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‘Making the Band 4’: Satisfying cuts deferred by silly promotional scheme
(humming nostalgically) “So we’ve come to the end of the ro-ad….” Yep, this is it, the season finale. The top crooners went on a two-month sabbatical and now they’re coming back for the final cut. I’d call it judgment day, but the whole Diddy-as-God thing is way too indulgent. It’s time to pick my own dream team. After last week’s blistering performance, the obvious sleeper pick is Robert. With June’s meddling, or her support, he’s in, all the way in. I’ve gotta grab Big Mike too— beyond the whole weight loss dedication thing, he’s such a naturally charismatic personality and he was dropping hot vocal tracks last week too. After that, it’s got to be man my Brian A. Yes, I’m giving him 50 bonus points for being from Houston, but beyond that he’s been consistently charming and positive, and once again, the boy can sing.
Those are the easy picks for me. I get stuck on No. 4. The obvious marketing move is to throw in Donnie, the last white man standing, but I just can’t quite get past the goofy dance moves. The kid’s got great enthusiasm, but he seems to struggle so hard to get the soul thing. Qwannell is the top dancer of the group, but I don’t remember being moved by his voice. I’m not at all convinced about the haircut, but Deangelo has been a solid performer, and Willie’s a tough contender too. I’m officially undecided.
Diddy drops in from the jump to let us know this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. “We’re gonna make a band!” he declares.
We catch up with our crooners in the airport where they jovially reunite and compare training notes from the break. In a conspicuously perfect moment for allegedly unscripted TV, everyone happens to be waiting expectantly at baggage claim when Mike shows up sporting a slimmer physique. They rib him good-naturedly, and it’s hugs and pounds all around.
Back in New York, they return to the amphitheater from Episode 1 where Bivins reminds them of the journey they’ve undertaken. Now it’s down to the wire. He warns the crooners that the “one area that everyone’s not built for” is live performance, and in 48 hours they will be opening for New Edition.
Next they are off to Ankh Ra, who gives them Diddy-determined group assignments and begins coaching up a storm as each group takes stabs at the “MTB4” theme song.
In a brief cut, Qwannell makes it clear he’s not happy with the way he’s been assigned.
Group A, consisting of Willie, Robert, Brian H., Deangelo and Jeremy, suavely dub themselves FLO, For Ladies Only. Group B, consisting of Qwannell, Donnie, Dyshon, Brian A. and Big Mike, picks the much less fly name Fifth City.
Diddy drops in to let us know that “his greatest gift to anyone would be a chance to perform in front of a sold-out audience of people.” Our crooners arrive and are visibly moved as they enter the historic Beacon Theater. With Bivens’ prompting, they chunk up the fours.
Incidentally, expect the “MTB4” theme song to emerge as a label-pushed single and ringtone any minute now.
The two groups take the stage, and while both are a little shaky, FLO definitely comes with the more cohesive stage show. They take the audience participation award. Backstage, everyone’s adrenaline is high — they’ve got that performance buzz.
Qwannell lets us know that he doesn’t care that his team lost the challenge, chalking FLO’s victory up to Willie baring his well-toned abs. Donnie threatens to flash his own abs next time to settle the score. No!
Our boys go into one-on-one sessions with Diddy. Mike gets props for “making the big man proud.” After an awkward exchange about a piece of glitter on his forehead, Robert gets put on the spot for running out of breath during the Beacon performance, and Qwannell is called out for a questionable sideburn choice.
Next the contestants are sent to Diddy’s personal makeover crew to get ready to pimp the man’s gear in a Sean John photo shoot. Robert is told he has to lose the braids. He endures much ridicule, as his braids are combed out and shorn down into a baby ‘fro. He’s salty, but he takes it and emerges looking much fresher. Brian H., on the other hand, has a full-on meltdown about cutting his locks.
After our crooners get their glam on, Diddy’s team convenes to mull over the remaining top picks. Bivins chooses Jeremy as his fave, Brian A. gets props for being a team player, and Robert is praised for his killer pipes. With no sense of irony whatsoever, Diddy is still perturbed by Mike’s weight, but he’s impressed with Donnie’s “emotional connection to the dream.”
The finalists are brought into the studio, where Diddy is waiting. They are lined up and shuffled as Diddy plays with their minds visual combinations. Then they’re broken into duos and each man sings his heart out trying to best his opponent. After the final two perform, there is a long dramatic pause complete with ominous echoing beats. Then Diddy picks up and inexplicably leaves the room.
What? They faked us out. There will be no satisfying cuts at the end of this episode. No band is being made: Instead, in a shameless promotional stunt viewer-participation exercise, “MTB4” fans are invited to log on to MTV.com to vote for their favorite crooners. The final four will be revealed at the live season finale on August 26. Yes, it’s an “American Idol”-biting load of crap. On the bright side, at least the finalists who aren’t chosen for the band can console themselves with the knowledge that even the most lightweight of noncelebrities can pull a groupie or two after a brief stint on TV. In any case, tune in — your girl will be watching.
- Episode 8 recap
- Episode 7 recap
- Episode 6 recap
- Episode 5 recap
- Episode 4 recap
- Episode 3 recap
- Episode 2 recap
- Episode 1 recap
Comments
By vicky
August 7, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this
Where is the live season finale? Can the public get tickets?
By AJ
August 7, 2007 2:12 AM | Link to this
I think that Donnie, Brian A., and DeAngelo should make the band. They all have the voices, looks, and personality. I dont know about the fourth member, I would say Willie, but I think that he is not cute and I dont like his attitude. I wish that Diddy had not cut Dre(Lewis)he was soooo sexy. He would have been my fourth pick.
