Latest news with #Hamasaki
Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Concert review: Ayumi Hamasaki's first S'pore solo show blends iconic songs with theatrical flair
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The concert's first half resembled a musical, with Ayumi Hamasaki and her dancers embodying characters in various storylines woven together by her songs. Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2025 I Am Ayu - Singapore Singapore Indoor Stadium July 5 Queen of J-pop Ayumi Hamasaki finally performed her first solo concert in Singapore on July 5 – and what an entrance she made. As the red curtains rose, more than a dozen dancers in striking gold costumes were seen centre stage. The 46-year-old superstar then emerged, looking radiant in a Cleopatra-inspired Egyptian outfit and holding a sceptre. The near-10,000-strong capacity crowd at the Singapore Indoor Stadium went wild as she opened the show with three rock-influenced numbers – Inspire (2004), Duty (2000) and Microphone (2010). Hamasaki, or Ayu as she is known to her fans, debuted in 1998. Her rise to fame – from a flashy street-wise 'ah lian' to a polished pop princess to now the empress of pop – captivated a massive audience in Japan and beyond. At the concert, Hamasaki's widespread appeal was evident. Many concertgoers were dressed in leopard-print outfits – her signature – or T-shirts bearing her iconic 'A' logo. There were also fans who flew in from China. The singer-songwriter had kicked off her Asia tour – her first in 16 years – in Shanghai in November 2024. She later travelled to other Chinese cities – Chengdu, Ningbo and Guangzhou – and ended the tour in Japan's capital Tokyo in December 2024. Her sequel tour, or as she titled it, started in Tokyo on April 8. Her upcoming stops include Taipei, as well as Japanese cities Hiroshima, Osaka, Sendai and Fukuoka. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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There were moments of despair, betrayal, misunderstanding and distance, as well as courage, hope and love. For instance, during Endless Sorrow (2001), Hamasaki's wrist was bound to a pillar surrounded by despondent dancers. The scene poignantly conveyed the anguish of being caught in grief and inner turmoil. Then, as she performed her iconic 1999 hit End Roll, a song about accepting change and letting go of the past, she ultimately 'died' in the arms of her beloved. But the mood lifted when she reappeared on stage in a bride-inspired ensemble. Her heartfelt delivery of lines like 'We are on this journey to be happy', from the 2002 ballad Voyage, had the audience singing along and waving their light sticks. J-pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki opened the show in a Cleopatra-inspired Egyptian outfit and holding a scepter that exuded power. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Now a mother of two and having faced challenges like the loss of hearing in one ear, Hamasaki's songs felt more powerful and authentic than ever. However, the transitions between sets felt awkward and confusing. The audience experience would also have been greatly improved if there were lyrics projected on-screen in romaji and with English translations. As the 2½-hour show entered its second half, it transitioned to 'concert mode'. Dressed in a red hip-hop-inspired outfit, Hamasaki performed alternative dance-rock hits Evolution (2001) and Startin' (2006). It was not until the encore that she addressed the concertgoers in fluent English, confessing her nervousness about their reaction to her debut solo show in Singapore. She had performed at the MTV Asia Music Awards here in 2002, when she was named Most Influential Japanese Singer in Asia. She described their warm response to her solo gig as 'beyond her imagination' before exclaiming: 'I'm the happiest person in the world now.' The crowd was captivated by her unique blend of commanding vocals and an endearingly anime-like speaking voice. J-pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki's performance blends iconic songs with theatrical flair. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI After an emotional rendition of My All (2008), an ode to unwavering love and gratitude, she exited the stage in tears. Many in the audience were inspired by her energy and resilience. For 47-year-old hairstylist Satoko Enomoto, who has lived in Singapore for six years, the concert exceeded her expectations. This was her first Hamasaki show. 'I was amazed by how Ayu's music still feels timeless yet fresh. It reflects her ability to honour the past while constantly innovating, always remaining stylish, strong and inspiring,' she says. 'I believe that's what makes her truly special and allows her to connect with fans across different generations.'
Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Straits Times
J-pop star Ayumi Hamasaki spotted at Marina Bay Sands and Lau Pa Sat
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Ayumi Hamasaki is holding her first solo concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on July 5. SINGAPORE - Another day, another international celebrity spotted in Singapore. J-pop star Ayumi Hamasaki, who is holding her first solo concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on July 5, arrived in town on July 3. According to photos and videos posted on social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu, TikTok and Instagram on July 3, the 46-year-old was spotted at Marina Bay Sands and Lau Pa Sat hawker centre. Dressed in black and wearing a hat and scarf, the Japanese singer was seen in one video with her entourage and staff members walking around The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and waving at fans who recognised her. She was also sighted looking at the food stalls at Lau Pa Sat. Ayumi Hamasaki (Official), an account run by her team, shared on Instagram Stories on July 3 a video of Hamasaki toasting her staff after buying mugs of beer. 'Hello Singapore TA. I can't wait to see you all,' said the caption. TA refers to Team Ayu, her official fan club. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $3b money laundering case: 9 financial institutions handed $27.45m in MAS penalties over breaches Singapore Seller's stamp duty hike will curb short-term speculation; market effect likely minimal: Analysts Singapore NTUC says some foreigners taking on platform work illegally, calls for work group to address issue World Trump says countries to start paying tariffs on Aug 1, floats range of 10% to 70% Singapore Sengkang murder: Man accused of killing elderly mother escorted back to crime scene Singapore Tourism bump from Lady Gaga concerts raked in up to estimated $150m for Singapore economy Singapore Jail for man who recruited 2 Japanese women for prostitution at MBS Life Book review: OB Markers sequel Ink And Influence makes catch-22 proposal for The Straits Times Hamasaki, known as Ayu to her fans, also took to Instagram Stories on July 4 and shared a voice letter addressed to them. 'I heard that you guys were waiting and all lined up at the airport today,' she said in English. 'I'm so sorry that I couldn't meet you guys. I just didn't know... Don't worry, I'll see you guys tomorrow (at the concert). Have a good rest.' Hamasaki's Singapore show is part of her Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2025 A: I Am Ayu - which kicked off in Tokyo on April 8. Her upcoming stops include Taipei as well as Japanese cities Hiroshima, Osaka, Sendai and Fukuoka.
