Group E displays diversity

The first one to perform was Sadia Islam Lucky. Lucky is perhaps the only singer out of the chosen 40, who has an inclination towards ghazals. Her husky, trained voice has all the potential and mijaaz a ghazal artiste needs and she chose a song that complemented her voice as well. Her rendition of Manik sheto manik noy, got her rave reviews from the judges. Hopefully Lucky will be just as 'lucky' when it comes to getting SMS from viewers.

Next in line was Nourin Sharif who rendered Chokher bhetor shwapno thakey. The judges thought apart from a minor error, Nourin's performance was fair. Arifur Rahman, the youngest of all the contestants, took the stage next and sang a foot tapping adhunik song, Bolona tumi chhada ki achhey amar. It was evident through the judges' response that they thought the student of class 10 needs more training and that he certainly has a long way to go. Kumar Bishwajit said, "You do have the potential to be a good singer and considering your age, you did fine."

Following that Aurin performed Amaye genthey daona mago ekta polash phooler mala. Aurin has that quintessential melodious voice that everyone finds easy on the ear. Rania Alam, a student of Bangaldesh Art Institute, sang a 'Shahnaz Rahmatullah classic', Shagorer teer thekey mishti kichhu haowa eney. The judges felt Rania needs to work more on her techniques. She seemed to miss the vivaciousness and the little vocal gestures that make the song so special.

Ashiqur Rahman Mehrab chose a widely popular Mahmudunnabi number, Aainatey oi mukh dekhbey jokhon. The performance seemed to leave quite an impression on the judges. The depth in the young singer's voice and the fact that he sounded like he owned the song, certainly deserve applause.

The last two performances were just as good if not better. Jinnat Ara performed a semi-classical Nazrul song, Kholo kholo go aankhi. Jinnat is very much into classical music and that was apparent as her trained voice glided effortlessly through the highs and lows of the complex composition. Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul remarked, "Very few artistes dare to execute such difficult songs on track in one go. You've chosen to do so and have done a fair job. Your efforts are laudable."

Nolok Babu wrapped up the show with a very soulful rendition of Bari Siddiqui's Amar gaye joto dukhkho shoy, from the film Srabon Megher Din. The earthy appeal and zeal in Nolok's voice is undeniably folk. The judges seemed impressed. But does the nation feel the same way?

We'll all find out tonight.