[Judging] JCNET 4th Annual Karaoke Contest

[sushii]

JCNET's Fourth Annual Karaoke Contest

Alright, since the polls are up we will now start the judging process.

This thread is for the judges to give a critique of each song in the contest. This will help singers know what they did well on and what they did not do so well on. It will be useful for future contests.

Judges have the option of following this format or using their own format.

Judge based on...

Technical Skill- The contestants singing and mixing

Song Choice - If the song the contestant chose to sing fit their voice, if its the right genre for them, etc..

Overall performance- How well did they do?( lol pretty self-explanatory)

You can also give a rating of each song.

(credits to soompi for the idea)

~This is only a suggestion, you do not have to do it~

The judges are here to help YOU (the contestants) , they're not here to bash you in any way. So if you don't like what they say, you do not have to read.
This contest is merely just for fun, so please don't be offended if someone says something you don't like. I know most people (including myself) would want to know what they did so they can fix and be better.

Judges, do not be afraid to be blunt, just don't be mean ^^.

NOTE: This thread is ONLY for Judges to give comments. If you want to comment on a song, please do so in the voting threads. Thank You!

-if any judge wants to be anonymous, please send your comments to either Me or Bonnie (jay_is_cute) and we will post it up for you.

Okay let the comments come rolling in!!^^ (boy..i sound rather lame)

[littlefishie]

I hope I don't offend anyone with my comments; I'm just trying to be as honest as possible. Most of the technical skills part consists of tiny problems I found, and I left most of the compliments in the overall part. I know some of the things I pointed out were a little picky, but it's with the intent that they'll help you improve. I was definitely impressed by everyone's singing!

ryanjayfan:
Technical Skill - You did a pretty good job of singing in tune with a few exceptions ("mei you" in the verse part, "hao guo" in the chorus). Your biggest problem is that you cut off the ends of notes too quickly, especially in the verse part of the song. Because of that, you sound too staccato, and it sounds as though you're cutting short the emotional part of your singing. However, I loved hearing all the emotion in the verse part. You also did a great job with mixing!
Song Choice - This was a good song for you in terms of range and feel. You pulled it off very well.
Overall Performance - Mainly, you just need to work on smoothing out your singing. But overall, great job with Tui Hou! I enjoyed listening to it!

*meow:
Technical Skill - You had a few off notes, but in general, it was sung very well and very in tune. What I loved best about your rendition was all the emotion you put into it, and you made this song your own. I also really liked the ad lib at the end; it gave the ending a nice touch. As for your mixing, I would have liked for your voice to be a little louder, and sometimes your voice was a bit faster than the instrumental.
Song Choice - Great song choice! You pulled this off very well, and the song fit your voice!
Overall Performance - Overall, it was a very good rendition of Hei Se Mao Yi! I loved it! =)

koala--bear:
Technical Skill - You had a few off notes in the chorus ("jian bang shang"), but other than that, most of the pitches were there. You also sometimes cut off phrases too quickly ("liao kuo", "gan dong"); you could have dragged "kuo" and "dong" out a little longer. Also, the part right before the chorus sounded really pretty and flowed really well but would have sounded better if it had been a little smoother; each word was too articulated. Your mixing was done pretty well, although I wish your mic was a little better quality. Nonetheless, other than the things I pointed out above, you sung this very well! I loved the hyahs; they were in stereo too!
Song Choice - This song fit your voice very well! You sound a lot like Vicki Zhao, and your voice has that ethereal/windy feel to it.
Overall Performance - It was a very comfortable rendition! Very soothing to listen to! I felt as though I was floating away.

pepprmint:
Technical Skill - The whole thing was generally in tune, although some of the high notes in the chorus were off. Some of the ends of phrases need be softened up a little; one way to do this is to fade out the note a bit, instead of holding it at a constant volume. I also wish you had done some of the ad libs right before the last chorus. But most of all, I feel that you need to put more emotion into your singing. It sounded as though you were trying, but it wasn't coming through very well. The mixing was done very well, nice volume balance.
Song Choice - I'm not sure this was the best song choice for you. This is actually an extremely hard song to do, because of the emotional aspect of it. It's really easy to overdo or underdo the emotions. I think I'd want to hear you try singing a Cyndi Wang song.
Overall Performance - It was a very smooth rendition, but it didn't really stick out. I think a lot of that had to do with the song choice. However, I enjoy hearing you sing, and I look forward to hearing more songs from you.

retrobaby:
Technical Skill - You picked a really tough song, but you pulled it off very very well! It sounded as though the song was in the range between your head and chest voice, and some of the ends of phrases were just very slightly off ("deng diao"). Amazing mixing as usual! =)
Song Choice - F.I.R is always a good choice for you! Hehehe...
Overall Performance - As always, you did an amazing job! I always love hearing you sing F.I.R, because you have the ability to make their songs your own. When I'm listening, it doesn't even occur to me that this is an F.I.R song; all I'm thinking is that: wow, I love ade jie's singing skills.

