Welcome to another edition of Best of Weekly Music Shows! The last quarter of 2015 is starting to see more performers make their way back to the stage. Among those making their comeback were 24K, Ailee, GOT7, Homme, and Lovelyz. iKON also made their much anticipated debut. MBC Show Champion aired a KMF 2015 Special in Yokohama, Japan this week. The trophies were given out to a bunch of different groups. First place on Mnet M!Countdown went to Soyu and Kwon Jeong-yeol for “Lean On Me.” CN Blue‘s “Cinderella” was awarded first on KBS Music Bank and SBS The Show. MBC Show! Music Core gave the prize to Park Kyung‘s “Ordinary Love,” and iKON received the award for “My Type” on SBS Inkigayo.
Check out the performances that stood out for me this week and be sure to include your favorites as well in the comments below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSgNwGUN2CM
iKON’s “Rhythm Ta” on SBS Inkigayo, October 4, 2015
iKON finally make their long awaited debut this week. Most notable about this performance was the high production value. iKON gets a stage that ends up elevating them to new heights. “Rhythm Ta” succeeds in bumping the bass and giving a beat for the boys to work with during their rap sections. It is hype music and the melody is infectious.
BTS‘s “Dope” on MBC Show Champion, September 30, 2015
BTS have been on their grind this year. They seem like they have been touring all over the globe while also somehow finding time to prepare for another comeback this year. It amazes me that they are not going through the motions just due to sheer exhaustion. In fact it is quite the opposite. This performance of “Dope” was filled with that BTS energy. They are electric and doing their best to engage with the crowd. In return, the fans were incredibly vocal — singing along to almost all of the lyrics. A BTS live performance almost never disappoints, but hopefully, they will get some much needed R&R because they deserve it.
Lovelyz’s “Ah-Choo” on Mnet M!Countdown, October 1, 2015
After watching multiple performances of Lovely’z “Ah-choo” this past weekend, I have come to actually enjoy this sweet number. Finally on stage as 8 members, the group continues to grow in confidence. Their vocals sound strong, and Lovelyz are living up to their name in the charming way they carry themselves on stage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByEBQUoip0o
GOT7’s “If You Do” on SBS Inkigayo, October 4, 2015
I have to point out that the live version of GOT7’s “If You Do” sounds a bit different from the recorded version. The horns and some of the instruments seem more pronounced in the live performances versus the recording. I actually like the change up in instruments as they add a new dynamic to the song. Also, GOT7’s stage presence shines. The footwork is a blast, and they are immersed in all that smoldering character.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LVXkQ1TrVY
Soyu & Kwon Jung-yeol’s cover of J.Y. Park‘s “Who’s Your Mama?” on KBS Yoo Hee-yeol’s Sketchbook, October 2, 2015
Soyu and Kwon Jung-yeol have a great chemistry on stage together. Honestly, all of their performances on Sketchbook including “Lean On Me” and their rendition of “Some” were worthy to be included on this list, but I decided to go with their cover of “Who’s Your Mama?” because their version of it was unique. They both have such unique vocal colors and their harmonies give this song a different dimension. Kwon Jung-yeol’s falsetto runs were awesome and MC Soyu’s rap was a fun moment. Also, could we possibly see another non-Bora, Sistar member attempt Unpretty Rapstar next season? Probably not, but it was an entertaining performance nonetheless.
Ailee’s “Mind Your Own Business” on MBC Show! Music Core, October3, 2015
Ailee sounds phenomenal. It amazes me how she is able to get those notes to sound as powerful and clear as they do even when she is sitting down and injured. In “Mind Your Own Business,” Ailee lets her inner diva out once again. I do hope she recovers soon from her injury and that these promotions aren’t going to hinder her recovery. There are moments when she is executing the choreography in her seat where I feel like she is one or two pivots from swinging out of her seat. Aside from those suspenseful moments, I love the parts of the choreography where the back-up dancers frame her. Ailee owns the stage and exudes charisma all the while being for the most part stuck in her chair.
