Episode 176 - Queen of Roses

Queen of Roses (いばらの女王) is the 176th episode of Aikatsu! TV anime series and the 24th episode of its "4th Season". The episode aired on March 17, 2016.

Story
It has finally come down to the last day of the Starlight Queen Cup! The remaining members are Akari Ōzora, Sumire Hikami and Hinaki Shinjō. The Queen Cup with continuing stages of passion will have its results different by only a slim. Hinaki and Sumire had also put in all their effort into their performances.

Summary
The finals for the Starlight Queen Cup will be starting soon. But until then, Akari, Hinaki, and Sumire busily train in hopes of managing to perform the special A-rank Fever Appeal, something that's not been done before. The entire audience must be at the peak of excitement, without it they don't stand a chance. Hinaki asks the girls if they get the chance, will they perform it knowing the risk. While Akari is a bit unsure, Sumire confirms that she's unafraid of the risk and doesn't intend on putting out anything less.

Sumire is hard at work perfecting her dance late into the evening. She really wants to perform this appeal. Just then, Rin shows up to offer Sumire her assistance. She was unable to surpass Juri but she has no regrets, so she wants to make sure Sumire can become the Starlight Queen. As her partner in Dancing Diva she wants to do everything she can. Hearing her passionate words, Sumire agrees. Meanwhile, Madoka promises Akari her own support and help, asking that she try her hardest to become the next Starlight Queen. Akari perks up hearing her light-hearted remarks, and she promises not to let down her cute partner.

Juri comes by to find Hinaki having some tea to reveal she brought some donuts for her. Together they eat while Juri explains that she was worried for Hinaki's performance tomorrow. Hinaki brings up that right now Juri is in first place, but she will still give it her everything to try to defeat her. Juri assures her that she wants her to do her best. Nono and Lisa approach Hinaki with some flowers delivered by Mikuru. Lisa hands over her letter and in it as Hinaki confirms its the the very Mikuru from WW. Mikuru explains the meaning behind these flowers in her letter and how she is supporting Hinaki.

Sumire continues to train while Rin watches her in observation, complimenting how stunning she looks as she dances. While she wants to help Sumire, it feels strange saying anything because of how talented she is already. But Sumire explains that initially she was only fond of the singing aspect as an idol. Dancing with Rin helped her realize that it was also important, and she came to enjoy it also. She wants to show everyone how far she has traveled as an idol tomorrow.

The following morning Akari is recording her weather report when she sees Ozorotter has come with a message wishing her luck. She thanks him and everyone watching, and is encouraged to deliver an inspiring message to her fans watching. She heads to school to find Hinaki and Sumire waiting for her, and together they head inside for the beginning of the final Starlight Queen Cup performances.

Hinaki performs first, and with her powerful performance of Hello Hello, she manages to overcome Juri's ranking as the top idol in the tournament. Sumire then goes out to take her turn, and during her performance of Queen of Roses she attempts to pull off a special A-rank Fever Appeal, but her failure to land it causes her score to final score to drop.

Characters

 * Akari Ōzora
 * Sumire Hikami
 * Hinaki Shinjō
 * Juri Kurebayashi
 * Rin Kurosawa
 * Madoka Amahane
 * Nono Daichi
 * Lisa Shirakaba
 * Mizuki Kanzaki
 * Orihime Mitsuishi
 * Johnny Bepp
 * Mikuru Natsuki
 * Kayoko
 * Tsubasa Sena

Trivia

 * The 3rd and final day of the 3rd Starlight Queen Cup begins on this episode.
 * This is the first time an idol fails to pull off a Special Appeal.