My Top 5 In Order
As one of the 6 judges, and as an original artist also, I aim to represent the best original artists in this contest from our wonderful Steemit community. I am keeping my ears open for cover artists as well, don't worry but creating an original song is indeed impressive, especially if executed and performed well. Best of skill and performance to you all next week. This week was filled with so many wonderful artists, even amongst the high amount of entries, and there were still many talented performers who entered, so forgive me if I didn't list you, I definitely heard everyone's entries. Also, be sure to check out the other judges' top picks for the week, 
Hive account@krystle, 
Hive account@soundlegion, 
Hive account@passion-ground, 
Hive account@meno, and 
Hive account@luzcypher, who hosts the Open Mic Contest. See you next week! And don't forget to please vote for @Pfunk, @Ausbitbank, & @Teamsteem as witnesses here https://steemit.com/~witnesses, all three of whom are our biggest supporters equally who help to run, fund, curate, build and expand the Open Mic Contest.
1. 
Hive account@mariajruizb's "Vissi d`arte" By Luigi Illica & Giuseppe Giacosa Cover Song
You really outperformed yourself with this epic entry this week Hive account@mariajruizb. I have always thought you to be an impeccably gifted singer and this was displayed with ease and no debate with your opera expertise. Your voice could stand alone a cappella without 
Hive account@danieldedosd2's extremely poised and precise guitar serenading, but his skilfulness only added to the awe and inspiration of this moving and momentous entry. The resounding and profound soprano high note you impacted us with is what separates you from the rest. Your entire performance was beyond expectations and you really shared with us the gift of music. Thank you for this gem, and definitely looking forward to more of your entries in the future.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@mariajruizb/9nxl60a4
2. 
Hive account@lisamalletart's "Sensação Boa" Original Song
11 times out of 10, you truly know how to deliver and perform great and uplifting music. You embody the heart, soul, spirit and mind of what Open Mic truly is. You both, 
Hive account@rhavi, Hive account@lisamalletart and your percussionist friend, 
Hive account@faowna, have brought it once again, separating yourselves from your other highly gifted musical peers here within our wonderful Steemit Open Mic Community. Your flow and delivery are always on point, your harmonies are more than worthy and pleasing to the ears, and your chemistry and passion are infused in all that you do musically. Everything is precision and intention based, and you give such inspiration and healing vibes with original music that can alter one's outlook on life and leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and with a higher appreciation of existence and those around them. I truly admire what you both provide for us on a continuous basis, dedicating yourself to the art of music and live performance to give such consistent, and pristine entries like these ones. @Rhavi, I believe this is one of your few entries where you rap a bit and you do it well, Hive account@lisamalletart also rapped in a previous entry a while back with you and you both can flow and deliver like a well-versed emcee :) It is always a nice surprise to come across these moments of Hip Hop, which I love so much and hold to a higher degree. Thank you for sharing this original gem from your friends, and looking forward to what you perform next without a doubt!
https://steemit.com/openmic/@lisamalletart/openmic-week-97-sensacao-boa-or-lisa-and-rhavi-andre-mata-lucas-siquiera-and-gabriel-machado-s-original-song
3. 
Hive account@ingridkorneelia’s "If I Were A Bird" Original Song
This was a real treat for the ears. Your original was heartfelt, was upbeat with a lining of hope and deeply sombre at the same time. I really enjoyed your tonality of warm vocals and the storytelling you displayed in your lyric writing talents. The exquisite harmonies of 
Hive account@melavie really added a fine layer of musicality to your impressionable entry and the songbird chemistry between you two was more than complimentary. The chorus had a nice twang rhythm and melody, but your verses were just as memorable and melodically contrasting to avoid dragging of creativity. This was an overall well rounded gem and you both performed it very well. Definitely caught me off guard and is worth listening to and all the praise it should receive. Bravo. Thank you for sharing your original with us and looking forward to more of them.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@ingridkorneelia/steemit-open-mic-week-97-original-song-if-i-were-a-bird-feat-melavie
4. 
