Xinmsn - Ayumi Hamasaki brings the house down at a-nation Singapore
 

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Fans of Ayumi Hamasaki, the Empress of J-Pop, finally had a taste of her show-stopping stage presence and performance at last night’s a-nation Singapore Premium Showcase, 12 years after her first performance in Singapore in 2002 for the MTV Asia Awards.

The petite songstress who just turned 36 years old two weeks ago was the headlining act at the first-ever overseas a-nation concert in Singapore which co-featured artistes like m-flo, Wagakki Band, Sonar Pocket, Aaron Yan and GENERATIONS.

The four hour-long gig held at Marina Bay Sands’ MasterCard Theatres showcased the very best of Japan’s music scene, from Wagakki band’s traditional music fused with modern rock beats to boyband Sonar Pocket’s uplifting songs and m-flo’s party remixes – there was something for everyone.

In the fashion of saving the very best for the last, Ayumi finally took the stage at 8 p.m. Promising to showcase more than just her music at this performance, the award-winning artiste also brought with her a big entourage of at least 20 musicians and dancers (we counted a total of 13 dancers, 5 musicians and 2 backup singers on stage). Despite the limited stage space, no efforts were spared to bring forth the best she had to offer fans.

Thanks to her massive entourage, it felt as if we were watching snippets from her 15th Anniversary Tour A-Best concert unfold on stage. Ayumi’s vocals were in tip-top condition last night too and she impressed with her range, going from soft and gentle to strong and powerful for songs like ‘Memorial Address’ and ‘A Song for XX’.

J-Pop and music enthusiasts weren’t the only ones who thronged the venue for a glimpse of their favourite bands and Queen Ayu. MediaCorp artiste Romeo Tan, who once told xinmsn that his idol is Ayumi Hamasaki, was spotted amongst the crowds last night as he finally fulfilled his dream of watching his “childhood idol” perform live.

In a phone interview with xinmsn after the concert, the self-declared Ayu “fan boy” said, “I still feel quite surreal. My mind was in a blank when the countdown started because I’ve been watching her through TV and DVDs for so many years and I’m finally able to see her tonight. I almost felt like crying (laughs). Her songs have been accompanying me since I was young and for more than 10 years and listening to her perform tonight reminded me of my childhood days.”

A true blue Ayu fan, apart from having a personal collection of music CDs and DVDs, Romeo also had no trouble listing the songs (‘Memorial Address’, ‘A Song for XX’, ‘Evolution’ and ‘Boys & Girls’) performed last night. He also shared a little tidbit he picked up from watching her concert DVDs over the years.

“In all her concerts she'd end with 'Who' because the song defines her and it's always her last song in her concerts. And after that song she'd put her mic on the floor and fingers on her lips until the whole hall is completely silent and she'd shout out 'Arigatou Gozaimashita' (thank you in Japanese). After that she'd take her leave. I thought she'd do that tonight but I’m still very impressed with what I saw.”

More than pleased with his idol’s performance, he felt that Ayumi’s segment “made the whole a-nation concert complete” and gave it a beautiful ending. “She actually fulfilled what fans are expecting and what we wanted to see from her. In this short segment, she sang at least 8 songs and still managed to give us surprises. Even during the intervals, there's always something to look out for,” said Romeo.

“I was so envious about those on the right and left aisle because they got to shake her hands,” he chuckled, “For one moment I wanted to run forward and shake her hands too… Seeing her is like many people seeing Michael Jackson. She’s really my childhood idol.”

http://xin.msn.com/en-sg/entertainme...ore/ss-BB9S5Hj

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It's so nice for Romeo Tan to sing praises about Ayu & he was 2 rows behind me alongside with another local Chinese actor Elvin Ng xD

And what he said about Who... is so true . Guess he really knows his stuff just like any other hardcore loyal fan

That's a really nice article! It's good to read something 100% positive about Ayu for once! =)
Karen, maybe you would like to write a review? I would like to read a review from someone who follows Ayu for so long and finally saw her.

the article is really nice!

Thats cool! I wonder how everyone enjoyed it?!

Yeah I did ! You can read them below , aside from mine :

==> freedreamer
==> jiarongisme
==> KarenPang

Man it was amazing beyond words and honestly you can't get anymore upclose and personal than this

It was so worth it to get the premium vip tickets and my seat was quite close to the stage which was insane . I knew it was not a dream anymore when she finally came out to perform

It was once in a lifetime chance and I am so glad + happy for everyone who were finally able to see Ayu live . 12 years is a long wait but it was so worth it !

Thats good that people loved her so much! This is why she will be around for so long! Fans will always go to her concerts!

this is really nice, such a positive article about her, it's so good to read :)

I'm so happy to read that her "vocals were in tip-top condition" :')

thx for sharing the article.
her performance is really energetic!

Really fun performance!!! And her voice is great too! There is a slight inconsistency in the beginning of Surreal but everything is AWESOME!

I was giving my 100% energy, I am just wondering why the 2 men beside me is just watching and not singing along.. Maybe they are secretly recording the show? If so, I am very sorry because I was a bit loud during Evolution and Boys and Girls

Perfect, thanks! =)
I'm sooooo jealous it's not even funny... xD

Confession time , I actually didn't really wanted to go for a-nation Singapore in the beginning as the event wasn't hyped up/promoted here that well , except for online

I was relieved that I decided to go eventually because man I'm sure if I didn't go , I will regret it super big time . It's not everyday I get to see Ayu so upclose & personal + so many Singaporean fans have waited very long just for her to perform here

I do hope that she will eventually hold a full length solo concert here . I wouldn't mind paying double if not triple on what I paid for a-nation Singapore xD