By ali
August 7, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
does anyone know where the live season finale is?
By Shayna
August 7, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
WHERE IS THE LIVE SEASON FINALE FOR MAKING THE BAND 4…AND WHERE CAN I GET TICKETS?
By zandy
August 8, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Yes where is the finale’s locations and where do you get tickets from
By Jessica
August 9, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
That Brian Cox is extremely talented im really feeling the song ride for you from making the band 3 and this song from making the band 4. If i had to choose the band i would first pick ROBERT, BIG MIKE, BRIAN A., and i’m thikin DONNIE (he’s cute)but i dont know for sure about that one. but BRIAN HARRIS is so sexy with them dimples.
By angela
August 10, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
i think who going to make the band are qwanell,donnie,willie,robert,brian,a are going to make rhe band!! Holla!!
By brent704
August 11, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this
It should be: Robert, Mike, Willie, D’Angelo. Mike was a lock when he did those perfect ad-libs and runs when they sang the “end of the road” send-off
By Linda
August 11, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
where is the finale going to b in nyc??? nd where can we purchase tickets??
By Matt
August 11, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
I guarantee the final members of the band are Robert, Brian A., Willie, Big Mike, and, as a surprise twist- Julius.
E-mail me my praise after I am correct.
By Tatyana
August 12, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
I think DeAngelo should make the band. He is cute and can sing. He is overlooked but hopefully diddy makes the right decision and choose him. Vote for DeAngelo at makingtheband.mtv.com. please vote for him I would love to see him up there with Robert, Willie, Big Mike, and Brian A.[[My choices plus DeAngelo]] DeAngelo is my all time favorite.
By SGW
August 13, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
My picks…Dyshon (my fav), Willie, Brian A.,Donnie & Robert (if there’s a 5th member). And one more thing…5th City was the best—hands down!
By ashly
August 13, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
brian h ; is over looked all tha time .. he has one of the best vocies up there i love him soo much .. my group would be ; brian h . robert . brian a . wille & if a 5th de angelo
By ANGELiiCA
August 13, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
H3Y DUDESz I THINK BRIAN.A SHUD WIN BEACAUES HE ISz SO HOT OMG
By SAMANTHA
August 14, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
THE FINALE IS IN TIMES SQUARE I HEARD BUT IM NOT SURE IF U HAVE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
By Nealie
August 14, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
The band WILL BE Robert, Willie, Brian A, and Donnie, but it SHOULD BE Robert, Willie, Brian A, and D’ Angelo or Big Mike. Hopefully they will allow it to be a 5 member band.
By K-LYDALE
August 15, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
because i will be present the event will be apart of The 10th Annual Black August Hip Hop Project Featuring some great artists….as a intermediate celebration between the show..not show being mtb4 but show as the concert..lol just letting u guys know …also if im not mistaken the theme has been group but following new editions success..think about it…for sure gonna be more than a 4 man group….god bless! and take care
By ashley
August 17, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
how much are the tickets? i have to see donnie <33!
By Allie
August 17, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
For one i think all of yall is wrong. Qwannell should be in the band fa show. He’s cute and can sing. My Picks: Qwannell, Willie, Robert, De Angelo and if a 5th Brain H.
By amber
August 17, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
my goup is Qwannell, Willie, Jermey, and Robert,and if a 5th Donnie
By karl
August 17, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
message to didi. don’t get fool be the media for picking donnie for marketing or any business reasons the white boy can really sing. don’t get it twisted didi.holla!!! toronto
By Dwayne
August 20, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
u need to know people.. u cant buy tickets.. i go to every making the band finale because the casting director of mtv, excuse me one of… is my frat bro.. i need a date to it :( justryn2k4@hotmail.com
By N.Devon
August 20, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know where the Making the Band 4 Finale is? I heard it was in times square, but if you know, please email me @ Ndbstar729n@aol.com! Thanks!
By ekene
August 21, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
uhmm the band is DEFF gonna be : Robert (lead) , Mike , Willie , Brian A. yea if u know where itws gonna be please email me at just2nice4life@aol.com thanx !
By Lisa
August 22, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this
Where will the Finale of Making The Band 4 take place? I heard it was in New York in the Time Square are? Will it be held @ one of the locations that they’ve previously performed at? If not where? Please let me know something ASAP. Thanks lisa.thompkins@uspto.gov
By Ashely
August 23, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this
The finale is in MTV’s Time’s Square studio. I will be. I have tickets I had mine since July 14, show that got postponed. I can’t wait for it. I want Brian A., Willie, Robert, Mike & DeAngelo to make it. I really don’t care about the others as long as Brian A., Willie & Robert make it.
By Angela on vacation from England
August 27, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
I watched the marathon making the band 4 right here in Augusta, Georgia whilst here on vacation. All I know is when this band gets off the ground with the winners! as I dont want to spoil it for the ladies back in the UK. I hope that when they finally do tour, they make sure that they come to England; cos Diddy the young black women in England have been waiting for a group like this for a long time coming. They will take the UK by storm, so guys be ready for some lovestruck girls in the UK. Make sure Diddy sends the track to my man Steve Sutherland at Galaxy and I know we would love to see you at the mobo’s. The UL are gonna love ya!
By Mehgan
August 30, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
This seasons was the best there was and I hope for many more to come. I love to watch making the band because there are some talented young man. This goes out to Big Mike you are so cute, you have pretty eyes and your voice is beautiful. You gave me the chills!!!!!!!!
By Lisa
September 2, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this
I missed the Finale. Is there anywhere I can view it on the internet or a re-run on TV? I watched the marathon and my DIRECTV TIVO cut off the finale before it was over because the show was live. HELP?? Where can I see a re-run of the show????????