Ayumi Hamasaki turns first solo Singapore concert into full-blown musical spectacle, Entertainment News
As the red curtains lifted on her first solo concert in Singapore, so did the roar from a sea of pink light sticks. The 360-degree arena setup for I am Ayu - Ep. II ensured that no seat was a bad one, and no moment felt out of reach.
But this wasn't just a concert - it played more like a theatrical production, with choreographed transitions, cinematic interludes, and a narrative arc that turned the night into a pop-powered musical journey. A production beyond pop
From the moment Ayumi opened with Inspire in her gold Cleopatra-like fit, it was clear this wasn't a typical pop concert, but more like a Broadway set. Each performance had its own mood and costume, ranging from high-gloss futurism to soft, string-led ballads.
Songs like Moments and Voyage were reinterpreted with theatrical flair, with one sequence featuring dancers in flowing robes moving around her like a living sculpture. Between songs, short video interludes carried forward a loose storyline - part dream, part memory - giving the entire show a structured, almost operatic feel. J-pop reinvented
While nostalgia was baked into the setlist - with staples like Heaven and Boys & Girls drawing the biggest reactions - Ayumi made room for new material too. Her 2025 single Mimosa was performed with stripped-back lighting and a minimalist arrangement, allowing her vocals to take centre stage.
Long-time followers would know of the pop star's hearing loss and vocal challenges since 2008 and how she has scaled back her international performances in recent years. But the 46-year-old's performance on Saturday was steady and, at times, impressively restrained. Rather than overpower, she leaned into emotional delivery, especially during the encore ballads.
In a brief address mid-show, she acknowledged the long gap and thanked fans in English, saying, "It's been too long. I've missed you." A one-night-only affair
Despite demand, there are no additional Southeast Asia dates confirmed on this tour. That didn't stop fans from across the region - Malaysia, Thailand, even China - from flying in for the show, many dressed in official fanclub gear or recreations of her iconic outfits from past tours.
Outside the stadium, merchandise queues snaked around the concourse hours before doors opened, and inside, pink light sticks blinked in sync - a sign of just how tightly knit the Team Ayu fandom remains.
Ayumi's night in Singapore was pure J‑pop grandeur - and if this is episode two, we're already counting down to the next chapter.
@ayu_19980408 #ayumihamasaki makes her grand entrance in Singapore! 😍#ayuasiatour2025#AyumiHamasakiinSG#浜崎あゆみ pic.twitter.com/Qh7pesTOmI
— AsiaOne (@asiaonecom) July 5, 2025
lynette@asiaone.com
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The 15-year-old has been training at SM Universe in Seoul since February, after it scouted her in January based on her dance videos on social media. Noting her drive and high potential for growth, SM Universe (Singapore) offered Cassa a six-month scholarship programme to train at the main academy. The scholarship covers training academy fees and partial support for her living expenses in Seoul. Singaporean teen Cassa Tan is pursuing her K-pop dreams at SM Universe training academy in Seoul. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CASSA TAN As a pre-trainee – one who has yet to be officially accepted by SM Entertainment – Cassa is expected to keep up with the demanding K-pop training as well as her studies at a South Korean performing arts high school. 'On weekdays, I attend school until the afternoon, followed by vocal and dance training, practice sessions and Korean lessons,' she says. 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His advice to those who are serious about pursuing a K-pop career is to consistently refine their technical skills through specialised training, and to take advantage of 'Singapore's multilingualism to give them an edge in today's increasingly globalised K-pop industry'. K-pop agencies look for star potential, individuals who show promise to grow artistically and carry themselves with authenticity and confidence, says Mr Ang. He adds that as the K-pop industry is highly competitive, versatility has become key. It is no longer sufficient to specialise in one area, such as dance or vocals. Qti getting pointers and feedback from an industry expert. ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH 'SM Universe (Singapore) is committed to creating tangible pathways for our students, connecting high-potential talent with the right industry opportunities, and equipping them with the skills and attitude needed to thrive in the entertainment industry,' says Mr Ang. The academy is designing its flagship 21-week training programme, which is likely to commence in early 2026. It will culminate in a one-week enrichment trip to the SM Universe campus in Seoul, where top students have the opportunity to audition with South Korean entertainment agencies. Says Mr Ang: 'The journey towards becoming a K-pop idol requires commitment and perseverance, and a strong foundation must first be built.' Cherise says: 'I know I still have a long way to go, but my goal is to become the best version of myself.' Qti adds: 'Being consistent and hardworking is super important – you can't just rely on talent. Having an understanding of the K-pop industry is also helpful. 'If I can't become an idol, I will pursue a behind-the-scenes role in the K-pop world, like being a stylist for the idols.'
