Olympics of Reality Singing Shows 2017: The Honorable Mentions

FIVE. YEARS.

Yes, the Olympics of Reality Singing Shows (ORSS) is back and now on it's fifth year! Who knew this seemingly silly project would last this long and be supported by people from around the globe?

Just like last year, DAM NATION assembled thirty (30) reality singing show enthusiasts from different parts of the world to come up with a definitive list of the 25 Best Reality Singing Show Performances of the year from the four (4) biggest franchises - The Voice, Idol, X Factor, Got Talent - across the globe.

Yes, we're talking about editions of these franchises from Germany, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Philippines, US, China, Holland, and more.

Now, let's begin the countdown with the five (5) performances that ALMOST made the cut.

30. RISE UP
Sarah Ikumu | Britain's Got Talent

Sarah Ikumu, arguably, gave a gorgeous performance of an impossibly range-y Andra Day hit, using her own sense of restraint and nuance, as well as melodic reinvention exploring different shades and colors of her voice, which was lauded by some of the jury that eight (8) of them even ranked the performance within their Top 15 of the year.

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29. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS
Hunter Plake | The Voice US (Spring)

This was, hands down, one of Hunter Plake's most memorable performances on The Voice US with an enthralling interpretation that was as emotionally tuned-in as it was musically in-tune. Not all panel members were as mesmerized though given the extreme ranking it got from some of the jury.

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28. WHAT A GIRL WANTS
Kendris Ologidi | The Voice Nigeria

Kendris' attempt to put his own stamp on Christina Aguilera's pop gem was a big risk, especially after reducing the soaring anthem to something a little more stripped down, but it all paid off as it turned out to be a hit to some of the jury. Two (2) contestants from The Voice Nigeria have been successful in entering the Honorable Mentions list for the past two years, can they final break the streak next year and finally hit Top 25? Time will tell.

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27. STITCHES
Jamie Miller | The Voice UK

Jamie Miller's take on Stitches was proof positive that he could actually exist in the real world right this very moment - and possibly outsing the Biebers and Mendes of the world in the process. It was slick and modern and he did it with high energy, wicked enthusiasm and darn near note perfection. Or maybe not? His performance was the absolute most polarizing this year after posting the highest standard deviation, and yes, the fourth highest since ORSS' inception in 2013.

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26. LOVE ON THE BRAIN
Chris Blue | The Voice US (Spring)

It was like witnessing Fantasia Barrino covering Love On The Brain, as one jury mentioned. It's a fair and apt assessment on a technical standpoint given how he navigated this Rihanna track with great dynamics, intricate vocal ad libs and an almost guttural cry towards the end. However, that guttural cry also ironically created a divide within the jury as some found it a tad too much, which was more apparent after the fact that it topped one of the jury's list and then have six (6) jury put it in their bottom tier.

*Scoreboard - Ranking of each jury per performance. 1 to 64 with 1 being the best/highest.

STAY TUNED FOR THE TOP 25.