As the Finals of the Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D Song Contest unfold, several Acts who narrowly missed out have reflected on their journey, from the pressure of the Knockouts Stage to the rivalries, friendships, and unfinished business that shaped their Rounds.
Though no longer in the running for the Grand Winner title, their voices remain central to the Contest’s wider purpose: raising awareness of adult bullying in hobby spaces through music, community and creative resilience.
Round 1: A Tough Opening
Synth & Son dominated Round 1 of the Knockouts stage, narrowly followed by Max Bellamy and The Moonlight Swingers. Sonder Drift and Raya Vibes fell short in a tightly packed field.
One of the non-qualifiers described the Round as both encouraging and humbling.
Obviously, it was a very strong start, and you could feel how much everyone wanted it. While we didn’t make it through, being part of the opening Round was an honour and showed us how serious this project is—and how much people care about what it stands for.
The other Acts unanimously praised Synth & Son, whose collaborative energy set the tone early.
Round 3: The “Group of Death”
Round 3 was infamous for being the most stacked grouping, and produced one of the most closely watched battles of the Knockouts Stage. While Bryknii emerged as the winner, both Cielo Groove ft. Saima Gaines and the Forty Twos qualified for the Finals as the high-scoring runners-up.
Although BZpeople was the sole casualty of the Round, he chose to remember its intensity and the sense that every Act had a case to make.
Our Round felt like a real showcase: there were no easy choices, and that’s what made it exciting. That’s even before the whole thing between Bryknii and Saima Gaines, which we’re gonna see play out again in the Finals.
Round 4: Close Margins, Strong Opinions
Westbound moved on ahead of Violeta Montenegro, RJ “Hound” Mercer, and Clémence Duval in Round 4.
Among the Acts who missed out, the general sentiment was that winning came down to fine details rather than a lack of quality.
You could have made a case for several different outcomes. It’s frustrating when you’re in it, but it also says something about the standard.
Clémence Duval in particular was highlighted as an Act who left a lasting impression, even without qualifying.
She brought so much elegance and conviction. Sometimes it’s not enough, especially when it’s a public vote, but it doesn’t make her performance any less memorable.
Round 5: Kat Soo Remains a Talking Point
The Magenta Men took command of Round 5, while Bryknii’s collaboration with Kat Soo narrowly missed out, alongside Vexon and Airi Kisaragi.
That Round remains a topic of discussion among fans, not least because of Bryknii’s distancing from Kat Soo, having qualified for the Finals as a solo Act.
That collaboration had everybody’s attention. When an Act like that doesn’t go through, people still talk about it — that’s the level they’re operating on.
The non-qualifiers were generous in their assessment of the field, even where disappointment remained.
Everyone in that Round brought something different. You can’t really ask for more.
Kat Soo declined to comment on her situation with Bryknii, only confirming that her engagement with the star was “minimal”.
Round 6: Axel King and The Roses Set The Pace
Round 6 clearly belonged to Axel King and The Roses, who advanced over fellow guitarists Violet Riot, Buck & Jeb and Emma Finch.
Among those who fell short, there was clear admiration for Axel’s reinvention and the sense of purpose behind the performance.
Axel came in with a very defined artistic direction. You could tell he knew exactly what he wanted to say.
The same source added that the Round’s outcome felt representative of the Contest’s broader appeal.
It’s refreshing when a Contest rewards clarity, and the artists who really bring it, over flashiness. We definitely got that in this Round.
Round 7: A Dramatic Finish
One of the most dramatic Rounds of the Knockouts Stage was Round 7, where Soline Bellefort narrowly outlasted Chelsea Chapel, the Coastliners, and veteran Marissa Wild in a battle of voices.
The knocked-out Acts spoke of their respect for the French singer’s precision and control.
Soline was always going to be hard to beat. Even if she only performs in French, she knows exactly how to command attention.
At the same time, there was no hiding the pain among those who came so close.
When the margins are that tight, it’s not something you forget. But it’s those tiny details that make the difference— and that’s part of the Contest.
Who Should Win the Contest?
When asked which Finalist should take the title, the non-qualifying Acts offered a mix of admiration and pragmatic support.
Several named Bryknii as the one to beat:
She’s the obvious favourite in most people’s eyes. She’s the biggest star, and she has the kind of momentum that defines the results.
Others pointed to Soline Bellefort for her discipline and stagecraft.
Soline has a very clear artistic identity. If winning is about control and precision, she’ll be hard to stop.
Axel King and The Roses also received strong backing from the Acts who had competed in his Round.
Axel’s journey has been one of the most interesting to hear about. There’s a real narrative, and I think audiences really connect with it because they can see it.
And while Synth & Son were not always the loudest favourites, they were praised for what they brought to the Contest’s spirit.
Whether or not they win, I think they’ll do really well. They represent collaboration, growth, and the idea that music can create new connections.
The Contest Leaves Its Mark
Though they will not appear in the Finals, the Acts who missed out made clear that Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D has already had an impact beyond the scoreboard.
Speaking on behalf of the label, a CATAWOL Records spokesperson added:
The whole point of this Contest is bigger than winning. It’s about speaking up, being heard, and using music to challenge the kind of behaviour too many people dismiss.
That message of participation over victory is what the remaining Acts will carry forward.
If people remember anything from our time here, we hope it’s that we showed up honestly and gave everything we had.
About the Contest
Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D is a collaboration between CATAWOL Records and the MODE Family, in the form of a song contest. 32 of the label’s most talented Acts compete to create the campaign’s official anthem, raising awareness of bullying in hobby spaces.
CATAWOL Records is proud to support every Act who took part in the Contest, celebrating creativity, resilience and community at every Stage.