YuCheng:
Technical Skill - You need to be careful when singing a low note right after singing a high note (this happens a few times in the chorus). It's a hard transition going from a high pitch to a low pitch, and so the low note is sometimes off. Also, about your vibrato, it tends to get faster and a little flat whenever you're about to cut off the note, so pay a little more attention to that. Your voice is a little nasal, but it's improved a lot! Other than that, your singing was spot on. I loved the emotions and the subtleties in your voice!
Song Choice - This song fit your voice very well!
Overall Performance - Excellent rendition of Ju Hua Tai! I loved it!

jay_fantasy8:
Technical Skill - Some of your lower notes were slightly off; it sounded as though you couldn't quite hit them. Other than that, I really liked your singing. The high notes were just beautiful, and I could hear the emotions and the subtleties in your voice. I wish you had mixed it with the instrumental though...
Song Choice - Your voice was perfect for this song!
Overall Performance - Awesome job! Because I've never heard the song before, I would have preferred hearing it with the instrumental. But you did great with just a cappella, which I think is usually harder!

petricia:
Technical Skill - The bridge part was slightly off but generally, very in tune as usual. I loved hearing you sing the chorus; it made me want to sway along.
Song Choice - This sounds different from what you usually sing, and it was nice hearing this more light-hearted side to your voice! However, I would have liked the verse part needed to be lightened a bit more. The bridge part was very cute! =)
Overall Performance - I loved your rendition! You should sing more songs like this.

AkimotoMitsuki:
Technical Skill - This was very well-sung and very in tune. I love the delicacy in your voice. However, I would have liked to hear more emotion and a little more power in the chorus; there should have been more contrast between the verse and the chorus in terms of those two things. I really really liked the ending. Did you do the harmony yourself? If so, it was super pretty!
Song Choice - The song fit your voice extremely well. I've never heard the song before, but to me, it sounded as though this was your own song.
Overall Performance - A very pretty rendition! Definitely one of my favorites. Very soothing to listen to.

navlem:
Technical Skill - You did a good job with the rap! However, sometimes your words in the chorus were too slurred together. I also feel that you could have put more emotions into singing; after all, Ye Qu is quite the depressing song. Your voice was sometimes drowned out by the instrumental and thus should have been mixed louder.
Song Choice - This song fit your voice pretty well.
Overall Performance - It was a very nice rendition. With a few improvements, I think it could sound as good as Jay.

jay_is_cute:
Technical Skill - All the notes were in tune. There were a few parts where you sounded as though you might have stumbled a bit, and I think your voice should have been mixed a little louder in the first verse. Other than that, everything was there.
Song Choice - This song showed off your range and your vocal abilities very well!
Overall Performance - I LOVED the emotions you put into this song. While the general sound quality of this was not as good as some of your past songs, the rendition itself was fabulous! You sound so pro!!!

yenny:
Technical Skill - It was very in tune. However, I would have liked to hear a little more emotion in the chorus; this can be done by making the notes a little smoother. In the bridge, you faded out your notes too much; it sounded as though you were cutting them off. There's no need to do that; that actually hinders you from expressing emotion. The rap was great, and I loved the verse parts because I could hear all the subtleties in your voice.
Song Choice - S.H.E is actually not easy to pull off, but I think you did a great job. This song fit your voice and your range quite well!
Overall Performance - This was a very well done rendition! S.H.E would be proud!

sweet neko:
Technical Skill - You really need to get a better mic. The quality of the sound recording detracted from your singing. Some of your pitches were off, and some of your notes were too accented. Other than that, I can hear potential in your voice. It's just hard to say anything more concrete due to the recording.
Song Choice - I don't think your voice fits Alan Kuo songs. Try singing a girl's song next time. Try Vivian Hsu or Cyndi Wang.
Overall Performance - The song choice really hindered your vocal abilities. I think it would have sounded much better if you had picked another song to sing, and so I can't really judge your voice based on this song. I would love to hear you sing something else though.

alice_jjar:
Technical Skill - Your notes were very in tune, but I didn't hear much musical phrasing. Try adding changes in volume (dynamics) to your singing; try fading out the ends of your longer notes. This will add more emotion to your singing, which is another thing that I didn't hear very much in the verse parts. Your last two choruses were really good and full of emotion, so try applying the same idea to the rest of the song. I really loved listening to the way you sang the last two choruses!
Song Choice - Range-wise and voice feel-wise, the song was a good choice.
Overall Performance - Overall, a very smooth rendition. Once you add the emotions, you're set to go. Good job!

ropgurl:
Technical Skill - You did a great job switching between your chest and head voice in this song. You need to work on your vibrato a bit; it makes your pitch waver too much ("cuo"). Some of the notes in the chorus were too accented ("wei lai"). Outside of that, you sang very well!
Song Choice - Great song choice!
Overall Performance - I really loved your rendition! I've never heard the song before, but listening to you sing it made me want to download the real version. Great job!

Good job to everyone who participated! *claps*

[jay_is_cute]

Hey, everyone, I'm finally finished commenting. Haha, took me a while to finish them. Anyway, I just hope you guys remember these are my opinions only, which means that I'm not always right. For some people, I got a little picky, not to be mean, but to try my best to give constructive comments. Anyway, I really enjoyed listening/commenting, so yay for all the contestant! :happy:

1. ryanjayfan – Tui Hou
Technical Skill: You started off strong, but when you got to the higher notes in the vereses, you started to lose it a bit and sounded too hesitant. The choruses were pretty good, since your high notes seem to be better when you can belt them out more. Throughout the song, you weren’t terribly off tune, but it was littered with minor off pitches here and there. Be careful of sliding pitches too; several times, you hit a note and then shifted to a different one, which caused it to sound out of tune.
Song Choice: I think you chose the right song for your range and tone. If you had just polished your recording up a bit more, I’m sure you would’ve sounded better.
Overall Performance: You have a really unique voice! That was the first thing that came to my mind while listening to you. I think when your voice matures more, it will have a very interesting sound! I liked the emotions you put into your singing too. Overall, not bad!

