Judge's Notes for Listen in Top 42 D'Academy 8, A Preparation for Top 37

Kapanlagi.com - Listen performed on the stage of Top 42 Group 5 D'Academy 8 on July 21, 2026. The participant from Kendal, Central Java, who is a student of Fildan Rahayu, did not receive a single Standing Ovation from the judges.

Despite not receiving a Standing Ovation, Listen will continue to the next round. The participant who was eliminated in this group is Naela from Banyumas. As the performance in Top 37 Group 3 approaches, which will air on Thursday, July 30, 2026, the series of notes from the judges becomes essential for improvement.

Soimah assessed that Listen has a distinctive vocal color but needs better energy and breath management.

"So it turns out your vocal has its uniqueness as long as you are energetic, your vocal will come out more, the uniqueness will be more apparent, but if you are not energetic, the uniqueness of your vocal won’t show. The only homework is in breathing, the rest is still okay," said Soimah.

1. Journey in Top 42: Without SO, Still Advance

In Top 42 Group 5, Listen did not receive a Standing Ovation from the three judges present, namely Soimah, Dewi Perssik, and Lesti Kejora. This decision marks one indication that there are still aspects of the performance that need to be strengthened.

The final results of the group placed Listen as the participant who continues, while Naela from Banyumas must end her journey in this round. The judges' notes are the main focus for preparation for the next stage.

Listen is scheduled to perform again in Top 37 Group 3 on Thursday, July 30, 2026. This moment becomes an opportunity to implement the evaluations provided by the judging panel.

2. Notes from Soimah for Listen

According to Soimah, Listen has a distinctive vocal characteristic that can stand out if supported by sufficient energy. She also emphasized the importance of the technical aspect of breathing in supporting stage performance.

"So it turns out your vocals have a characteristic that can actually stand out as long as you bring enough energy; your characteristic will be more visible, but if you don't bring enough energy, your vocal characteristic won't show. The only homework is in breathing, other than that it's still okay," said Soimah.

Soimah highlighted breathing as the main homework, while other aspects were still considered within safe limits. In this round, Soimah did not give a Standing Ovation to Listen.

3. Dewi Perssik's Input: Late to Heat Up and Stage Mastery

Dewi Perssik agrees with Soimah. She likened Listen's performance to a diesel engine that is slow to warm up, so the vocal strength is only felt after the middle of the song. Dewi requested consistency in energy from the beginning to the end, as well as stage movements that blend with the music.

"I agree with Mrs. Mae, Listen is like a diesel engine, so in this song, it's slow to heat up, and as it goes on, you start to show your vocal power, but what I want is for you to be consistent from the beginning to the end, but here you started off very ordinary. As it progressed, I enjoyed what you presented more and more, but your movements need to blend with the music. Don’t just stand still, no, you have to be creative," said Dewi Perssik.

On this occasion, Dewi Perssik also did not give a Standing Ovation to Listen.

4. Emphasis on Lesti Kejora: Interpretation and Notation

Lesti Kejora highlights the interpretation (feeling) and stage expression of Listen. The winner of the first season of D'Academy also noted that there is a part at the end of the notation that sounds lower.

Lesti Kejora did not give a Standing Ovation to Listen's performance in Top 42 Group 5.

"Additionally for Listen, the interpretation was felt more, then the expression, and at the ends of the notations, there were some parts I heard sounded a bit lower," said Lesti Kejora.

(kpl/cvn/ums)