Metro
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Japan's 'Empress of Pop' addresses claims Elon Musk is father of her child
A huge Japanese pop star, Ayumi Hamasaki, has addressed the rumours that she secretly had Elon Musk's baby. The speculation started when another of the women Musk had a child with – MAGA author and influencer Ashley St. Clair – told The New York Times that he had a baby with a Japanese pop star. Hamasaki quickly became the primary suspect as fans discussed which J-Pop star St. Clair might have been referring to. 'I've been keeping an eye on this, and I guess it's time for me to speak up. Elon Musk is not the father of [either of] my children,' Hamasaki wrote on her Instagram Story, according to Tokyo Weekender. Hamasaki, 46, has two sons with two different men, born in 2019 and 2021. She has never revealed the identities of the fathers. According to text messages obtained by The Wall Street Journal, Musk texted St. Clair in 2023 about meeting with 'Japanese officials' about becoming a sperm donor for a high-profile Japanese woman. 'He made it seem like it was just his altruism and he generally believed these people should just have children,' St. Clair, who gave birth to his 13th child last year, said. 'They want me to be a sperm donor. No romance or anything, just sperm,' Musk texted St. Clair before telling her he had agreed to give his sperm to the woman. Musk has previously claimed that 'civilization is going to crumble' if people don't continue to have children, and views his paternal contributions as a way of combating this. Hamasaki laughed off the rumours, admitting its the kind of thing she might do: 'Even my mom laughed when she heard the rumours, saying, 'This seems kind of Ayu-like,' and if I were someone else, I'd probably be saying 'Ayu is the pop star [St Clair] was talking about, right?' But it's just not true,' she said on Instagram. She continued, in a more serious tone: 'Setting aside my personal image, when my kids are old enough to start Googling things, I don't want them to run into the rumors and think they're true, so I'm firmly denying them,' the singer added. Hamasaki is the best-selling solo artist in Japan, having sold over 50million albums and earning her the title 'Empress of Pop' across all of Asia. As of 2025, Musk has fathered at least 14 children with four different women. Musk's first known children were with his ex-wife Justine Wilson, a Canadian author. The couple had six children together: Their first son, Nevada Alexander, tragically died of SIDS at just 10 weeks old. They later welcomed twins, Griffin and Vivian, in 2004, followed by triplets, Kai, Saxon, and Damian, in 2006. In 2022, Vivian publicly distanced herself from Musk, coming out as transgender, legally changing her name, and adopting her mother's surname. Musk also shares three children with musician Grimes (Claire Boucher). Their first child, X Æ A-Xii, was born in 2020 and became a viral sensation thanks to his name. He was also spotted at the White House last week – without his mother's consent. 'He should not be in public like this,' Grimes wrote following the appearance. 'I did not see this, thank u for alerting me. But I'm glad he was polite. Sigh.' In 2021, the couple welcomed a daughter, Exa Dark Sideræl, via surrogate. Despite a publicly rocky relationship, they had a third child, Techno Mechanicus (nicknamed Tau), reportedly born in 2024. In 2021, Musk quietly had twins with Shivon Zilis, an executive at his brain-computer interface company Neuralink. The births weren't publicly known until court documents surfaced in 2022. More Trending Since then, Zilis and Musk have had two more children: one in early 2024 and another – a son named Seldon Lycurgus – in February 2025. His child with St. Clair was only revealed in February, after St Clair, who has over a million followers on X wrote: 'Five months ago, I welcomed a new baby into the world. Elon Musk is the father.' She added: 'I have not previously disclosed this to protect our child's privacy and safety, but in recent days, it has become clear that tabloid media intends to do so, regardless of the harm it will cause.' After the billionaire commented 'whoa' in response, St Clair wrote a now deleted comment: 'Elon, we have been trying to communicate for the past several days, and you have not responded. When are you going to reply to us instead of publicly responding to smears from an individual who just posted photos of me in underwear at 15 years old?' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: David Harbour explains his dating preference after Lily Allen split MORE: Elon Musk says he 'went too far' with posts about Donald Trump MORE: Elizabeth Hurley, 60, strips down to birthday suit as she confesses she's 'in love'
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
J-Pop Star Comes Clean on Claims She's Newest Musk Baby Mama