2. *meow – Hei Se Mao Yi
Technical Skill: I think you did a pretty good job here. I didn’t hear any major off pitches. I really loved how you added your own style while singing this song. I can’t really pinpoint exactly what it is, but it’s there, and I definitely think you’re not just imitating Jay (which a lot of people do when singing his songs.) However, there were some parts were you were slightly off rhythm.
Song Choice: A good song choice, you sound very comfortable singing this. However, I think you could’ve attempted a slightly harder song, perhaps something higher in range, because I know you can do it. =)
Overall Performance: Overall, a solid, enjoyable performance. Your voice is soothing and pleasant to listen to. I would’ve liked to hear more power in your voice especially around the last two choruses, and maybe a little bit more emotion. Good job!

3. koala—bear – Shun Feng Ni Feng
Technical Skill: You controlled your tone very well, and did a great job keeping your voice light, which went with the feel of the song. However, I felt there were really no parts that were “wow.” The part where your voice came out from different sides was really cool though. =)
Song Choice: You picked a good song to suit your type of voice, but it was pretty much a “flat” song, like there wasn’t room for you to show off your voice.
Overall Performance: I wasn’t blown away, but you were really enjoyable to listen to. You have a really pretty voice and a lot of potential to become really good!

4. peppermint – Hou Niao
Technical Skill: This is a pretty hard song to do, so yay for you for singing it. Your tone was really good throughout the song. There were some rhythm problems and a couple of off pitches, but nothing major. However, I feel that you’re just singing the song, without really feeling it. The way that you phrase your lines comes out messy, especially in the verses. I guess that would fall under vocal control. I was also a little disappointed you didn’t do the ad-libs in the beginning and in the middle of the song. But considering what a hard song this is, you’ve done well. (I actually think you did a better job than SHE at some parts in the chorus!)
Song Choice: I think this song suits you. It was difficult, but not too difficult.
Overall Performance: Your voice is very full and has a rubbery quality, which makes it nice to listen to. Overall, a pretty good job.

5. retrobaby – Bei Ji Quan
Technical Skill: Right at the beginning there was a really flat note, so it was really noticeable, but other than that you were mostly in tune. Your transitions from your real voice to falsetto, and then back again, were practically flawless, so I was impressed! And that part after the second chorus was absolutely beautiful and you controlled your voice so well. I would’ve liked to hear more power though.
Song Choice: What a beautiful song! I think you and Faye are vocal twins (whatever that means), so you pretty much chose the perfect song for yourself. However there was too much falsetto involved for my liking…but that’s just me.
Overall Performance: One of my favorite entries so far! Great job!

6. YuCheng – Ju Hua Tai
Technical Skill: Your technical skill is there: the dynamics were good and you controlled your voice well and as always, I love your vibrato. You had a few off tune notes here and there, but nothing major. I guess the main thing I noticed was that you tried very hard to control your nasal-ness, which resulted in you sounding a little flat and not very emotional. Also, the climax of the song could have been a little louder, I was disappointed because it seemed like you pulled back from the mike too much. Nonetheless, volume issue aside, you sang that part beautifully.
Song Choice: This song suits your voice well, but I think you would have done well with an even harder song too, because you have such an amazing vocal range. But, then again, you can never go wrong with Jay!
Overall Performance: I think I liked your past songs better, just because you went all out instead of holding back for fear of sounding too nasal. But I did enjoy listening to this rendition of JHT, how can anyone not?

7. jay_fantasy8 – Guang Jie
Technical Skill: When people sing without background music, it’s easier to spot their mistakes, but even though you sang acapella, I honestly couldn’t pick out any notes that were out of tune! Your phrasing was great, your transition between falsetto and real voice was great, and I’m absolutely drawn to your voice when I listen to you sing.
Song Choice: I’ve heard you sing Penny’s “Amen” and now this song, so I think that you’re really suited to singing her songs. This song allowed you to showcase the gentle side of your vocals. I’m sure you would’ve sounded even better with music! I would’ve liked to hear something slightly higher in range though.
Overall Performance: OMG, I’ve said this so many times, but you’re voice is just so beautiful! I’ve never heard this song before, but I enjoyed listening to every second of it, even without music.

8. petricia – Shou Shou De
Technical Skill: You were mostly in tune. I really liked the progression of feeling throughout the song, so that by the end, I could really here all your emotions, so good vocal control on your part.
Song Choice: It’s a nice, happy, upbeat song, but I would’ve liked to hear something slightly higher in difficulty. You do fit Jasmine’s songs though.
Overall Performance: It was a good listen. You sounded maybe a little too heavy and serious for this lighthearted song. It would have been better if you sounded more happy and bouncy.

9. AkimotoMitsuki – Li Ren Jie
Technical Skill: I was pretty impressed after hearing the first verse, especially how well you controlled your vocals and the dynamics to express the feelings in the song. You were in tune most of the time, but some of the high parts in the chorus were slightly off. There were several high notes which you didn’t exactly reach (for example at 1:52) but stretched for them after you started them, which didn’t sound so pleasant.
Song Choice: Great song, you sang it well.
Overall Performance: I was just being picky in the technical section, but really I enjoyed your rendition very much. Would’ve liked to hear maybe a little more power in your voice when singing the chorus.

10. navlem – Ye Qu
Technical Skill: The rap flowed well, but you seemed to struggle with the chorus a little. I could hear more of Jay than I could of you at some points. Also, you could’ve added more feeling and attitude to your rap. Sometimes, you sounded a little bit bored.
Song Choice: I’m sure this will be popular with the crowd. =) You chose a rap sang and you rapped well, so you chose a good song for yourself.
Overall Performance: A pretty solid performance, but you can improve on the singing portion.

