Nan Desu Kan had so many different panels and sub-events to choose from each day, setting my mind on any singular one or another was difficult to do so. Friday night it was a little easier to pick one as the convention winded down for the 18 and up panels. I found myself drawn to the 18+ Lip Sync hosted by Kayy Cosplays and Diddlydarnn around 8:30 PM, set up my camera thinking it would be a simple little panel to cover, but little did I know how active it really was.

There were so many people that started to line the chairs prior to the official start, many of whom had taken part in previous years. The event started off fairly simply by the hosts introducing themselves, going over the sign in sheet, then the rules for the Lip Sync. Then chaos ensued right from the get go with some technical difficulties on pulling up the music tracks. This brought forward its own little bit of comedy as the panelists as well as the lip synce contestants did their best to improv until NDK staff came in and sorted us out.

For the performances themselves, let's just say that its an 18 and up panel for a reason. Things kicked off pretty spicey when A.M.Cringe and Era Cosplays brought out handcuffs on the very first performance. Each grouping had about a minute or two to perfrom a chosen song, either by lip syncing it, or running around the panel room dancing and showing off for the rest of the prople there to view the panel.

Things definetely go interesting throughout the performances, since it seemed like most people in the audience knew one another to varying degrees, their interactions were a key part to the individual performances, getting pulled into the mix. The whole energy of the couple hours we were there just made it such a comfortable and safe space to be part of.

,Before the judging took place, Kenaleez and Diddlydarnn did their own showcase of talent, and their energy just blew the roof off the place. They were everywhere interacting with the audience, the furniture, and each other. The chemistry they had together was pretty obvious as they used each other in their own individual performances, then drew in the awe of those looking upon them, really creating and enhancing the fun environment.

As their performance ended, the audience classic judging of cheers and screams echoed through the room. It was pretty clear that people weren't sure who to vote for as their favorites, but eventually about five groups were chosen as the finalists. Once they were chosen one more instance of chaos enshrined the whole experience of the 18+ Lip Sync.

The groups were to perform haphazardly together in one final song, bouncing off each others energies, the audience and even the walls themselves. Despite some not knowing each othyer it felt like we were all a little family together in that moment. Everyone was thriving off each other, feeding the chaotic fun, and safe, energy as they danced their hearts out to the final beat of the music.

Sadly not everyone could win the final prize of the panel, so we all had to choose one grouping. Again it was not an easy choice to make for anyone, but it finally came down to the Yip Yips, and the entire panel roared with excitement. Though this is where the technical difficulties came to bite us in the end. The Lip Sync had over run its time by a little bit and we had to clear out before the victors could do a lap around the room.

If you are of age at Nan Desu Kan, I highly suggest taking part of the 18 + Lip Sync Battle in years to come. There is just so much positive energy to go around, audience interaction and just a safe place for people to express themselves. I personally can't wait until next year when I go back to cover it again.