A Japanese performed dubbed the 'Empress of J-Pop' broke her silence Monday on rumors that she is a secret Elon Musk's baby mama. Ayumi Hamasaki denied the theory that she was one of the multiple women with whom Musk had fathered a child after an another baby mama told The New York Times that he had a child with a Japanese pop star. 'I've been keeping an eye on this, and I guess it's time for me to speak up. Elon Musk is not the father of [either of] my children,' Hamasaki wrote on her Instagram Story, according to Tokyo Weekender. Hamasaki, 46, has two sons with two different men, born in 2019 and 2021. The fathers' identities have not been publicly revealed. The rumors around the singer began to spread when MAGA author and influencer Ashley St. Clair—who gave birth to his 13th child, a son, last year—claimed that the billionaire had also told her that he had a child with a J-pop star. Musk has previously claimed that 'civilization is going to crumble' if people did not have children, stating that 'I do have a lot of kids, and I encourage others to have lots of kids.' 'He made it seem like it was just his altruism and he generally believed these people should just have children,' St. Clair said. According to text messages reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, Musk texted St. Clair in 2023 about a meeting he had with people he referred to as Japanese officials, saying that they wanted him to be a sperm donor for a high-profile woman. 'They want me to be a sperm donor. No romance or anything, just sperm,' Musk texted St. Clair, later telling her that he agreed to give his sperm to the unnamed woman. As social media users and J-Pop forums began speculating which Japanese star St. Clair could be referring to, Hamasaki quickly became the prime suspect. The singer admitted she could understand why this seemed like the 'sort of thing' she would do. 'Even my mom laughed when she heard the rumors, saying, 'This seems kind of Ayu-like,' and if I were someone else, I'd probably be saying 'Ayu is the pop star [St Clair] was talking about, right?' But it's just not true,' she said on Instagram. 'Setting aside my personal image, when my kids are old enough to start Googling things, I don't want them to run into the rumors and think they're true, so I'm firmly denying them,' the singer added. Hamasaki is the best-selling solo artist in Japan, having sold over 50 million albums. Her influence across Asia has earned her the title the 'Empress of Pop.' Musk's complicated family dynamics have long been in the spotlight. His first six children, the eldest of whom died as a baby, were with first wife Justine Wilson, and include transgender daughter Vivian Wilson, who has become a prominent public critic. He went on to have son X, now five, with Canadian musician Grimes, then two more children during an on-off relationship. But in July 2022, when the relationship with Grimes had apparently recently ended, he had twins with Neuralink executive Shivon Zillis. He then had two more children with Zillis, the latest born this year shortly after his son with St. Clair. On her end, St. Clair is currently in an ongoing custody battle with Musk over their son, Romulus, the MAGA influencer wanting full custody over their child. She officially announced the pair's secret child on X in February, asking for privacy from the media and to 'refrain from invasive reporting.' 'Five months ago, I welcomed a new baby into the world. Elon Musk is the father,' she wrote in a statement on X with the caption 'Alea Iacta Est,' meaning 'the die is cast.' In March, Musk also took to his app to claim that he had given St. Clair enough money to take care of their child, despite not knowing whether Romulus was his or not. 'I don't know if the child is mine or not, but am not against finding out. No court order is needed,' he wrote. 'Despite not knowing for sure, I have given Ashley $2.5M and am sending her $500k/year.' According to the Journal, the paternity test results from Labcorp revealed that Musk's 'Probability of Paternity' was 99.9999%.
The Star
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Elon Musk is not the father of my kids: Ayumi Hamasaki sets the record straight
Ayumi Hamasaki went on social media earlier this week to quash rthe umours that Elon Musk is her baby daddy. Photos: Ayumi Hamasaki/Instagram, AP Japanese pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki would like you to know that Elon Musk is not the father of her two children, thank you very much. This misunderstanding stemmed from a New York Times article in late May, where one of Musk's ex-flames, Ashley St. Clair, said that the American billionaire had fathered the child of "a Japanese pop star". Some netizens believe it's Japanese TV personality Tenka Hashimoto, while others suspect it's 46-year-old Hamasaki. For the record, Musk, 53, has already fathered 14 children with several different women. Hamasaki went on social media earlier this week to quash the rumours. 'I've been keeping an eye on this, and I guess it's time for me to speak up. Elon Musk is not the father of [either of] my kids," the singer said on Instagram on June 2. The J-pop star, who has been married twice, has two children aged six and four. She has remained tight-lipped about their father's identity. Hamasaki is more amused than upset at the rumours. She said: "I mean, I can understand if someone were to think it seems like the sort of thing I'd do. Even my mum laughed when she heard the rumours, saying, 'This seems kind of Ayu-like'." Hamasaki added that she felt the need to set the record straight for the sake of her children. 'Setting aside my personal image, when my kids are old enough to start Googling things I don't want them to run into the rumours and think they're true, so I'm firmly denying them," she said.