11. littlefishie – Di Yi Ge Qing Chen
Technical Skill: There were a just a couple of notes that seemed too low, but other than that, I am thoroughly impressed! I absolutely love those notes in the chorus where you crescendo and add a touch of vibrato! Your falsettos are full and your transitions to and from them are great. In the verses, you overdid the vibrato a little bit where you tried to vibrate in every line, but it’s not a big deal.
Song Choice: I’ve heard this song before but never knew it was by Leehom! Anyways, good song choice, suits your range well.
Overall Performance: I really enjoyed listening to this one! You might’ve wanted to raise the pitch a little bit though, since you seemed to have no trouble with the higher parts of the song. You showed a lot of emotion in this one too, so I was pleasantly surprised.

12. jay_is_cute – Shi Wo Bu Hao (not reviewing myself)

13. yenny1106 – Bu Zuo Ni De Peng You
Technical Skill: Your tone was really good throughout the song and your voice flowed nicely with the feel of the song. The first line was a little shaky, but after that, you picked it up nicely. There were some off tunes here and there, mostly at the end of lines, nothing major though. The rap near the end was cool!
Song Choice: Nice song choice, you showed off your sweet vocals with this SHE song.
Overall Performance: I really liked the emotions you worked into your voice, these little twists that you did. It was enjoyable to listen to, I actually found myself swaying halfway through the song! =)

14. Sweet neko – Lian Bai Ju Shang
Technical Skill: I really wish you had a better mic, since you have such a sweet voice. Well, from what I could hear, you were in tune the majority of the time. You have a tendency to breathe on the last word in the line which makes it go out of tune. You also put too much emphasis on the last word in a line which makes things sound too forced. In general, just relax a little more when singing (for example 2:19-2:22, the “fang”s sounded a little awkward because you forced them out too much.) Some of your notes were also a bit lazy, where you drag them a couple of pitches. I do like the attempts at contrasting the volume of your voice, and I could hear your emotions.
Song Choice: I think you could have chosen a song with a higher range since you didn’t sound so comfortable singing that low.
Overall Performance: I think the biggest factor is the bad quality, otherwise I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more. However, I think you put in a really good effort. Good job!

15. alice_jjar – Gui Ji
Technical Skill: It’s really hard to sing this song without sounding monotone, so you did have a little bit of a problem with that. You were mostly in tune, but there were a few more noticeable off tunes, for example, the flat note leading into the chorus, both times. You sang the final chorus really well though, full of expression and intensity. I like the progression of feeling throughout the song, like how you started off soft and then got louder and more emotional, until the end when you let it all out. The sudden volume change of the bg music at the end was a little surprising though, haha.
Song Choice: I guess besides the fact that this song tends to come out monotone, it also sounds a little low for you. I think you would’ve sounded great if you sang a song with a higher range. Nonetheless, you pulled it off well.
Overall Performance: I enjoyed listening to you, since you have such a pretty voice. Good job!

16. ropgurl – Xin Zhong De Yi Han
Technical Skill: You sound like a seasoned singer. You were pretty much in tune, had good phrasing, had good control of your dynamics. Your falsetto was full and you had no problems with the transitions into your falsetto. I don’t know how the original sounds, but towards the end I felt like you were over-relying on falsetto in the chorus which made your voice sound weaker overall. Also, (especially during the verses) your vibrato tends to be shallow and too quick, so I guess you should try practicing to slow it down a bit. Other than that, it was good.
Song Choice: I thought this song suited your voice perfectly, but I wish you would’ve attempted to hit more of the notes in your real voice.
Overall Performance: I liked it. Your voice sounds very mature. Good job!

hehe, added colors like fishie did, since italics didn't stand out enough.

[yenny1106]

Oh man.. this must be my longest post ever in jc.net. It's finally done. Ooops I realised the numbering is different from the 1st 2 judges - it's opposite haha..

Well after listening to each song umpteen times, I think everyone did really well and each has their own flavour and style! Thanks, participants, for spending time to record and allowing us to enjoy some great music here!

I know I'm not a pro, but I'm just giving my "1 cent" worth of comments based on me being a listener. I’ve listened to each song many times and tried to give examples to support my “claims”.

So here I go!

1)ropgurl - Xin Zhong De Yi Han
Techical skills: There’s not much problems with your pitch and rhythm, diction wise is OK except “xiao RONG” & not “xiao LONG” at 0:36.
You started off steadily, with a clear tone, but as you progress to the chorus with the higher registers, I think some parts (especially the early part of the chorus) can be sung with your "real voice" so that it sounds more powerful, and at the highest registers towards the end, try to sing with more strength as well.
I can hear your vibratos but sometimes you sound a little unsteady.
The “lalalas” in the middle were nice!
Song choice: I think it’s OK as you were able to bring out the feel of the song.
Overall Peformance: I love the feel of the song & you could hit the notes, especially the chorus which is rather high. Just try to sing with more of your “real voice” & control your breath so that it sounds more steady.

