Why isn't 4th Impact Making a Big Impact (Yet)?

Filipino girl group 4th Impact made waves during their stint on X-Factor UK. With their impressive vocal prowess and dazzling harmonies, many expected them to be the next big stars. But despite their talent and dedicated fanbase, the rise to fame has been a bumpy road. So, what’s going on? Will they ever break through?

4th Impact, originally known as 4th Power, is a girl group from the Philippines consisting of four talented sisters: Almira, Irene, Mylene, and Celina Cercado. They first gained attention on the Philippine edition of X-Factor in 2015, where their stunning performances and unique sound won over both judges and audiences. Their journey continued as they participated in the UK version of the show, solidifying their international presence, but the long-awaited breakthrough still seems elusive.

Streaming Stats and Original Songs

Despite their potential, 4th Impact's success has not translated into mainstream recognition. Here are some of their original singles:

• “Unleash The Diva” (January 2017): Peaked at number 3 on iTunes PH and reached 1,177,428 plays on Spotify, but didn't make a lasting impact in the mainstream music scene.
• “Here We Go” (2022): This catchy tune accumulated 452,208 plays but still failed to penetrate popular charts significantly.
• “K(NO)W MORE” (2022): Garnered 665,266 plays, showing some promise, yet it didn't gain traction beyond their existing fanbase.
• “DISTORTED” (2023): Despite being their U.S. debut, this song struggled to reach 129,279 plays even after 11 months, illustrating the uphill battle they face in gaining international visibility.

With only an average of 16.9k monthly listeners, these numbers highlight the gap between their talent and broader audience engagement.

The Reddit Thread and Fan Reactions

A recent Reddit thread captures the complexities of their situation. A Brazilian user shared their admiration for 4th Impact but lamented how many Filipinos overlook them in favor of other artists. They drew parallels to Anitta, a Brazilian singer who faced skepticism during her early international career. The user noted, “I loved their vocals and everything about them. But when I look at any post about them here, I see how low the natives play the group and run to recommend other acts.” This sentiment reflects a broader struggle for recognition, not just within the Philippines but internationally as well.

While some Filipinos insist that they don't harbor any hatred towards 4th Impact, the indifference toward the group raises questions about how they are perceived at home. This is compounded by the fact that many Filipinos seem more willing to champion other local acts over their own talent.

A redditor (Solid_Wrongdoer4617) said in another thread:

"Radio thats distorted" is that their translation of the saying "radyong sira"? Lol. The song is ok. Maybe just not my cup of tea? It ended flat for me. MV looks ok too. No strong concept tho, just them singing, beauty shots, a bit of dancing and a car. Video looks good but it doesn't stand out.

They've been trying to break through for so long. I genuinely genuinely wish they would but even I can't see myself listening to their music...

They have the talents for sure, I wonder what it would take for them to really go big.

Despite releasing original songs, 4th Impact has struggled to gain the traction they hoped for. While “Unleash The Diva” was their big debut, it didn't ignite a broader conversation or maintain the momentum expected from a group with such talent. One possible reason for this could be that their music often feels overshadowed by their extensive catalog of covers, which, while popular, may hinder their ability to establish a unique identity in the competitive music industry.

Many successful artists work closely with top producers and songwriters to create catchy, marketable music. In contrast, while 4th Impact has demonstrated vocal talent, the songs they release may not resonate enough to capture wider attention. Their track “Here We Go” showcased potential, but like previous efforts, it didn't convert casual listeners into dedicated fans.

I honestly think that they should have promoted "Hate That Girl" more, because to me it has a greater potential. I dunno.

Recent Controversies

Being knee-deep in the recent controversies they're in doesn't help either.

In recent months, 4th Impact faced significant backlash for their handling of a GoFundMe page aimed at caring for their 200 Shih Tzus. The group received heavy criticism from the public and animal rights activists, leading to a swift refund of donations. Almira took to social media to clarify the situation, explaining the challenges they faced with unexpected pet growth. She stated, “I guess I didn't think carefully before I did it because I will do anything in [a] LEGAL WAY just to provide for our dogs.” This incident led to accusations of irresponsibility and drew attention away from their music.

Additionally, Filipino netizens have mocked their appearances and performances, comparing them to local celebrities and critiquing their TikTok covers for unnecessary embellishments. The derogatory comments have contributed to a negative image of the group, making it even more challenging for them to gain a foothold in the industry.

In the midst of all these, the girl group is hoping to win the category for Best Pop Duo or Group Performance at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards with their latest single, "Round and Round."

The Harsh Realities of the Music Industry

In the music world, talent alone often isn’t enough. Success hinges on a mix of timing, strategy, and sometimes even luck. 4th Impact's journey underscores that, despite their vocal gifts, they still need the right ingredients to carve out a space for themselves in a competitive industry. While talent is essential, it’s often the business acumen, market strategy, and sometimes sheer luck that determine who makes it big.

Despite the challenges they face and the criticism that sometimes comes their way, 4th Impact remains a symbol of talent and resilience. As representatives of the Philippines on an international stage, their journey is one that many will continue to follow. Here’s hoping they find the breakthrough they deserve, so the world can finally see the magic they bring to the music scene. Which is why I added "Yet" to the title of this piece. Let's wish 4th Impact all the success as they navigate the complexities of the music world and continue to represent the rich talent of the Philippines.