Popular SM Boy Group’s “Trainwreck” Live Vocals Spark Massive Criticism

Some felt they had improved, however.

NCT WISH are facing harsh criticism over their vocal skills.

NCT WISH | SM Entertianment

On May 1, the group attended Music Bank, where they were nominated for first place against AKMU. The boy group outscored the duo in more than one category, leading to their first win for “Ode To Love,” their latest comeback.

🏆 NCT WISH takes 1st place on today’s Music Bank with “Ode to Love”.

Congratulations to @nctwishofficial and NCTzen! 💚🎉#OdeToLove1stWin #NCTWISH9thWin#NCTWISH #엔시티위시
(260501) pic.twitter.com/4aR0ZrNbrG

— KPOP Shows (@KshowAnalysis1) May 1, 2026

As usual, the group performed a live encore after accepting the award for the fans in attendance.

Afterwards, the performance was posted to a popular site, where netizens weighed in on their vocal skills. For many, the group did not measure up to expectations, with some even saying that the group’s main vocalists, Jaehee failed to impress.

• “The Wish kids lowered NCT’s overall skill level…”
• “Even though they’re rookies, SM idols usually have good skills, so this is kind of shocking…”
• “People say to give the main vocalist more parts, but based on this, even giving him more wouldn’t help much… they’re not that good and don’t really have the ability to carry (a performance).”
• “It’s a total disaster… how did they even debut? What was SM thinking debuting kids who don’t even have the basics?

Others felt that the group had improved some, but still had room for more growth.

• “If their in-ear monitors weren’t working, that could explain it… if they just stayed on pitch it would’ve been fine. Still, it’s their own song, so they need more practice.”
• “They do seem better than before though. Let’s keep practicing going forward ”
• “They’re not good, but I don’t think they’re that bad either lol. It’s not as shocking as other people who are known for being terrible.”

On the other hand, international fans praised the group’s live vocals, commenting pride in their improvement.

wishies' clear and stable vocals for the encore they really never fail to make us proud of them☺️ pic.twitter.com/Rbp0fCBnIf

— chris🍀 | 정祐천乐ᴺᶜᵀ (@woozenniee) May 1, 2026

everyone’s vocals have improved sooo much i’m serious https://t.co/RtyFHx5rLa

— nico 🐹🪽 (@jwichens) May 1, 2026

Im so proud of my wishies bro :’3 https://t.co/RfTFjab7cb

— buns Ი𐑼 ໒꒱ིྀ༝⁺ 𝑜𝒹𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 ⭑.ᐟ (@sakuchew) May 1, 2026

NCT