2)alice_jjar - gui ji
I think your voice's unique as it has a husky tone. A rather touching rendition of Gui Ji!
The verses can be sung even lighter and the longer timing notes (end notes of each phrase e.g “zen me ---- yin cang; wo de ---- bei shang) not dragged too long. I love your choruses as they were sung beautifully, especially the last chorus I can hear the climax with full emotions and power.
Take note of the pitch in this line "na zai ZHONG dian zhi QIAN" in the 1st pre-chorus.
Rhythm-wise you were great with except a slight off-beat as you enter the 2nd verse at around 2:42.
Good & clear mixing, but at around 3:10, your voice became a little too soft though, & at around 4:30, the instrumental suddenly increased in volume.
Song choice: Your voice’s suitable for the song and you brought out the essence of the song.
Overall Peformance: well done! I like your voice and it suits this song to the T as I can hear the sadness in the song!

3) Sweet Neko - Lian Bai Ju Shang
Rhythm and diction wise you have no problems.
Your pitch tends to be unsteady & drifts off at times. (E.g prechorus at 2:05 “wu fa kan jian” & 2:15 to 2:26 sharp at times.)
You sound a little stiff, try to give emphasis for certain words while singing gentler for others so that it’s not all directly coming which sounds a little fierce. (e.g “bu gou hai bu gou rang yi qie zai chong tou” at around 2:15) Also, try to sing smoothly so that the song flows & sing with even more emotions. The layering of emotions was attempted during the last part, where you softened down as the song is ending.
Mixing-wise, not a very clear recording..you recorded from mp3 player? Maybe next time can try to use software like Audacity & a mic.
Song choice: I would think a livelier or a higher-pitched song would have suited your voice.
Overall Performance: Your voice is very pleasant, and your rhythm sense is great, but try to relax when singing, and try to sing smoothly without sounding fierce.

4) Yenny - bu zuo ni de peng you
The beginning was not steady. Some parts a bit sharp… (the high registers)

5) jay_is_cute - Shi Wo Bu Hao
Technical Skills: The emotions put into the song were fantastic! You started off calmly, as if you were speaking to us, and as you progress to the chorus I feel the “agitation” & “regret”. Love the way you sang “chu fei bu hu xi….” in the 2nd prechorus when you sort of transited to a bit of falsetto – the feel was great! Very well-timed and well sung.
Your breath control was wonderful, as this song has a whole string of lyrics but you phrased them very nicely, especially in the chorus. You could hit all the notes but the higher registers sound a little strained at some parts. I can hear some vibratos which ended the phrases beautifully (e.g. ending of the chorus “jiu suan shi wo bu hao..”). Diction can be improved (e.g in the 1st chorus 0:38 I couldn’t really make out the words when you sang in falsetto).
mixing: Your good mixing skills made up for the unclear instrumental
Song Choice: I think your voice suited the song.
Overall Performance: Fantastic performance! Moving performance. Your husky tone made the song yours.

6) Littlefishie - Di Yi Ge Qing Chen
Technical Skills: I think in the beginning around 0:13 your 1st lines were a little off-beat (slow), but it was OK after that. But as you progress to the chorus, again the first line was a little slow. It happened again at around 4:04 – 4:20. The falsettos in the chorus were well sung – comfortable & pleasant sounding. The flow of the song was appropriate with different layers of emotions as the music changes (such as emotion building up in the bridge). The bridge towards the end was beautiful. Your vibratos enhanced the song beautifully.
Mixing: I think the volume of the instrumental can be increased.
Song Choice: It’s always a challenge for females to sing male songs, but I think you did fine.
Overall Performance: A very soothing and great rendition of an easy-listening song with wonderful emotions put in. Probably just take note of rhythm since the instrumental is quite bare with only 1 or 2 backing instruments.

7) Navlem - Ye Qu
Technical Skills: The rap was wonderful - very on beat and on time, and the feel's there. Especially like the “zou guo de zou guo de” part. The chorus is on-pitch but can be sung better, less "lazily" such that your words don’t “stick” or slur too much, and with more feel and power, and more emphasis on certain notes, such as the high notes.
mixing: no problems with mixing, except some “pop” mic sounds at around 2:16 ( na xie DUAN chi de qing ting) & after that the beginning of the chorus.
Song Choice: it’s appropriate, as it allowed you to show your rapping skills.
Overall Performance: You have improved a lot from the last time I heard you! Rapping – no problem. Singing – use more strength. Keep it up!


8) AkimotoMitsuki - Heartbreaking Day
Technical Skills: Your pitching’s great – you could reach all the notes including the low ones in the verse & the high ones in the chorus. Your transitions were smooth and nicely done! Your voice’s clear and rather mature-sounding.
Your adlibs in the middle were nicely done too. I can hear the sadness too.. I especially love the ending, the falsettos in “shen bian” were beautiful!
I think more emotions can be added when you enter the 2nd stanza when the song progressed with more drumbeats. Also the triplets at around 3:26 in the 2nd chorus can be sung with more accent, so that it’s something different from the 1st chorus.
mixing: No problem!
Song Choice: Quite a good choice – suits your voice.
Overall Performance: I think I prefer yours than the original haha.. It’s more pleasant sounding. Just add more accents at certain places in the 2nd chorus and it would be perfect!

9) petricia - Shou Shou De
Technical skills: Your pitch, diction & rhythm – no problem! I like how you hit all the low notes in the verse, and the high notes in the chorus were well sung too. You were right on beat as well, and gave emphasis to certain notes in the chorus. You can however sing with an even more playful & fun tone.
mixing: You can up the volume of your voice!
Song choice: I would think a more serious song will suit your voice better.
Overall performance: yet another different side of pet & a different feel to this song.

