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I rewatched the performances to see if I could see where the disappointment in her vocals is coming from...and I just don't see what's evoking such a reaction. Maybe it's what we're contrasting this performance with? If someone is comparing her vocals maybe with contemporaries like Adele or Beyoncé, I could understand the embarrassment, but ayu has never been a strong vocalist (not even in her prime, honestly). If we're comparing this performance with those that were posted a few pages back from 2000 and 2003...is that really fair? It's been almost 2 decades since those performances. Are we really expecting her to sound the same?
Now, if we're comparing her vocals to recent live releases...I think it's important to remember that her vocals are heavily edited when she releases a concert DVD. You can truly hear the autotune, unlike this Music Station performance. This was her raw, natural voice.
I don't mean to sound like I'm attempting to invalidate the general opinion (because trust me, I'm far from an ayu-stan). I'm just curious as to what was expected and why? What are we comparing this performance with that's giving rise to such disappointment among the fandom? Honest question that I'd like to hear opinions on.
Also, when it comes to ayu's appearance and the way she presents herself...I for one don't really think twice about whether she's trying hard to look like a 20-year old and whatnot, and I guess it's because as ayu stopped caring over the years, I did too. Also, I stopped hoping for her to revert back to the ayumi hamasaki that was deep and hands-on when it came to her artistry long ago. It's been a while since this latter phase of her career began, and I've kinda been able to accept it much more easily than other people, and I think that's due in part to becoming a fan later in her career (just before her 10th anniversary).
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