I don't know how the whole Kumi replacing Ayu as Queen of J-pop thing ever got started...sales and fame isn't enough. One of Ayu's biggest strengths is her well-roundedness...not only the types of music that she does but the types of people that she appeals to: young and old. I doubt you can show your mother Kumi's "JUICY" PV or whatever and have her go, "Oh yeah, I'd go to this young lady's concert!"
There's also levels of control in their respective careers. Ayu doesn't like where hers is going? She takes charge, even if she has something to lose (ex: her shrugging off Max during her early days since she felt her voice lessons were too oppressive). Kumi whines a lot about how avex is pushing the sexy envelope too far with her and she feels embarrassed or whatever and yet she continues to do the same thing again and again. That kind of giving up doesn't bring long-lasting success.
And about Hikki taking her place? I'd say Hikki is already on Ayu's level; when people talk of a new Queen of J-pop I think they think more about people who are below Ayu's level. Hikki always gives Ayu a run for her money and sometime even bests her.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DA1SUK1DAY01691
( Source) Her type of hearing loss can come from either physical trauma or acoustic neuroma (a small tumor). I'm assuming it's trauma as she said herself it's "inoperable". However, it makes me wonder if it really is neuroma, because many patients admitted to ringing in the ear. (Not to scare anyone, hopefully. Just out of curiosity.) |
Interesting....well, hopefully Ayu pursues whatever course of action is best
