Round 4 of the Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D Knockouts Stage is now underway, bringing together four Acts whose styles could not be more different. Uncompromising blues, classic Latin, crowd-pleasing rock-pop and French balladry provide one of the most varied line-ups of the Contest so far.
At the centre of attention is Clémence Duval, one of the Contest’s most talked-about and visually striking Acts, debuting the first non-English version of the titular song.
She is joined by RJ “Hound” Mercer, whose devotion to the electric guitar and traditional Blues sound gives this Round a harder edge.
Violeta Montenegro arrives with the authority of a seasoned Latin performer, determined to defend the value of authenticity and classic musicianship.
Completing the line-up is Westbound, the boy band with broad appeal and clear confidence, who believe their path to the Finals remains wide open.
A New Dimension to the Knockouts
Clémence Duval’s entry marks an important moment for the Contest: the first performance in a language other than English during this Stage.
Her participation adds another layer to a Round already rich in contrast, and her performance is expected to draw significant attention from both supporters and sceptics.
Speaking ahead of the Round, Clémence remarked:
I have always believed that emotion can be expressed in many languages. To bring a French song into the Contest is deeply meaningful to me, because it reflects who I am as an artist and what I want to share with the audience.
A Round Built on Contrast and Conviction
RJ Mercer brings a raw, direct energy to the Stage, representing a school of music that values authenticity above all else. His uncompromising approach may divide opinion, but it also ensures his performance commands attention.
Violeta Montenegro sees herself as a guardian of tradition. Fiercely opinionated and proud of her genre, she is likely to generate both admiration and debate as she makes her case for classical Latin music.
Westbound are widely expected to remain a strong contender in this Round, as their blend of Rock and Pop, combined with their international ambitions, makes them one of the most accessible Acts.
CATAWOL Records Celebrates the Scale of the Contest
A spokesperson for CATAWOL Records commented on the label’s pride in supporting a Round that reflects the breadth of talent and perspectives in the Contest.
Round 4 is exactly the kind of moment this Contest was created for: bold artistic identities, real emotional stakes, and music that opens up conversations beyond the Stage. We are especially pleased to see the first non-English performance of this Stage, which speaks to the Contest’s growing reach and cultural depth.
Vote Now and Follow the Knockouts Closely
With a place in the Finals at stake as the Knockouts reach the halfway mark, Round 4 is set to become one of the most compelling Rounds of the Stage.
Don't miss your chance to shape the outcome: watch, vote, and support your favourite Act now. Every vote matters for these contenders aiming for victory.