Screwing up: Cute Ayu or Mediocre Ayu?

[HiruNoKaze]

I think it's safe to say that Ayu touches a soft spot in most of our hearts here when she forgets her lyrics. Nevertheless, I'm sure I'm not the only one who's wondered how many people think the same way we do. Because there are always the critics, I can't help wondering how many people in Japan do love Ayu even more for her little mistakes. I can imagine droves of people thinking to themselves, "you've gotta be kidding me. i didnt pay a crap load of money to watch a mediocre performer like you screw up," or "that's LAME Koda Kumi wouldn't screw up like that!" (Koda as an example; I hardly know anything about her lol) .

It's interesting to compare our reactions to her mistakes with the reaction one would have if a renowned classical soloist made a mistake at a concert. In the one case, having fun and the expression of the performer's personality is emphasized. In the other, the greatest importance is placed upon attaining perfect expression of the piece. They are such vastly differing philosophies...well, I guess that's why you'd have to call Ayu an entertainer instead of just a singer...

Moreover, I wonder whether Japanese culture tends more towards viewing it as cute instead of mediocre. I don't think many Americans would be very tolerant if an American performer were to do it, much less receptive.

I suppose that if she were to try to ride the "look how cute I am, forgetting all my lyrics" all the time, not only would people start viewing it as unprofessional, but the act would also become cliche. I think that because she's proven what she's made of, few blame her for forgetting lyrics now and then. She's had some pretty awesomely profound performances; her attitude is probably too serious and focused to forget lyrics while singing something like Duty or Memorial Address. Maybe she forgets nowadays because she's having too much fun on stage? Maybe that time on TV with Voyage was just because she was feeling ditzy...

PS Was watching some of CDL0506 today, very pleasant surprise