Queendom Puzzle was a spin-off of Mnet’s Queendom program. On the show, 28 contestants from active or inactive girl groups competed in various challenges to build a new project girl group called EL7Z UP. Hwiseo (H1-KEY), Nana (woo!ah! ), Yuki (Purple Kiss), Kei (Lovelyz), Yeoreum (WJSN), Yeonhee (Rocket Punch), and Yeeun (former CLC) make up the group's final lineup. The group is currently slated to debut on 14 September 2023 and even have concerts lined up in October. So, before their much-anticipated debut and before all the promotions kick off, here are the top 10 Queendom Puzzle performances to reminisce about their journey.
1. Shut Down
In Episode 4, we got to see Red Queen performing one of the most iconic songs of K-pop- Shut Down by Blackpink. The lineup consisted of Sangah, Fye, Riina and Hwiseo. Sangah’s fierce facial expressions gobbled the whole stage up. The raps and the high notes are worth mentioning, but the best part was the climax of the dance break. The entire performance was then wrapped nicely by Fye’s spiteful laugh, which will remain etched in the memories for ages.
2. Fighting
Originally an energetic song by BSS (Seventeen), the girls of Team Biceps made it even more lively with their stage presence. Elly, Jiwoo, Juri, JooE, Soojin, and Yuki made the audience live the moment with them. JooE was the real MVP as the boss as she partied her away after the first chorus. If you are a Yuki fan, you should have seen how well she slays in her solo rap. To top it off was Elly’s refreshing high note. Finally, Juri’s cute ending fairy made our day.
3. Time Of Our Life
Time Of Our Life by Day6 is the prime song for anyone dwelling in their youth. Members Miru, Elly, Chaerin, Hwiseo, and Soeun stepped onto the stage with YoungK’s guidance in Episode 5. The nostalgia of school times was evident in the performance. Miru’s lovable charms and Elly’s strong vocals carried the show. It also had a unique concept of taking a selfie with the audience, so the viewership experience was definitely better here.
4. Last Piece
Unlike the previous performances in this list, this song is an original of the reality competition. Moreover, it was the final performance of the members Dohwa, Juri, Elly, Yeeun, Yeoreum, Hwiseo, and Jiwoo. From start to finish, Yeeun carried the whole show with her strong charisma. Yeoreum did an excellent job in leading the dance break. Also, the lyric ‘savage, monster’ is most probably going to get stuck in your head after a few listens.
5. I DGA
I DON’T GIVE A is another original song performed in the semi-finals by Dohwa, Fye, Elly, Yeeun, Hwiseo, Yeoreum and Yuki. The members complimented each other so well that it is a pity that they aren’t themselves a separate group. The intro was unique, and the performance was the most synchronized of the lot. Yeoreum once again went crazy with her dance, while Hwiseo’s smirks became everyone’s favorite. Dohwa had the classy, cool energy that made everyone squeal.
6. If We Ever Meet Again
Perhaps the most unique performance on this list since this is the only vocal performance we will talk about. Bora and Kei were one beautiful combination and their rendition of Lim Youngwoong’s song was perfect. The whole performance will make you question whether angels have descended on earth or you have ascended to heaven. The vocals harmonized well enough, and the transition of the theme at Bora’s high note was the biggest highlight of Episode 5.
7. My Sea
There is a reason why Bora is the best vocalist of 4th generation. With her vocals that tugged everyone’s heartstrings, she turned a simple audition show into a wonderful musical. My Sea of IU has been an all-time favorite of people, but despite all the pressures, Bora pulled it off effortlessly with her unwavering confidence. Other contestants were so immersed in her performance that they forgot to vote for her until the end!
8. Web
We now come back to the original, dance performances of this competition. This group had Yeoreum, Bora, Jiwon, Riina, Yuki, Jihan and Zoa. It had the possibility of being the messiest performance due to the usage of ropes as props. Thankfully, due to their excruciating control over their body movements, this performance became neat and elegant. Zoa’s visuals shone here, and no one could have guessed that she was the youngest of the lot. Riina and Jiwon also had some of their most remarkable moments in the whole show.
9. Overwater
Overwater is one of the best original songs of this whole competition. Members Dohwa, Fye, Miru, Soojin, Seoyeon, and Jiwoo had the arduous task of carrying out the very demanding dance choreography. It had a lot of splits and detailed technicalities, but the team breezed through them. Fye suited the concept the most. The best part of the performance was Soojin sitting on the makeshift rock, giving the image of a mermaid. Overall, it was a sweet yet dazzling performance.
10. Rush Hour
At the end of this list, we have this funky performance of Yeeun, Yeoreum, Nana, Suyun, Yuki and Zoa. This performance had the best stage setting as well as the best interaction with the audience, for Yeoreum was literally among her fans during her part. Yuki and Yeeun had a captivating entrance, and their raps were even more appealing. The song was made for Nana, who crusaded through the performance with her quirky antics on stage.
