30. Finishing Move Prep! (Opponent's)
Lee Hye-na VS Seo Siyeon
Choi Seong VS Baek Yuyeon
So Yujin VS Han Seong-sik
Blooming VS Joo Jinwoo
Winners all advance. Two losers get saved for TOP 6.
Viewer votes 75%, judges 25%—vote hard, everyone!
The TOP 8 and TOP 6 rounds proceeded as one-on-one battles.
The moment the matchups dropped, communities lit up with Singer Star chatter.
With ratings smashing 30%, even amid Produce rigging drama, broadcast night meant forums flooded with Singer Star talk.
Naturally, the hottest matchup was Blooming vs. Joo Jinwoo.
Both top contenders with killer skills—expecting fierce, high-level stages.
But Twitter and celeb forums buzzed most over Lee Hye-na vs. Seo Siyeon.
Lee Hye-na's fandom was surprisingly solid and deep-rooted.
Last year's Produce had her in the top three for fanbase strength.
Post-debut failure, it seemed to scatter—but things twisted oddly.
"Produce rigging basically confirmed, fans rallied back."
The victim narrative only tightened their bonds stronger than before.
Now an adult challenging auditions again, her support hit untouchable levels.
Of course, sheer size-wise, still smaller than me or Joo Jinwoo's.
"If Hye-na regains her old form, she's no pushover."
Clear upgrade over Im Ji-hye, whom I'd beaten—superior skill and popularity.
No room for arrogance or slacking.
"Hah, damn. Shouldn't have encouraged her."
A shallow regret slipped out.
Leaving her alone back then might've made this easier.
Matched against me, Hye-na was visibly fired up.
Dull eyes now sparkled with life; her face set in venomous resolve.
Like poking a dying lion's whiskers.
A chill unease crept down my back.
Felt like she'd shatter her personal best again.
This round was total free choice.
Pick any song, even get mentor help on their visit day.
"Mind helping with song selection?"
Whatever anyone says, Singer Star 5 judges are industry peaks.
Greater achievements than my past life self—gonna milk 'em dry.
Plus, good to network for future gigs.
Might end up at one of their companies. No plans now, but irresistible offers happen.
Candidates for this round: three songs.
First: commercial high-teen pop ballad, Money Code smash (monthly #1 in past life).
Second: '90s remake nu-tro ballad (yearly #3).
Third: J-pop band vibe—I arranged it, so claiming as mine.
Yoo Sanghyeon listened intently, eyes closed, to the three tracks over three minutes each.
Asked him cuz he visited camp the day after I picked 'em—no big reason.
Honestly, any would've worked.
All top quality, confident in any. Third edges for competition, but others solid too.
I'm not my old self anymore.
Post-possession and pre-Singer Star, my singing sucked. Shitty technique, no range control.
But stages and masters' lessons filled my exp bar fast.
Like catching high-level Pokémon early-game.
One battle, ten levels—like my skills doubling per stage.
Beaten opponents: all pros who'd brag anywhere.
Crushing 'em with past-life tech? Exp galore.
After three-plus minutes, Yoo Sanghyeon looped with earbuds.
Soon, confident tone:
"Siyeon, you've already picked one for the comp, right?"
"...No clue."
"One stands out clear. Know which?"
I eyed him, confused.
All killer tracks—huge hits, poured heart into each. No weak links.
Couldn't guess what "stood out" to him.
One topped charts, sure, but...
"Heh. Count one-two-three, say it together?"
"Huh?"
"Wanna see if we match."
He counted despite my fluster.
I blurted the chart-topper:
"Your Name is Verdant!"
"Starry Night."
Of course, mismatched.
Awkward silence, staring.
Your Name is Verdant
Made it pre-mid-tier exec days, during a year in indie with my band.
Indie flop, disbanded quick.
Childhood-friend vocalist took dad's business; I got scouted to major label.
Both succeeded eventually—not bad.
Years later, as total producer, I dusted it off.
"Oppa! This is insanely good—total hit. Please include it, even as B-side!"
Idol found it on my cloud, begged—went in as track.
Yearly #1. Even Billboard Japan yearly #15.
Absurd: unknown band's remake topping charts.
But it happened; they rocketed to top-tier.
This guy's taste tho...
Eyed Yoo Sanghyeon doubtfully.
Even pre-J-rock boom in Korea, a pro like him should've clocked it...
Anyway, comp song: Starry Night.
'90s remake, melody kept but flipped everything—original unrecognizable.
Yet Yoo felt nostalgic vibe.
This world's got similar feels, even if no exact match.
No complaints singing it—love the track, and peak-career banger felt wrong here.
Loss means revival anyway.
But zero intention of losing to Hye-na. Arrogant? Nah—impossible.
Watching her practice shifted that a bit.
"This... is her finisher."
She'd drawn her strongest weapon.