I'm back in the saddle guys. Sorry I've been somewhat missing in action but all the traveling has not helped. Honestly, I have no idea how @luzcypher does it, he must not be human.

I hate to start out the post like this, but I feel that it's only the right thing to do. I would like to extend my deepest condolences for the passing of @miguelblanco who sadly left this world of ours. I'm sending nothing but love and positive vibes to his friends and family. No doubt his talent will be missed by the community.

Without any more delays, here we go:

First Place.-

@ingridkorneelia - Diamonds and Demons

It only took five seconds for me to feel the goosebumps all over my neck. The vocals as always are superb, and the somber tones just get right under your skin. Absolutely stunning.... I just don't know what else to say.

Second Place.-

@addiesworld - Shallow

Addie has been for the longest time one of my favorite singers on this platform. Armed with one of those voices design to melt any hardened heart and a great talent for picking the right songs to cover too.

Just listen back, and when she hits the high notes don't forget to make one of those approval faces... it merits it.

Third Place.-

@chaifm - Quiet Glory (original)

What a beautiful little song. I'm so happy to see @chaifm back, it's been a while since I've heard her sweet voice. I'm super happy to know she has not stopped working on her music and is currently working on releasing an EP, if this song is on there, I'm sure it will be fantastic.

Fourth Place.-

@themusiclover - nowhere man(cover)

Oh man, I'm a super beatles fan so of course I clicked this with high hopes and I was not disappointed. Brilliantly done, the vocals, the harmonies, the shaker the claps... I really enjoyed the simple yet warm approach to this Beatles classic.

Fifth Place.-

@k0wsk1 - NAME OF SONG

I don't know what has been happening, but it seems like everytime I turn around k0wsk1 is killing it yet again. I mean, I know he's talented, so it's not that Im that surprised, but it seems like his vocals have just been getting better and better week after week.

Honorable Mentions

In no particular order, these are some of the performances I loved this week.... I'm super grateful for being someone who gets to listen to this talent.

@drewley - Chasing Cars

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@shookriya - There must be a way

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@wilins - Mala compania (original song)

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@mfarinato - lsd with adrian and snowball

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Don't forget to checkout the official Steemit OpenMic judges picks from @passion-ground @krystle @soundlegion and @verbal-d. Winners selected and announced every Monday on @luzcypher's blog page.

My deepest of Gratitudes

I would like to personally thank @ausbitbank, @curie and @aggroed for helping out our community. It's inspiring to see leadership taking the initiative to keep our beloved #openmic alive like this and its to me the biggest bullish indicator that we are on our way to a better, brighter tomorrow.

To our long time patron @pfunk once again, thank you for backing this project as you have for so long. I hope seeing the community rally behind the contest that we love so much made you proud. We have something very special here, and you've been key for it to be what it has become.

Long live the openmic!!!

And that is it for me and week #111, not too late in the day, not like last time... Ready to do this all over again!!!

But hey friend, before you leave my post musical brother or musical sister, please know that despite the fact that we call this a competition, even though my post says first, second, third place, that is not what matters about the #openmic. In the end of the day the judges are just as human, as flawed and beautiful as everyone else on this planet. The ethos of this contest, of this community, is simply for us to have special place to share our passion for music, for us to laugh together, to cry together and explore emotions that everyday life seems to neglect in one way or another.

Every single one of you is valuable to me, so thank you for being part of my musical family...

Much love