Our top six contestants battle it out on this episode of Afghan Star. We are first treated to a performance by all six contestants, singing a classic Afghan song, “Dar een Watan,” in unison. This song was originally sung by Afghan singer Mashor Jamal. This is just another example of Afghan Star adapting the old classics for a new audience. We speed up the pace with a performance by Afghan pop singer Saiid Sayad, who sings a medley of joyous pop songs.

This episode, contestants are allowed to sing a song of their own choosing, in any style or tradition. Nayeb Nayab is the first contestant to perform tonight, and has written his own song, “Man Miravam.” It is a slow song and difficult to sing. Ustad Shahla is impressed by the songwriting but underwhelmed by his performance, which she says lacks emotion. Other judges, however, are impressed by the whole performance.

Daoud Pazhman sings “Ey Shookh” by Bazgol Badakhshi, and is accompanied on stage by instrumentalists. Badakhshi was a famous Afghan folklorist. The judges are impressed and reward Daoud with a total score of 36.

Anahita Ulfat sings “Har Che Hast” by Dawood Sarkhosh, the famous Afghan poet and singer from Daykundi. It is an emotional love song and Anahita sings it well, full of longing. She earns two 10s, a 9 and an 8 from judges, earning a total score of 37.

Our stars also answer some questions which the audience has submitted through social media, so make sure to keep your questions coming!

In the second half of the show, Hosam Farzan, Rabi Behzad, and Arash Barez also perform. Arash sings “Leila” by Shakeeb Mossadegh. Stay tuned next week to see who will make it to the Top 5!