[article] MTVAsia Interview, February 2002

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Ayumi Hamasaki has never given a performance outside of her country before February 2, 2002. So when the Japanese superstar came down to Singapore to perform at the MTV Asia Awards, her legions of fans in Southeast Asia were surprised and flabbergasted. When the petite singer walked the red carpet at the MTV Asia Awards on February 2, you could hear screams of hysteria from her die-hard fans.

MTV Asia had a one-on-one interview with the J-Pop sensation at the Fullerton Hotel the night before the MTV Asia Awards. She had just arrived from Newton Hawker Center savoring some Singapore food and looked a bit tired. Still, Ayumi was poised and calm as she answered questions about the MTV Asia Awards, her thoughts about Singapore and her role model.

By MTVAsia.com's PATRICK CHNG

You're here for the MTV Asia Awards. What are you looking forward to most at the awards?

I watch MTV at home all the time and the chance to perform at an MTV event outside of Japan and spending time with people outside of Japan and also the fans are what I'm looking forward to most.

If given a chance to perform with any artist, who would you pick?

Madonna. I have always wanted to sing with Madonna. There was recently a book published in Japan and up 'til now I had just thought Madonna was a great looker with great style. But reading the book, I got in touch with the human side of Madonna so she's become an even greater influence -- a greater idol.

This is your first time in Singapore. What do you like most about the country?

It's very different from what I imagined. Very like Shinjuku, with all the high rise buildings. I wasn't expecting anything as cosmopolitan.

Who is your female role model?

Not because I want to be exactly like this person but the person I feel is very great and very intelligent is my mother. And I admire her.

What is your definition of a perfect woman?

What appeals to me most about people is that they have flaws -- their imperfection. And what's what I feel is attractive -- people's imperfection.

From http://www.mtvasia.com