7th Wave of @JAM EXPO 2018 Performers Announced!
Ami Kikuchi Graduates Idoling!!! and “Will Do Her Best Not to Disappear from the Scene”
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Idoling!!! 16 talent Ami Kikuchi graduted from the group after their concert at Tokyo NHK Hall on the 24th, entitled “I no Naka no Idolling!!! Taikai de Bataashingu!!!”
When interviewed on the spot before the concert, Kikuchi commented, “It doesn’t feel real yet, that from tomorrow I’ll no longer be a part of Idoling!!!” But to lighten the mood concerning her graduation added, “I still want to be everyone’s idol.” About her musical career she affirmed, “It may seem like an insult to my six and a half years in Idoling!!!, but if I were to go solo I think a lot about it would get out, so I don’t have any plans to continue my career as a singer.”
She also told about her jealousy towards friend-but-rival Ruriko Kojima, saying, “I’m envious that she’s getting to do whatever work she chooses.”
During the concert Kikuchi performed 31 songs in total, including a “50 Minute Record-breaking Idol Medley”. On choosing the set list on her own, Kikuchi uncertainly spoke with an open mind, “We asked our fans on the radio before what songs they’d like to hear, but I didn’t put any of them in today’s set list.” It was just like her add the comment, “If you were to ask me, ‘Why didn’t you include them?’ I’d say I’m graduating so it doesn’t matter anyways,” which was met with laughter from the audience.
Although saying that she “wanted to end on a smile”, during the concert Kikuchi’s eyes were filled with tears, and after being presented with letters and messages from the other members during the encore MC, tears were streaming down her face.
Perhaps the reality of her graduation finally hitting her, she said during last farewell, “I feel lonely thinking that from tomorrow I won’t be part of Idoling!!! anymore,” and shared her heartfelt resolution, “From now on I’d like to try appearing on variety shows, but if you don’t see me for awhile, surely you’ll say, ‘Kikuchi disappeared,’ right?!” So I want to do my best so you all don’t say that, and ask to continue supporting me after I go solo, as well as Idoling!!!”
A bit of a crybaby when she first joined Idoling!!!, Kikuchi has really grown in character, and is already very in demand among variety programs. Already gaining attention as an idol in the variety world, and not only as a member of Idoling!!!, we’re hoping to see her success spread as a full-fledged idol.
Photo / Text by Naoto Kazama
Translated by Jamie Koide
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