There’s a popular description of idols these days, in which they’re being called ‘3-second singers’. It came about once idol groups began to have members that numbered into the double digits, resulting in some members having only three seconds of singing time. Others have started to express harsher criticisms, such as “What kind of singer are you, when you can’t even sing?”
A rebuttal has been created in the form of a TV program. Members from several idol groups have come together for a singing competition called “Immortal Song 2“, which has also been dubbed as the idol version of “I Am A Singer“.
“Immortal Song 2″ had its first recording on May 23rd with 2AM’s Changmin, Super Junior’s Yesung, SISTAR’s Hyorin, SHINee’s Jonghyun, B2ST’s Yoseob, and IU. In anticipation of its premiere on June 4th, the contestants sat down for a brief interview about the show.
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<Don’t compare it with “I Am A Singer”>
Changmin said, “Rather than being caught up in our performance rankings, we plan to simply show that we are hardworking. Since we each have variety show experience, we will use this strength to create a fun atmosphere.”
The mission on their first day was to remake a hit song from Shim Boo Song, who actually sang for the opening of the show and stayed behind to watch her juniors perform. Super Junior’s Yesung expressed his nervousness by saying, “It makes me nervous to think about performing a solo in front of Shim Soo Bong. I have to guard my team’s honor – whew, it’s burdensome.” IU also admitted that she felt the pressure: “My heart is fluttering because it’s a song from a singer that my grandma and mother like… Everyone is complimenting me, but I’m worried that I won’t meet their expectations.”
It could be said that IU’s feelings reflect those of her castmates, as their vocal abilities were oftentimes discounted or dismissed because of their status as ‘idol stars’. Jonghyun showed his desire to break out of the stereotype by confessing, “Taking this as an opportunity to show a completely different side to myself, I prepared a lot amidst my overseas activities.”
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<No eliminations, just pick 1st place>
While “Immortal Song 2″ will have each contestant sing their version of songs just like on “I Am A Singer”, there will be no eliminations. The six castmates will be judged by a 200-member audience and the first place singer will be named from those votes. Each singer will also received pointers and tips from the original artists of the songs they cover.
For the show’s first recording, the audience was filled with 30+ year olds because they’re the generation that can most accurately judge the performances. 45-year-old Kwak Tae Ho said, “Each of Shim Soo Bong’s songs have a story. The key is in how you stress the emotions. More than vocal ability, it’s the expression that counts.” 45-year-old Choi Eun Hi mused, “Since songs go beyond time, I hope that these remakes will make Shim Soo Bong fans out of the younger generations.”
Idol fans have also expressed their anticipation. IU fan Kim Young Rae said, “I look forward to seeing how IU will remake her senior’s song. I hope she does well so she can have more elderly folks like her.”
While the primary focus of the shows is on music, the idols will bring their various skills to the stage, such as rapping and dancing. It’s said that for this particular challenge, their free-wheeling spirit brought a 30-year-old song into the 21st century. Shim Soo Bong was unable to take her eyes off the stage as she exclaimed, “I didn’t know that [these songs] could have such a different color! I feel like I received the best gift in my life as a singer.”
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<Old songs that will revive K-pop>
Although it has yet to air, “Immortal Song 2″ is already forcing the other music-based reality programs to step up their game. In fact, “Immortal Song 2″ is unique in that it focuses on idol contestants only. Currently, Korea has national talent shows like “Superstar K” and “Birth of a New Star“, which creates new artists; on the other hand, there’s “I Am a Singer”, which allows for more veteran singers to make a comeback.
“Immortal Song 2″, therefore, will find itself plumb in-between those two extremes. As such, it’s speculated that the response for the show will be the hottest amongst its peers. There’s already a palpable tension between fan clubs, and producers have expressed their concerns about fan clubs sneaking into the audience and skewing the votes.
Sharing his honest thoughts about idol singers, producer Go Min Gyu said, “When it come to musicality and completeness, these idols in their teens and 20’s can’t do as well as those on ‘I Am a Singer’“. Consequently, he asked that viewers look at the show as a period of vocal growth for the contestants.
He emphasized that they are K-pop stars who are able bring together generations of music-lovers, and mused that, “We are also looking at the possibility that the idol remakes may spur a new Hallyu movement.”
cr: allkpop
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