So, I'm not going to pretend like I don't have some bias, but I will try to be as fair as possible, and I've really only seen/heard a very minimal amount about any of these groups, but anyways, here are my predictions.
1: Millard North Infinity (BC/BB)
2: Elkhorn Excel (BV)
3: Lincoln East Express
4: Ralston Rush
5: Blair Ovation
6. Lincoln Northeast Voices 'N Harmony
I went to Millard North's premiere the other day, and I was shocked. They are VERY strong in choreography (which is very unusual for me to see, because as a former Infinity member, I knew Infinity as a group that was stronger vocally than choreographically). Along with that, their band is debatably the best band I have EVER seen live. Like their brass section melted my face off. They are definitely a force to be reckoned with this year. THAT BEING SAID- Elkhorn Excel and Lincoln East are known for upsets, and they always come out with surprises. This could definitely be an interesting competition.
Just as an FYI for all people making predictions: in past years, the top scoring group from each Mixed Division tier has automatically made finals, with the rest of the finalists based on points. So, I believe there will be at least one group from each mixed division tier in finals.
GC: Millard North ( BB , BV , Best Female Soloist )
1RU:Elkhorn
2RU Lincoln East ( BC )
3RU Lincoln Northeast
4RU Lincoln East Girls
5RU Millard North Girls
6RU Blair
I have seen Infinity this year and they're actually really good. Infinity has Ben Eklund as a choreographer and it really works well for them. Also Megan has really made infinity something great this year. I think Millard north has always had great female soloist. They have amazing soloist in their closer her name is Olivia Klein and she is killer. Also i heard the Ballad soloist is just as great.
Elkhorn had really came out of the blue last year and i can't wait to see them this year.
For clarification, the schedule says that there will be 7 finalists. Nic is right that it has fluctuated in the past from 6-8 finalists (unintentionally or intentionally), but barring any scoring errors or anything along those lines there will be 7 finalists at Primetime.
Beginning of the year predictions are always near impossible but they are fun so here goes!
GC: Millard North (BV, BB)
1RU: Lincoln East (BC)
2RU: Elkhorn
3RU: Blair
4RU: Bellevue East
5RU: Lincoln Northeast
6RU: York
edit: I have been informed that prep and women's groups cannot make finals, also one group from each division must make finals as winning your division gets you into finals.
Really pulling for Millard North here so I might be a bit biased ;) but who isn't? Especially for the first week of the year. This competition will be quite interesting because these three groups (Millard North, with their new director, Elkhorn, with their upsets last year, and Lincoln East, another surprise last year) have had a recent rise to notoriety and I'm excited to see what they can do this year! I believe this will be a close one among the top three
Alright folks, so similar to last year's comp, they'll probably be taking anywhere from 6-10 finalists, depending on the weather. Let the predictions begin!