This show has been going on for a few months now, and I really wanted to talk about it at least a little bit.
The last timeI watched a survival show was Produce48..
From having 101 participants going down to 50, then to 35, then to 20 and then 11.
Of course it is impossible to know everyone who participated, but I think I was able to get a good overview without getting too attached.
But there was one person I was rooting for since she was announced:
Former Angerme member KASAHARA MOMONA!!
We were all so excited to see her and definitely expecting her to be able to get to debut in this group. But more about her later.
To be honest, a lot of my favourites got eliminated after the last elimination that determined the Top 20.
Mainly Mena, Joa, Yui, Nagomi and Hina. Yui was one of the best (and most unique) vocals in the season, and Mena radiated the most Idol energy out of everyone. I do really hope they get to be part of different groups that fit their individual style. They are still some of the youngest participants, so they have a bright future!
And Tsukushi OMG, she will do amazing!!
The Top 20
Let me talk about girls who sadly didn't make it to the final line-up.
The biggest surprises of the whole show were Rio and Rin. While I never really paid attention to Rio, Rin got a great storyline about her hard work.
Kagura is similar in a way, and both her and Haruka showed some of the best improvement throughout the show. I love how clumsy and relatable Haruka was, haha.
Nano and Yuuki had the IT factor... and they are both VISUALS.
Rino and Momoka were experienced all-rounders and would have added to the group in their own way. Out of this finale I'm the most bummed that they didn't make it.. Especially Rino, she was so close at 12! I just started really liking her (and Keiko) after the Baddie performance. I am pretty sure Momoka will find a group that fits her well, maybe even better. I'm still confused how she only got 20th place though..
The Top 11
11. Kato Kokoro
Even if it is the last place, I am so relieved that Kokoro made it into the line-up. Her and Momona's chemistry was amazing throughout the show, so it would have been sad to see them seperated.
As a former Cherry Bullet member, she does have some experience that will be very valuable to the group. She actually seems like a great leader; and she is the oldest. She makes up some of her weaknesses through her cheery personality, and I hope she if going to flourish even more in the group!
10. Ebihara Tsuzumi
Tsuzumi made it!! I am surprised she is quite low, but now I am just happy she made the line-up. She has one of the best vocals of this season and will be an important pillar because of that.
She is the youngest, but I am sure she will be able to grow through being in this group.
9. Ishii Ran
Ran is also lower than expected, especially since she was pushed quite a lot. She also has Idol experience and is very professional. I am happy she made it into the group!
8. Shimizu Keiko
To be honest, I was not the biggest fan of Keiko in the beginning. But seeing her funny personality, and how she is improving made me like her more. Her performance in Baddie definitely made her one of my favourite members at that point!!
7. Iida Shizuku
Our classical princess!
Her story line was definitely one of the more interesting and surprising. I absolutely loved how she challenged herself and went out of her comfort zone of singing classical style.
At first I was surprised how high she got ranked, but it does absolutely make sense and deserved.
6. Sasaki Kokona
I don't really have a lot to say about Kokona. I think she is a great singer, but I am not sure why she got ranked this high.
I definitely do not dislike her though, and I am pretty sure with more practice she will look much more at ease soon.. and she is very young anyways.
5. Yamamoto Suzu
Suzu is similar to Kokona, but I actually see a lot of people hating on her. Why are you hating on a girl who barely turned 17??
Yes, her facial expressions aren't that great yet, but just like Kokona I think she will imrpove immensly!
4. Sakurai Miu
I am so glad that the original center made it!
After participating in Girls Planet999 and almost making it into New Jeans she is finally getting her long deserves debut!
It felt like she got pushed less towards the end of the show, but I am glad we got to see her working with the other girls and delivering great performances.
3. Takami Ayane
My vocal queen!!
Probably my favourite vocal, she shocked everyone in her first song and went on to deliver amazing performances. She seems very shy and still a little unsure on stage, but we already got to see her stage presence improve a lot.
I can't wait to see her as a lead singer in the group.
2. Murakami Rinon
In second place we have Rinon, whose rank improved the most out of everyone (she was 84th in the participant evaluation!!).
I really like her performance on stage, even though she doesn't have a lot of experience.
She is definitely a fan favourite.
1. Kasahara Momona
And Kassa got first place!!!
I am incredibly happy to see her on top of this ranking, she truly deserves it. She is a great performer, a very stable vocal, a great personality (all the participants liked her) and always up for a challenge.
Despite not getting much screentime and kind of bad editing, she managed to show her talents and got the support she needed.
As someone who knows her from her time in ANGERME, this feels really special. I am glad to see former and current H!P members support her!!
I am so glad I watched this show for her and I can't wait to see her in the group.
All in all I feel like this is a pretty well balanced group!
All the members add something unique to it, and I am so excited to see their debut, their songs and their growth!!
