POPCORN TIME LIVE BLOG/RECAP: In the December 3 episode of Pinoy Boyband Superstar, the judges, superfans and the viewing public anticipate the final set of live performances before the start of the grand finals. Only eight aspiring heartthrobs remain, and one will be eliminated tomorrow night, based on how the groups perform tonight. Seven contestants will go through the grand finals which will start on December 10.
Host Billy Crawford immediately explained the mechanics for tonight’s live show. According to him, the boys will perform in pairs and the judges will immediately choose the strongest among the two performers. This sudden death challenge will push one heartthrob up to the grand finals. The weaker one in the group will be up for elimination.
#BoybandPH5thLive: Joao and Tristan Perform “What Do You Mean?”
Joao and Tristan performed their rendition of Justin Bieber’s “What Do You Mean?” to the loud screams of the all-girl audience. As Billy explained, only one judge was asked to comment. This time around, it was Sandara. She noted that both boys had their own strengths. She cited Tristan’s killer smile and Joao’s overall appeal that the girls loved.
When asked for her sudden death decision, Sandara finally chooses the first grand finalist, Joao.
#BoybandPH5thLive: English-Speaking Pair James and Russell Sing “I Don’t Want To Miss Thing”
Both contestants are known as the English-speaking boys, as both boys did not grow up in the Philippines. They performed Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want To Miss Thing.”
Judge Yeng was asked to comment about their performance. According to her, both have distinct voices and both have good looks. But only one has the potential to be a frontman for the first Pinoy boyband that they are forming. When asked for her decision, Yeng named Russell as the second grand finalist.
#BoybandPH5thLive: Ford and Niel Perform “So Sick”
The next pair up on stage is Ford and Niel who sing “So Sick” by Nie-Yo. Before their performance, they were cited for their most improved performance since the start of the live shows. Both are also known for their great voices.
After their performance, judge Aga gave his comments. He once again cited that both were the most improved in the show. He also said that both gave their all, and that tonight both of them are “made.” Finally, Aga chooses the finalist that he feels is ready to move to the next level in the competition. He names Niel as the third grand finalist.
#BoybandPH5thLive: Tony and Mark Rock with “You’ll Be Safe Here”
Performing the OPM rock ballad “You’ll Be Safe Here,” Tony and Mark show off their vocal prowess amidst the screams of the audience. Both boys have been part of the boyband of the week several times, and no one has been part of the bottom three.
Judge Vice was designated to give her comment and then the sudden death decision. According to her, this was a difficult decision because both of them had “50% good looks and 50% very good talent.” She chose as the fourth grand finalist, Mark.
Pinoy Boyband Superstar First Four Grand Finalists: Joao, Russell, Niel, Mark
Making the first cut this week are Joao, Russell, Niel and Mark, who make up the first four grand finals. They have assured seats in grand finals on December 10 and 11. Tomorrow, Tristan, James, Ford and Tony will perform their survival songs for a chance to be part of the last three grand finalists.
Pinoy Boyband Superstar airs on ABS-CBN every Saturday, at 7:15 p.m. and Sunday at 7:00 p.m. It is also available via livestreaming on IWantTV.com.