EXID, which performed as a complete group for the first time in 6 years through 'Immortal Songs,' has been crowned the ultimate winner.
The KBS2 broadcast of 'Immortal Songs' Episode 697, aired on the 15th, featured 'Artist Baby V.O.X.' with ONEWE, Stephanie, Jung Seung-won, Yuk Joong-wan Band, and EXID taking the stage in turn. According to Nielsen Korea, the viewership rating for the broadcast was 4.6% nationwide and 4.2% in the metropolitan area, ranking first in viewership during that time slot.
Baby V.O.X. captivated the audience with their hit song 'Missing You' before the official competition. The five members showcased their stunning visuals and the matured chemistry among the members, fully expressing the essence of Baby V.O.X. and earning the cheers of the judging panel.
ONEWE was once again called as the first stage protagonist following their previous appearance. Choosing 'Doll,' ONEWE paid homage to Baby V.O.X. through their outfits, catching eyes from the visuals alone. Reinterpreting 'Doll' with a powerful band version, ONEWE embodied a deadly and sexy concept, with Yong-hoon's high vocal shaking the hearts of the audience. The stage was a complete display of each member's charm. Regarding ONEWE's performance, Baby V.O.X.'s Shin Eun-jin noted, 'I was impressed by their flower boy visuals and experimental music. I was shocked again when I saw their interpretation of 'Doll.' It was so sexy.'
Stephanie took to the stage for her second round with 'Killer.' Dressed in a long leather jacket and transformed into a killer, Stephanie stole attention from the opening of the stage with a gun performance. During a dance break in the middle of her performance, Stephanie showcased a breathtaking act. Even while delivering intense performances, she demonstrated stable live singing, proving her worth as an all-around artist. Baby V.O.X.'s Kim I-ji praised Stephanie's 'Killer' stage, saying, 'This song is so difficult that even if our five members sang it together, it would be tough, but Stephanie did all the singing and performance, which was truly surprising.' ONEWE won the vote over Stephanie and sat in the winner's seat.
Jung Seung-won, making his first solo appearance on 'Immortal Songs,' was called third and reinterpreted 'Why' in a classical vocal version. The unique arrangement of 'Why' featured a large-scale orchestra combined with powerful band sound, boasting an overwhelming scale. Jung Seung-won filled the stage with his heavy classical vocal base. Through the grand version of 'Why,' Jung Seung-won demonstrated hidden charisma. Regarding Jung Seung-won's performance, Baby V.O.X.'s Lee Hee-jin said, 'I felt like I was watching a musical. It seemed like they showcased an overwhelming stage, and I was extremely satisfied,' adding, 'After watching Jung Seung-won's stage, I became a fan.' ONEWE managed to secure their second consecutive win by defeating Jung Seung-won with a powerful momentum.
Yuk Joong-wan Band was called for the fourth stage. Choosing 'What Should I Do,' Yuk Joong-wan Band overwhelmed the audience with their unique stage manner and charisma from the start. Yuk Joong-wan and Kang Joon-woo exchanged melodies, starting with a gentle feel before planning a surprise twist. As the atmosphere gradually heated up, Yuk Joong-wan's vocals erupted with a sexy charm. A cute dance in the middle of the stage made everyone's shoulders bounce. In response, Kan Mi-yeon commented, 'I almost thought the original artist was Yuk Joong-wan Band. If they had participated in the college song festival as the original artist, I think they would have won the grand prize.' However, the victor of the big match, titled 'Immortal Visual Sexy Band,' was ONEWE, who maintained their winner's seat with three consecutive victories.
The final finale was claimed by EXID. Choosing 'Get Up,' they completed a high-quality stage by adding EXID's charm to the essence of Baby V.O.X. The performance, rap, and vocals showcased each member's characteristics. EXID displayed such seamless harmony that it was hard to believe it was their first complete stage in 6 years, evoking nostalgia and perfectly embodying Baby V.O.X.'s musical world. Regarding EXID's stage, Shin Eun-jin complimented, 'Although 'Get Up' is originally a bit of a downer song, today's stage was so exciting that it made me think about how to arrange it later.'
Before announcing the final winner, Baby V.O.X.'s Kim I-ji expressed, 'I learned a lot by watching the performances of the juniors. Thank you,' while Shin Eun-jin added, 'Today had many emotional points. We will show even better performances in the future,' filling the venue with emotion. Subsequently, EXID seized the final victory. This was also the moment when the wishes of EXID's fan, Lee Chan-won, were realized.
Meanwhile, this special episode shone a light on the story and behind-the-scenes of Baby V.O.X., which successfully reunited after 14 years, delighting viewers. It also featured EXID, which performed as a complete group for the first time in 6 years, along with ONEWE, which rose as a new rookie with three consecutive wins, Stephanie, who lived up to her title of performance queen, and Yuk Joong-wan Band, with their sexy band concept, and Jung Seung-won, with his charming twists, offering viewers a rich enjoyment infused with their identities.
'Immortal Songs,' which creates legendary videos you want to rewatch each episode, airs every week at 6:05 p.m. on KBS2.
[OSEN = Reporter Jang Woo-young]