This was the first time I watched a whole season of a competition show (mostly because I just didn't really feel the appeal of the other shows' formats), and I was stunned the whole way through. I feel like the whole group not only was like an absolute k-music all-star team, but they truly grew together. I expected the editing to make them appear catty (which it did in the first couple episodes), but after they threw their prejudices/assumptions out the window and leaned into the other girls' personalities, it was super smooth sailing.

My absolutely top competitor: Sleeq. Not only did she speak her truth in each song, but she was the most lighthearted, silly, funny, honest, and flexible person. No matter what, she had such a positive mindset about her team and their ability to make good music together. I was so frustrated at the beginning when the others were judging her based on just what they had seen or heard in the past. But I'm glad that after the Blinding Lights performance, they all were able to admit that they had preconceived notions about her abilities and that they were wrong and/or sorry.

Yunhway is the queen of euphoric summer dreams, style, and swagger. They often used the word sophisticated when describing her, and I agree that she was someone who was really good at curating and crafting her works. They always had her essence in one way or another, and her solo performance was probably my favorite. The visuals with her fits - chef's kiss!

Jeon Jiwoo gives you looks that KILL. I thought that she was pretty amazing all around, but I particularly loved her visuals and dancing. Like her skills exploration performance not only gave off hella femme fatale vibes but the way her facial expressions came off...I mean, she's just everything.

Cheetah - talk about a freaking powerhouse. I'd seen Cheetah before but hadn't ever really followed her or looked into her, but the way that she played hardball while being a softy behind the scenes was high key everything. I can't choose which performance I liked the most from her, but her Desperado and Witches performances were pretty peak.

Hyo Yeon surprised me, but also because I think I had some girl-group prejudice myself. I was concerned with how much drama they might bring, especially her since she had been in the game for some time and had a LOT of experience. I didn't know if she would be "respectful" but only for the optics. I was very wrong. She was incredibly humble when apologizing to Sleeq and really leaned into the role of bringing her experience to the game.

Ailee was a ball of pure happiness and sweetness. When looking her up, I realized that she actually had a few songs from shows that I watch (but didn't know it was her)! Not only that, but her voice was so powerful and voluminous; her performance with Sleeq needed a standing ovation. She has a natural leader disposition about her and was so warm.

Jamie was like WOW. Her Gangster performance was an amazing start that just continued with her Witches and Colors performances. I think, similar to Ailee, she brought a lot of fullness and power to the songs. Her voice is smooth as butter.

Ye Eun was honestly so cute, and I am glad to see that she demonstrated how versatile she could be. I feel like each performance displayed a different skill she had, especially her Barbie performance! Seeing her open up over time was good because I think a lot of the other girls were worried that she didn't know what she liked or wanted to do.

Queen Wa$abii - like where do I start? I love her reason for rapping about what she does - there is such a double standard when it comes to women in hip hop and men in hip hop. The fact that she stayed true to herself throughout the show, namely the twerking and vulgarity in her songs, was astonishing and welcomed! I think she really pushed the boundaries, and a lot of people liked her authenticity. She's so funny, too. I want to see her more, and I hope more networks are ready and willing to put people like her on stage not as a spectacle to gawk at but to embrace and enjoy.

Last but not least, Young Ji. She brought a very different energy as a Gen Z competitor that the others didn't, and I was so happy for it. Not only was she rapping at the speed of light, but she was able to always get the crowd going with her dancing and bouncing around on stage. She was so funny, too! Her + Queen Wa$abii together was pure chaos.