10) jay_fantasy8 - Guang Jie
Technical Skills: I personally love this song a lot hehe...It's full of emotions, and I think you expressed the emotions very well. The transitions to the high registers in the chorus were smooth and pleasing. Just take note of diction in these lines, "ni CENG ti qi de na jia xiao chi dian" & "XIANG zi li mian".
Song choice: Wonderful. Your lovely & soothing voice’s suitable for this beautiful song.
Overall Performance: Excellent! Very beautifully sung! A pity there was no instrumental. But then again, singing without a backing track might be a good thing as your voice is displayed “nakedly” for us to appreciate!

11) YuCheng - Ju Hua Tai
Technical skills: PItching tends to be a little unstable, flat at times. (E.g"ROU ruo zhong dai shang at 0:39, "ning jie cheng le SHUANG" at 0:55, "zai hu mian cheng SHUANG" at 2:03, "qiu xin chai liang BAN" at 2:50") Emotions were great, and vibratos are beautiful. Voice tends to be nasal in the high registers. Some part of lyrics were wrong (e.g "qiu xin chai liang ban" & "wo yi sheng de rong zhuang") The last chorus was a little risky, but you pulled it through.
Mixing was great. The reverberations added enhanced the song.
Song choice: A difficult song to sing but you made it!
Overall Performance: A rather emotional and moving rendition with times of gentleness and times of "strength". Try to cut down on your nasalness, especially in this song.

12) retrobaby - Bei Ji Quan
Technical Skills: You nailed this killer song! You hit all the high notes and sang them beautifully, clearly and strongly. The last chorus could have been sung more heart-wrenchingly though… sorry for being picky! Mixing’s of course perfect.
Song Choice: your vocal prowess and tone make you suitable to sing FIR songs.
Overall Performance: Excellent! You’re a pro in singing! Go be a star!

13) pepprmint - Hou Niao
Technical Skills: A rather soothing and nice vocal tone, with some emotions added, but more layers of emotions can be added, e.g softer in verse and more power in chorus. You could hit all the notes nicely & with ease, especially the chorus which has a rather high register.
Diction can be improved (e.g xu, zhe, ji - “kong ping XU yuan” at 0:31 “sui ZHE zhang chao bu jian” at 3:03 & “wo JI yi li de ming xin pian”. A mistake in the very last line “xiang NAN shuo zai jian”,probably a slip of the tongue? Hee…
You tend to rush some parts (e.g “duan zan ting liu de rong yan” at 0:44 to 0:48 & “xiang hou niao kan bu jian” at around 1:26).
Try to end off the phrases more smoothly. E.g, “bian cheng wo ji yi li de ming xin pian” at around 1:17 & 3:10, you can drag the last word “pian” a little because of the approach of the chorus. & at 1:46 “wo han lei mian xiang zhe bei bian”, you can end off even softer because the chorus has approached an end.
Mixing: I think you can up the volume of the instrumental.
Song Choice: OK!
Overall Performance: Nice feel of the song! And the way you hit the high registers was wonderful! Not sharp-sounding at all. Probably just take note of the timing, and maybe a nicer instrumental? Hehe..

14) koala--bear - Shun Feng Ni Feng
Technical Skills: Your voice’s really soothing and nice! Reminds me of Selina but less sharp. Your singing’s great – pitch, rhythm and diction’s perfect, & you started off beautifully,very gentle, but I think the chorus can be more expressive, and especially when the 2nd stanza has more drumbeats, you can sing with more attitude and more emphasis at certain parts.
The more I listen, the more I like your voice! It’s very calming & nice!
mixing: not too bad, especially when you added the left & right vocal backings during the interlude, which was cool.
Song Choice: I felt that you could choose another more difficult song which could display your vocal talent.
Overall Performance: Very steady and soothing singing! With more layers of emotions added it would be perfect!

15) *meow - Hei Se Mao Yi
Techincal skills: Great emotions put into the song, and your groove’s rather good. I hear some Jay-flavour in the song which is quite nice. Chorus is well-sung with a smooth transition to the falsetto in “yu YE bu hui ting”. You ended the phrases nicely and smoothly.
Pitch is a little unsteady & drifts off sometimes (e.g “wo zao yi jing dai ZAI gu di” at 0:42 & “yu ye BU hui ting”). Rhythm-wise, you have got the groove but sometimes you tend to sing a little faster (e.g “WO ZHI DAO bu neng zai.. YE ZHI DAO….” at 0:46 – 0:50) & 2nd verse “liu lei ye zhi shi gang hao er yi” at 2:15 to 2:19).
Mixing: voice can be louder than the music
Song choice: it’s great as you’ve got the grooves!
Overall Performance: Good song! With a bit more steadiness, it would be perfect!

16) ryanjayfan - Tui Hou
Technical Skills: Pitch, rhythm & feel were all there. I can hear the emotions in your singing.
You shortened the timing of every 1st 2 notes of the phrase in the 1st verse, hence it didn't sound very smooth. The way you adhered to the beat and rhythm in the 2nd verse was more pleasing than the 1st verse.
In the 2nd prechorus, since it's building up to the chorus, try not to sing softer but sing louder & with more power instead.
take note of diction "SUAN SUAN de kong qi" & not SHUAN SHUAN. Try not to end too abruptly in this line "xiang hu xi ban wu fa ting xi".
You tried your best to hit the high register in the chorus and it was a great effort, but as you transit to the falsettos you lose some power.
Mixing: well done!
Song Choice: It's OK, but probably can lower the pitch to escape the high registers.
Overall Performance: A fairly well rendition of Tui Hou with proper emotions put in. Diction & falsettos in high registers can be improved on.

