The suspense builds up

(1st row L-R) Milton, Beauty, Tithi, Shahriar and (2nd row L-R) Sonya, Dina, Neela, Bablu

This is becoming a recurring phenomenon in the show and it is a serious issue. The show, Close up 1 promises to bring out the voice Bangladesh is looking for. It should be an unparalleled voice, not just any mediocre one. Audiences all over the country should keep that in mind and vote for a contestant not because he/she is somehow related to them, but because that artiste has demonstrated superior vocal skills.

Last Friday's episode started with a performance by Dina Masud. She rendered Janala khuley dekhona. It was not a bad start and the judges seemed to be content with the performance. Next on line was Shakila Sharmin Neela, who sang Aaj phirey na gelei ki noi. Neela's performance was certainly not up to the mark, but considering she had a fever and her voice was in no condition to sing, she deserves kudos for her courage to participate in the show.

Mina Abid Shahriar performed a Tagore song, Pagla haowar badol diney. It was an impressive rendition. Shahriar's singing style has a certain freshness and Tagore songs seem to be the right genre for his voice. Jannat-e Romman Tithi sang a ‘Runa Laila number’, Onek brishti jhorey tumi eley. Tithi was on tune and did a fair job but she should work more on grasping the meaning of the song and emoting accordingly.

Following Tithi, Bablu Kumar Bose, an aspiring singer who never had the opportunity to attend traditional music lessons, took the stage. Bablu performed Chokhkher nozor emni koira ekdin khoiyya jabey. He seemed to miss a few notes and received mixed reviews from the judges. Sonya Chowdhury delivered one of the ace performances of the night. She sang Onek shadhonar por ami pelam tomar mon. An ecstatic Shakila Zafar remarked, "That was extraordinary!" and Kumar Bishwajit said, "You sound like you have years of experience in singing on track."

The next artiste Farhad Ahmed Milton rendered a 'Bishwajit hit', Jekhaney shimanto tomar. Milton tried his best to be the best 'Bishwajit' he could but needless to say his efforts fell short. This is one common mistake 'wannabe' singers often seem to make: trying to imitate popular singers, when they should try to develop their own styles.

The last performer of the night was Nasrin Akhter Beauty. Seemed like the best was saved for last. Beauty already seems to have many admirers of her voice, even among the judges. She performed a 'Lalon Geeti', Shorboshadhon shiddho hoy tar. The depth and essence of spirituality that the song needs, was certainly in her voice. Like the previous rounds, the judges seemed mesmerised. Hopefully that charm worked on the audience.

Don't miss tonight's show to find out who moves to the next round.