Hive account@dianakyv's "De Creer En Ti" By Jaci Velasquez Cover Song
Every week you are continually bringing us wonderful performances with a lot of heart, soul and passion. Your conviction and intention for delivering this praise and worship gospel song to your Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ resonates with admiration and acknowledgement. It goes without saying, that the divine love we have been shown and the gifts of music we have been given by God should be rightfully reflected back in gratitude, love and gratification to show we do not take these gifts for granted, knowing our true purpose on earth. I really feel the purpose and intention in your performance and you can clearly sing fearlessly. One of my favourite bible verses is Psalm 33:3 from the King James Version Bible, which is, "Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise." and what I love about this particular verse is that is requires us to not only praise, but with skill and projection. You definitely have both those attributes as a gifted singer and I really enjoyed this entry from you. Thank you for sharing this gem, it was a great cover choice, and looking forward to your future entries.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@dianakyv/umstf6dm
5. 
Hive account@lucybanks' "Samson" By Regina Spektor Cover Song
Welcome back Hive account@lucybanks. You have been missed in our community and glad you have settled in to your new place. This was a great return entry that showcases your pretty vocal range, that glides into your falsetto/soprano voice with ease. You have a knack for selecting cover songs that suit your style of singing and this was no exception. You provide a heartwarming performance that feels close to home and is reminiscent as it is tonally satisfying. You know it is a great problem to have when the entry is nearly 4 minutes long and it doesn't seem long enough, leaving that linger feeling of wanting just a bit more of your silk smooth singing. Be it cover or original, you have all bases locked in. Your guitar playing hasn't faltered a bit and thank you for sharing with us this moment. Looking forward to what you present to us in the coming weeks.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@lucybanks/steemit-open-mic-week-97-samson-regina-spektor-cover
Honourable Mentions
My Top 7 In A Particular Order : )
1. 
Hive account@samidbarid's "Contigo En La Distancia Cover Song
**
https://steemit.com/openmic/@samidbarid/steemit-openmic-week-97-sami-d-barid-original-piano-song
2. 
Hive account@drewley's "Fragments Original Song
**
https://steemit.com/openmic/@drewley/steemit-open-mic-week-97-fragments-original-piano-piece
3. 
Hive account@joseacabrerav's "Inefable" Original Song
**
https://steemit.com/openmic/@joseacabrerav/mux6jqx8
4. 
Hive account@chaifm's ”Dreamkeeper" Original Song
**
https://steemit.com/openmic/@chaifm/steemit-openmic-week-97-dreamkeeper-original-song
5. 
Hive account@itslobianco's "Vals Of Chopin No. 14" Cover Song
**
https://steemit.com/openmic/@itslobianco/steemit-open-mic-week-97-vals-of-chopin-no-14
6. 
Hive account@paintingangels' ”Swim" Original Song
**
https://steemit.com/openmic/@paintingangels/ma9hn6nf
7. 
Hive account@silentscreamer’s "Kad mi dođeš ti" By Oliver Dragojevic Cover Song
**
https://steemit.com/openmic/@silentscreamer/onwbaycr
Special Mentions
I want to mention more people, but I keep my judging strict for a reason. Many of you inspire me and make an impact. There simply are too many wonderful artists here, which is why open mic continues to grow. Keep playing and sharing please.
Artists On My Radar From Week 97
Hive account@juanhobos 
Hive account@kkarenmp 
Hive account@lynnm 
Hive account@irelandscape 
Hive account@davidsuarezms 
Hive account@moccamonica 
Hive account@darrenclaxton Hive account@danieldedosd2 Hive account@mariajruizb 
Hive account@mayneth 
Hive account@michaeldietrich 
Hive account@salvadorhr18 
Hive account@minuetoacademy 
Hive account@k0wsk1 
Hive account@josesanteliz 
Hive account@maximilianoflute 
Hive account@dinoromanelli 
Hive account@abelfernandez 
Hive account@siomarasalmeron 
Hive account@cezanne 
Hive account@dreamrafa 
Hive account@rjcha 
Hive account@honeymoon-1611 
Hive account@yrmaleza 
Hive account@ilazramusic
Apparently a lot of people don't know that I, @Verbal-D, am a Hip Hop Emcee as much as I am a singer/songwriter/beat producer, so I will continue to showcase from now on The Song that inspired @Luzcypher to create the Open Mic Contest that we are all apart of today. I hope it inspires you to write original music.
"The Official Steemit Song" By @Verbal-D, Feat. @Papa-Pepper & @EdgarStudio
More original music from me coming very soon, stay tuned to my profile these weeks. I'll be releasing more live performances and professionally recorded tracks shortly.
Thank you for viewing and reading this post in its entirety, I hope you enjoyed it for what it's worth.
All Gifs used from Giphy.com
Next Post coming tomorrow
