A high-stakes elimination round on ViuTV’s popular talent showcase, King Maker VI, saw contestants clash in dynamic group performances last night (October 11), leading to the emotional exit of several promising hopefuls as the competition narrows its focus toward the final stages.
The intense second round of duels tested the ability of contestants to collaborate and synthesize distinct artistic sensibilities under pressure, drawing sharp evaluations from the judging panel, who praised creativity but demanded heightened star power.
Unexpected Duos Deliver Theatrical Flair
The evening kicked off with a fusion of contrasting styles. Group 3, featuring Kirs (Contestant 5) and Siu Gai (Contestant 12), attempted to bridge their significant vocal gap. Known for his smooth, contemporary R&B style, Kirs juxtaposed sharply with Siu Gai’s raw, powerful old-school delivery. Despite their differing personalities and sounds, their performance of “Don’t Like Me When You’re Drunk” garnered positive feedback. Judges, including Cheung Kin-on and Miu Ho-cheong, specifically lauded Kirs for utilizing his languid tone to perfectly capture the song’s atmosphere. Siu Gai, meanwhile, was praised for his focused execution, though the panel hinted at a desire to see a wilder, less reserved side of his persona in future outings.
The following pairing, Group 4, comprised Marcus (Contestant 14) and Larry (Contestant 49), who delivered a theatrically themed routine titled “The Dark Side.” Larry captivated the judges with his commanding stage presence and palpable energy. Marcus, however, faced an unexpected critique, with judges citing that his physical appearance suggested he might be older than his reported age—a comment Marcus took in stride, jokingly attributing it to “growing up in a hurry.” Ultimately, Group 4 was eliminated, and Marcus was sent home by a margin of just one vote. The young artist, who revealed he is only 17 years old, expressed gratitude, stating that simply qualifying for the show was a success and thanking the producers for his personal growth.
Mentorship Spurs Creative Breakthroughs
The third round maintained the momentum, with Group 5 led by But Lo (Contestant 32) and Dai Ma (Contestant 52). Initially struggling to reconcile But Lo’s external enthusiasm with Dai Ma’s more reserved nature, the duo found their synergy after insightful coaching from mentor Joey Leung. Their performance, “When 2 Worlds Collide,” was highly commended for its inventiveness and genuine effort. But Lo’s intricate Breaking dance segment was a highlight, dramatically described by one judge as a “tidal wave crashing into the factory floor.”
The final showdown of the night featured Group 6’s Qiu Lan (Contestant 34) and Jacky Fan (Contestant 41), who chose to perform an original composition, “Cracks.” Edward Chan, a respected figure on the judging panel, specifically acknowledged Qiu Lan’s standout performance in the lower vocal registers. Group 6 secured a decisive victory, winning by three lights.
The outcome sealed the fate of Group 5’s But Lo, who narrowly missed advancing to the final 20. Displaying maturity, the eliminated contestant offered words of comfort to his teammates, affirming that he genuinely enjoyed every moment on the stage, embracing the show’s inherent competitiveness. He expressed optimism, hoping for an opportunity to return for the grand finale.
As the field shrinks, the competition is clearly intensifying, demanding not only talent but also seamless collaboration and the ability to accept—and evolve from—critical feedback. The remaining contestants must continue to refine their distinctive identities to capture the public’s imagination and judges’ coveted votes.
