The excitement is palpable as the renowned New Year special ‘千鳥の鬼レンチャン新春3時間SP (Chidori's Oniレンチャン New Year Special)' is set to air on January 5th, 2025, at 7 PM JST on Fuji Television. This unique show brings together notable performers who will showcase their exceptional vocal skills and competitive spirit, aiming to conquer the notorious ‘鬼レンチャン’ challenge.
The feature act this year includes the unlikely pairing of the legendary rock star Toshl and the renowned entertainer ほいけんた (Hoikenta). Toshl, known for his stunning vocal talent, has famously declined many collaboration offers but has taken on this challenge because he feels compelled to work alongside Hoikenta. This unexpected partnership—representing the light and dark sides of the entertainment world—promises to captivate audiences and create thrilling moments on stage.
The challenge consists of singing the chorus of ten popular songs consecutively without missing a single note. If they succeed, they stand to win a grand prize of 1 million yen. The stakes are high, and the pressure mounts as Hoikenta, who often incorporates unique singing styles, aims to guide Toshl through this rigorous test. There are hints of camaraderie, mentorship, and nerves, making this setup particularly compelling.
Alongside this dynamic duo, the show features other talented performers vying for victory. Among them is 神山智洋 (Tomohiro Kamiyama) and 濵田崇裕 (Takashi Hamada) from WEST., known for their previous triumph as the male duo who achieved the first ‘鬼レンチャン’. This time, they are ready to tackle the ‘鬼ハードモード’ (鬼 Hard Mode) challenge with even greater ambition.
Also competing are 日向坂46 (Hinatazaka46) members 富田鈴花 (Suzuka Tomita) and 高橋未来虹 (Mikako Takahashi), who will attempt to break new ground as the first female idol team to achieve ‘鬼レンチャン’. Their previous success has raised expectations, and both performers are fully aware of the legacy they aim to uphold.
The comedic duo 千鳥 (Chidori), acting as hosts, will add to the lively atmosphere by observing and commenting on the performers’ efforts as they play along. They will also be joined by the comedic team かまいたち (Kamaitachi), who will serve as the panel evaluating the contestants’ potential success.
Other notable participants include the unique pair of キンタロー (Kintaro), renowned for his impersonations, and 池ちゃん (Yuraku Ikeda), who previously achieved 8 consecutive successes and is on the quest for redemption. Also making waves is the lively duo from FRUITS ZIPPER, 仲川瑠夏 (Ruka Nakagawa) and 櫻井優衣 (Yui Sakurai), who are known for their impressive vocal range and will join the competition as the ‘るなぴ&ゆいちゃんタッグ’.
Each team is aiming to leave their mark and achieve ‘鬼レンチャン’, the ultimate goal of the show. The structure of the program keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, as they root for their favorite competitors and marvel at their talents.
The stakes are high, and the individual stories of struggle, ambition, and camaraderie culminate on this exciting New Year program. Will the combined forces of Hoikenta and Toshl yield triumph? Can the next generation of idols claim their place among legends? With uncertainty hanging over each performance, this New Year’s spectacular aims to usher the audience not only through fun but through competitive spirit and artistic expression.
Prepare for moments of unexpected comedy and breathtaking vocal displays—the synergy of talent and entertainment will be one for the ages, promising to make this New Year special truly unforgettable.