Last Friday's round featured popular pop/rock numbers by some of the leading bands of our country. The kick was, the bands themselves played on stage with the artistes. From movie classics to adhunik, original tracks to folk songs and now songs of Bangladeshi bands -- Closeup 1 has presented a mélange of genres that are as diverse as the different elements forming our culture.

The show started with Sonya rendering a Renaissance hit, O nodirey tui jash kothae rey. The emerging diva's efforts towards perfection have become apparent in the last few rounds and this time was no different. Her crisp and clear voice exuded the mellow, happy-go-lucky feel of the song. The judges seemed to be impressed with her performance. Bishwajit pointed out, "I was surprised that you could pick up the intricate Ohomiya twist so easily. And to think you only had two days to practice with the band!"

Rinku performed a Dolchhut number, Baaji. Rinku's start was a bit shaky but he soon got into the feel of the romantic number. About Rinku's performance, Samina said, "Your control over the tune was somewhat lacking but you did a fair job." Bishwajit said, "You're basically a folk artiste. The fact that you performed a mellow-rock number, which was by no means easy, is commendable."

Beauty took the stage next and rendered Bhalo lagey jyotsna ratey of Renaissance. The feel-good number was easy to the ear but as one of the judges pointed out, "It's a happy song and you were good but it seemed like you didn't really get into the jovial mood."

Next on stage was Razib, performing one of Feedback's all-time favourites, Moushumi. Presentation, throw, modulation -- all aspects of the song -- were perfect. Maqsood's distinct vocal skills made the song memorable and Razib seemed to have picked up those features impeccably.

The last performance of the night was by Nolok. Mainly a folk singer, Nolok's versatility and consistency have wowed the judges and the audience alike. The way he sang Soul's Kano ei nishshongota, one couldn't help but feel the melodious rock number came as natural to the singer as his niche -- folk music.

Watch tonight's episode of Closeup 1 to get the results of the nail biting round.