Singing audition program returns with elaborate new rules, strict judging

In the new season of Mnet’s audition program “Superstar K,” contestants will be given 20 seconds to sing. If the judges want to hear more, they can press a button which extends the allotted time by 10 seconds. Ultimately, contestants who are awarded enough time to complete one song in its entirety will be given a chance to move on to the next round.

“We wanted to bring big changes this season,” said Kim Ki-woong, a director of productions at Mnet, during a press conference for “Superstar K 2016” held Tuesday in eastern Seoul.

“Superstar K,” largely credited with sparking a boom in singing audition programs in Korea with its first season in 2009, hopes to hit it big again with a fully revamped format, according to Kim.

Now in its eighth season, the show in its heyday birthed musicians such as Seo In-gook, Heo Gak, John Park, Ulala Session, Busker Busker and Roy Kim. Its past few seasons have flopped and the new setup could offer the show “a chance for revival” and create a “unique new auditioning process,” Kim said.

The new judges of singing audition program “Superstar K 2016” -- Gill (from left), Gummy, Kim Bum-soo, Han Seong-ho, Kim Yeon-woo, Brave Brothers and Ailee -- pose at a press conference Tuesday in eastern Seoul. (Yoon Byung-chan/The Korea Herald)

The show has also expanded its judging panel from three to four singers to seven experts from diverse fields: singers Kim Yeon-woo, Kim Bum-soo, Gummy and Ailee; rapper-producers Gill and Brave Brothers; and FNC Entertainment producer Han Seong-ho. In doing so, it aims to have “more professional judgment” and “fairness,” Mnet’s Kim said.

The contestants are more skilled than ever before, as a result of the meticulous pre-screening process, the new season’s judges said.

But they hope to look past technical proficiency and discover singers with “emotional resonance,” according to producer Lee Sung-kyu.

“I do think that in music, there’s a big part that you have to be born with,” said Kim Yeon-woo. “But you can’t be a good vocalist just by singing the notes.”

“I will be looking at how sensitive the contestants are,” said Kim Bum-soo. “There are so many technically talented people these days. Their sensitivities will differentiate them.”

Gummy hoped to find “honesty” and “purity” in her ideal contestant, while Ailee said she will search for “uniqueness” and “onstage energy.” Producer Han said he will be giving high points to those with “star potential.”

“Superstar K 2016” will begin airing Sept. 22 at 9:40 p.m. on Mnet.

By Rumy Doo (doo@heraldcorp.com)