Round 7 of the Knockouts Stage is now live, turning the Contest’s focus to one of its most immediate and revealing weapons: the voice. Classical poise, barbershop harmony, pop nostalgia and French diva power are in the mix, promising a contest of style, discipline and personality.
From understated confidence to uncompromising authority, this line-up offers very different approaches to performance — each with the chance to shape the Finals.
Four Acts, Four Distinct Musical Identities
Classical singer Chelsea Chapel enters the Round with quiet confidence and a clear sense of her own abilities. Her open appreciation for Clémence Duval’s composure reflects a thoughtful, generous artistic spirit.
The Coastliners bring a laid-back, family-oriented warmth to the Stage, offering barbershop harmonies built entirely on vocals and occasional human percussion. Rather than engaging in direct competition, they prefer to enjoy the moment and trust their sound to speak for itself.
Veteran Act Marissa Wild returns to the stage especially for the Contest. She brings experience and a renewed appetite for the spotlight, while showing respect for the discipline of the younger performers.
Soline Bellefort stands apart as a commanding French voice of extraordinary technical precision. While her standards are exacting, her delivery is formidable, and her impact impossible to ignore.
A Round Defined by Contrast
This Round demonstrates that temperament matters just as much as technique. Chelsea Chapel’s entry may appeal to those seeking emotional clarity and vocal purity, while The Coastliners offer warmth and charm with relaxed confidence. Marissa Wild’s return adds a layer of nostalgia and renewal, giving the Round a sense of history and heart.
At the centre of attention, however, is likely to be Soline Bellefort. Her refusal to soften her approach — or use of French — makes her one of the most formidable presences in the Contest so far. Loved by some for her excellence and challenged by others for her uncompromising manner, she is exactly the kind of Act who can dominate a Round simply by refusing to bend.
Voices from the Round
Chelsea Chapel states she is approaching the Round with gratitude and focus:
I am very grateful to be here, and I hope to bring something honest and beautiful to this Round. I admire the other performers, especially those who remain composed under pressure.
Marissa Wild reflected on her return to the spotlight:
I know my time at the top is behind me, and I’m at peace with that. But I still love performing, and I still believe I have something to give. This Contest is a chance to enjoy the stage again and do it with pride.
Soline Bellefort offered a characteristically uncompromising statement:
If a performance is not worthy of attention, it should not be on the Stage. I am here to sing properly, in my own language. The audience may accept that, or not, but I will not lower my standards.
CATAWOL Records on the Importance of the Contest
A spokesperson for CATAWOL Records expressed that the label remains proud to support the Contest, as it continues to combine artistic distinction with a meaningful social purpose.
Round 7 is a powerful example of what makes this Contest so compelling: it brings together very different performers, each with a strong identity and a real reason to be here. These Acts help keep the focus on the Contest’s wider mission to raise awareness of adult bullying in hobby spaces. Appropriately, this Round showcases something each of us has: our voices.
Vote Now Before the Outcome Is Decided
With the last Round of the Knockouts Stage approaching, Round 7 is set to become one of the most intriguing clashes of musical talent so far.
The result of this Round will come down to which voice leaves the strongest impression. CATAWOL Records encourages fans and supporters to continue supporting their favourite Acts and vote now.