[AkimotoMitsuki]

Sorry if I made anyone feel bad in any way, and I am very blunt but not mean and don't intend to be mean AT ALL! I'm just picky about this kinda stuff~~ :P

ryanjayfan - Tui Hou
Technical Skill - Too staggato... should have eased up a bit and let it flow~ I think you need to work more on the higher parts and some parts it seems like you were trying to force it out but just work on that a bit~ I had no problem with the mixing~
Song Choice - Nice song for your range...
Overall performance - Just work on those I mention here and there and you will be fine~ Practice makes perfect! But for this song, it's a fine female version~

*meow - Hei Se Mao Yi
Technical Skill - Could use a bit more control at some point, some notes were slightly off, tone was good... Mixing was okay to me...
Song Choice - It's a good song for your voice~
Overall performance - It's a pretty good female version, good job!

koala--bear - Shun Feng Ni Feng
Technical Skill - background is a bit too loud for your voice at parts because at some point, I can hear Vicki's voice pretty clear and it's harder to hear your voice, it's pretty nicely done~
Song Choice - This songs really fits your voice!
Overall performance - It's was pretty good, gave a nice relaxed, somewhat flow-y feeling~

pepprmint - Hou Niao
Technical Skill - The singing was a bit too loud for the music, need some breath control, and work on holding out higher notes and let it fade more at the end... Also, more emotions would be nice~
Song Choice - Maybe not the best choice, this doesn't seem to fit your range too much...
Overall performance - It probably because the song choice, it didn't do much for me, but I really would like to hear you try a different song~

retrobaby - Bei Ji Quan
Technical Skill - Some notes was off a bit (like in the beginning) and didn't have the flow, other than that, it was great~ Very good mixing~!
Song Choice - I've heard your other F.I.R songs, you seem to do really good on their songs~
Overall performance - Pretty awesome~ The song choice really did alot for you~ great job~

YuCheng - Ju Hua Tai
Technical Skill - Heading the right way, but should add just just a bit more emotions and need more flow when changing from one higher pitch to another, struggled a bit with higher notes... but the last high notes was handled very nicely~ Mixing was good~
Song Choice - Good song for you~
Overall performance - This is pretty nice overall~ good job!

jay_fantasy8 - Guang Jie
Technical Skill - More power on some notes. People can't tell without instrumentals but some notes weren't right... but you improvised so it was fine~ I mention that because i wanted to hear you sing the higher notes and hold out those notes since those are longer notes...
Song Choice - Great song for you~
Overall performance - It was good overall, I really wanted to hear it with the instrumental tho~ :P

petricia - Shou Shou De
Technical Skill - Should be more clear and more emotions, like.... more umpf if you know what I mean XD
Song Choice - Great choice for your voice~
Overall performance - Pretty good, I've only listened to the actual song a couple times but you pulled it off very well~

Navlem - Ye Qu
Technical Skill - Need work on breathing, should be a bit more clear with words when rapping, chorus part needs to be stronger... need emotions, sounds a bit monotone...
Song Choice - It was a fine song for you~
Overall performance - It's okay, just need some work~

Littlefishie - Di Yi Ge Qing Chen
Technical Skill - seems like you had some trouble with the low notes... could be more smooth in some transition notes but I liked the chorus~
Song Choice - It's pretty hard with those low notes, so I would rather you sing a girl's song~
Overall performance - Pretty nice for Lee Hom's song~

jay_is_cute - Shi Wo Bu Hao
Technical Skill - Seems like you are letting too much air out in the beginning, so it could be stronger there, some words could be clearer also~ The chorus was nicely done, but the end seems a bit shaky...
Song Choice - Nice song for you~
Overall performance - Very nice emotion and loved the chorus~ overall was pretty nice!

Yenny - bu zuo ni de peng you
Technical Skill - Should let it flow more~ over-emphasized on some parts, some notes sounds a bit funny, overall was nice with the tone and all~
Song Choice - you voice can fit this song nicely~
Overall performance - pretty nice~

Sweet Neko - Lian Bai Ju Shang
Technical Skill - Can't hear all that well, but needs more emotions, transition notes need to be worked on, some problems with some notes... also maybe a better mic?
Song Choice - Alan's song is pretty hard to sing for a girl especially this song since this needs extreme emotions, you should try a girl's song~
Overall performance - It was okay for this song but I think youwould sound better with a girl's song..

alice_jjar - gui ji
Technical Skill - Tiny timing problem, more emotions, some notes had problems, need to work on finding places to take short breath instead of running out of breaths and taking breaths at places that should be continuing singing.... shaky voice at some parts...
Song Choice - This song was fine for your voice~
Overall performance - Good but just work on it a bit~

ropgurl - Xin Zhong De Yi Han
Technical Skill - Heard some shaky-ness before the vibrato came in in the beginning, could use some more emotions, transition notes could be smoother and higher notes should be smoother...
Song Choice - fine song choice~
Overall performance - Pretty good overall~


Great Job to everyone who participated! Awesome singing guys! ^-^

[cinsin]

Sorry if my comments are a little short. I'm not much of a terminology kinda person either so please excuse my unprofessionalism :tongue:

Ryanjayfan – Tui Hou

Technical Skill: You showed a lot of emotion throughout the song which I liked, you did have some trouble hitting the higher notes when you entered the first verse and then throughout the rest of the song as well. There are also parts where you seem to go extremely soft and then extremely louder which makes it sound like you’re off tune.

Song Choice: Good song choice, it suited your range.

Overall Performance: It wasn’t a bad attempt, like I said I enjoyed the emotion you put into it.

