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr