The drawing of lots concluded.
Dark Night Rabbit drew the last group, his opponent a substitute singer named Black Rose.
After the draw.
The other singers breathed a sigh of relief.
This Dark Night Rabbit was incredibly formidable. He hadn't lost a single match since the first episode.
No one wanted to face him. While defeating him could bring immense fame, losing meant going to the loser's bracket to compete with two other Kings of Song for a revival spot.
In the first round, it was best to avoid him if possible.
The strategy was to wait until the second round to eliminate him.
This was the genuine thought of all the singers on the show.
However.
Black Rose became the unlucky one for this episode.
"If she weren't wearing a mask, Black Rose's expression would likely be very telling."
"But where there is danger, there is also opportunity. If Black Rose defeats Dark Night Rabbit, she will instantly become an internet sensation. After all, everyone wants to be the first to defeat Dark Night Rabbit."
"But that requires the ability to achieve it. Dark Night Rabbit still has a perfect winning record."
Amidst the audience's discussion.
The competition officially began.
The first group of singers was Faceless Knight and War Horse.
These two were also familiar faces on the show. Like Dark Night Rabbit, Faceless Knight had been on the King of Song stage since the very first episode, and his longevity was a testament to his skill.
War Horse had narrowly escaped defeat in the previous episode, succeeding in a comeback with his sheer talent.
Having revealed his formidable strength, he had also gained considerable support.
War Horse was the first to perform.
As he walked onto the stage, the audience erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
War Horse's skill was undeniable, and the song he chose this time was also a very difficult one.
It was a rock-influenced love song. His performance showcased not only his breath control but also incorporated a new element. In the climax, he sang with a desperate intensity. The emotional impact moved many audience members to tears.
Initially, everyone expected War Horse to win this round. However, after Faceless Knight's performance, he once again demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion against strong opponents.
As long as he didn't face Dark Night Rabbit, Faceless Knight could always outshine his opponents.
This time, he sang another song by Mo Yan, an inspirational piece.
His performance filled the entire audience with passion, making them cheer wildly for their dreams.
Ultimately, Faceless Knight defeated War Horse.
War Horse once again entered the loser's bracket.
"This is unbelievable!" War Horse muttered after the voting concluded.
He truly hadn't expected Faceless Knight's performance to be so flawless.
Entering the loser's bracket again, he suddenly felt that the King of Song stage was much more challenging than he had imagined.
...
The second match featured the sexy singing and dancing singer, Painted Face Cat, against the substitute singer, Thorn.
This Thorn's headwear was quite distinctive, covered entirely in thorns, making one's scalp tingle just looking at it.
Thorn was the first to perform, and as the accompaniment began, many audience members became excited.
Because he was singing another song by Ting Yu, "Guest."
This song, "Guest," was Zhang Yang's debut song. It had once swept the internet and was considered one of Ting Yu's rare love songs that expressed extreme humility.
Unexpectedly, Thorn's vocal timbre was exceptionally suited for this song.
"What winter is it after the breakup,
What day of the week is it today,
I occasionally think of you..."
His deep, husky voice made this already poignant song even more moving.
Zhang Yang's vocal technique couldn't compare to Thorn's. Therefore, relying on his singing ability and his terrifying emotional rendering, he made this song incredibly heart-wrenching!
The cameras cut rapidly, and the audience's expressions conveyed deep emotion.
In the final segment, a powerful emotional outburst fully displayed Thorn's profound mastery of love songs.
His rendition had its own soul, not merely imitating another's style.
"This song has always been in my playlist. I cry every time I listen to it."
"Thorn's interpretation of this song has given me a complete understanding of it. His singing allowed me to hear the passage of time and the emotional changes after a breakup."
"You can't sing with such a heart-wrenching feeling without going through multiple breakups."
"Could Thorn be the Prince of Love Songs, Liu Yi?"
"Maybe. Although the voice doesn't sound like it, changing vocal timbre is a common practice on singing competition shows."
"Heh, with Dark Night Rabbit's versatile voice, no one else can surprise me with vocal changes anymore."
"Haha, that's so true. If the show hadn't guaranteed no fakery, I would suspect that each song under the mask wasn't the same person."
Under Thorn's superior vocal performance.
Painted Face Cat, who had relied on sexy, energetic dancing, also couldn't compete.
This time, she showcased a belly dance with a Western exotic flair, singing a well-known dance track.
Ultimately, Thorn won this match.
...
"Let us welcome singer Rose, to bring us a wonderful performance!"
Next.
It was time for the most anticipated third group, Dark Night Rabbit versus the substitute singer, Black Rose.
This Black Rose's mask was a black rose, appearing eerie yet exuding an indescribable wildness.
She wasn't the only one on stage; she was accompanied by a bassist and a guitarist.
There was also a drummer on stage.
As the dynamic music began,
The venue was ignited with energy.
Surprisingly, it was a classic pop-rock song, not pure rock.
The moment Black Rose opened her mouth, many audience members felt goosebumps.
A husky voice!
This woman had a incredibly captivating husky voice!
No wonder she was called Black Rose.
No wonder she exuded an aura of wildness.
"Rock Godmother Xue Wenqian?"
"Damn, that husky voice is so impactful!"
"Aren't those musicians from the Tide Sea Band?"
"Are you an idiot? If she brought the band, she would reveal herself."
"As if not bringing them wouldn't reveal her..."
"Hahaha, the first singer to give herself away has appeared!"
Although Black Rose's singing style had been deliberately altered, her voice was too distinctive. Even when she tried to soften the husky quality, traces of Xue Wenqian's style could still be heard occasionally.
Xue Wenqian's talent was undisputed in the rock scene. The title "Rock Godmother" said it all.