*Meow – Hei Se Mao Yi

Technical Skill: You only had a few pitch problems with the verse where you had to shift to a slightly higher note at the end of a line otherwise I didn’t find any other problems.

Song Choice: Good song choice, it suited your voice.

Overall performance: I quite liked your rendition; you knew the song well and seemed comfortable with the range. I think it would have sounded even better if you had done the backing vocals yourself as well.

koala--bear - Shun Feng Ni Feng

Technical Skill: I really liked your mixing, especially towards the end (around 2:50). Although at first it sounds very echo-ey it adds to the style of the song.

Song Choice: Nice song choice, although I would’ve liked to hear a song that showed off more range since you are able to pull it off (from your k-thread).

Overall Performance: You did a good job, I enjoyed it…the overall feel was very mellow.

Peppermint – Hou Niao

Technical Skill: You started the song off a little too strong, you didn’t work your way into the song. I did feel you try to put emotion into it but it varied throughout the song. You were a little off pitch when you entered the second verse. Mixing could’ve been better though because you were louder than the instrumental itself but then towards the end you went softer. You also should’ve held the note a little longer in “zai jian” at the end for a stronger finish to the song.

Song Choice: It was okay but your singing wasn’t very smooth, you didn’t seem comfortable with the higher notes.


Overall Performance: You did a good job considering it was such a difficult song to do.

retrobaby - Bei Ji Quan

Technical: You mixed the song well and I couldn’t hear any pitch problems.

Song Choice: You know your range so you obviously picked the right song for yourself.

Overall Performance: I enjoyed your singing, you have very nice voice. You also seem to show your originality in this song if you know what I mean ^^

YuCheng - Ju Hua Tai

Technical: Such a difficult song but you pulled it off quite well, you needed some control over your vibrato though.

Song Choice: You showed off your range so it wasn’t a bad song choice.

Overall Performance: Ju Hua Tai isn’t a song that you can pull off easily but you did a good job without imitating the original version.

jay_fantasy8 - Guang Jie

Technical: I was surprised to hear an acapella, except you amazed me by being pretty much in tune throughout the song.

Song Choice: I commend you for choosing to do an acapella; I know you wouldn’t have chosen this song if you didn’t think you could pull it off.

Overall Performance: I did enjoy listening to your voice but I think it would’ve been even better if you’d mixed it with the instrumental.

petricia - Shou Shou De

Technical: Your mixing wasn’t bad, good balance of volume on the vocals and the instrumental. I liked the emotion you showed in the chorus since the music is very playful, you did a great job there although there seems to be a few notes you cut off at the end of a word.

Song Choice: You pulled off the song well, but I think your voice seems mellow

Overall Performance: I like this song, nice and upbeat. It was different to the others I listened before yours and I enjoyed your voice, very pretty and mature.

AkimotoMitsuki - Heartbreaking Day

Technical: I would’ve liked to hear you put some more emotion into the song and your timing was a little off in the first chorus. I also would’ve liked to hear a bit more power in the second chorus.

Song Choice: I thought it suited your voice and range.

Overall Performance: I really like your voice and I enjoyed your rendition apart from some of the imperfections.

Navlem - Ye Qu

Technical: You surprised me with your timing and you did a great job doing both the rap and singing. You might want to work on the mixing because you were a bit soft.

Song Choice: Suits your voice and I think a rap song was a good choice for you.

Overall Performance: I enjoyed the rap song, something different from the other entries. Good job!

Littlefishie - Di Yi Ge Qing Chen

Technical: I was impressed by your falsetto in the chorus, and the song was full of emotion. I probably would’ve liked a bit more balance with your vocal volume and the instrumental though.

Song Choice: You chose a song that suited your voice and range.

Overall Performance: Beautifully sung!

jay_is_cute - Shi Wo Bu Hao

Technical: I’m not sure how the song sounds originally but I think you might’ve started a little too strong. Although you were in tune through the whole song.

Song choice: Nice song that showed off your vocal range, good choice!

Overall Performance: You expressed a lot of emotion which I liked.

Yenny - bu zuo ni de peng you

Technical: Your pitching flowed well through the song and your singing was smooth. I liked the rap but I think it would’ve been even better if you couldn’t hear the original in the background.

Song Choice: Higher pitched songs suit your voice so you did a good job.

Overall Performance: I like your voice, very sweet.

Sweet Neko - Lian Bai Ju Shang

Technical: I have to be honest and say that I couldn’t hear you properly; this could be due to your mixing though. You sounded very flat at the beginning, but rhythm and timing was okay.

Song Choice: I think I’ve said this to you before but I stand by saying that your voice will sound better with higher pitched songs.

Overall Performance: I probably would’ve enjoyed your singing a bit more if it was clearer.

alice_jjar - gui ji

Technical: I’ve always found this song to be very difficult to sing because of the amount of emotion you have to put into it which you seemed to lack. I think you may have gone a tad bit low for some notes. Also your mixing could’ve been better, you voice gets louder and softer, as well as the instrumental.

Song Choice: Your voice doesn’t suit this song because you can’t hit the lower notes. A higher pitched song would’ve been better.

Overall Performance: I still enjoyed the song though, it was a good attempt.

ropgurl - Xin Zhong De Yi Han

Technical: I felt like there was an overuse of your falsetto in the chorus, otherwise I thought your pitching wasn't too bad. Th beginning was really good, nice and you were very clear with your tones and pitches.

Song Choice: It suited your voice so it wasn't a bad choice.

Overall Performance: I enjoyed your rendition although the overuse of your falsetto kinda annoyed me.