This was supposed to be in my review of AKB0048 Episode 3, but since there is a lot to talk about, I decided to make a post all about it.
When it comes to idol auditions in Japan, there are multiple rounds. It generally follows the scheme of application round --> intensive training round --> final judgement round. There can be different rounds between each and within these rounds.
- The application round is based solely on the application form.
- The intensive training round involves intensive training in singing and dancing, as well as learning a new song or a new dance. After learning the new song and dance routine, they must show all their hard work to judges. This round will demonstrate to the judges how quickly these girls can learn songs and dances under pressure. Most importantly, it provides the girls with vital training necessary to become an idol.
- The final judgement round selects those who have officially made it into the group.
In AKB0048, the first round was a video audition. The second round was intensive training with judging at the end of it. There was no final round, as the judging in the 2nd round eliminated many of the girls, leaving us with the 77th generation.
Let's look at some televised auditions from over the years, starting from the most recent.
Audition #1
Let's take a look at the auditions for the AKB48 sister group, NMB48. NMB stands for Namba in Osaka, which is where they are primarily focusing to get there talent from. This is to keep up with the idea of "idols you can meet", so Aki-P has started sister groups in different regions of Japan like with SKE48 (Nagoya's Sakae), and the newest sister group, HKT48 (Fukuoka's Hakate). The thing with NMB48 is that many people, especially celebrities, don't think an idol group will be successful in Osaka because Osaka is known to be the comedy central of Japan.
- The application round is based solely on the application form.
- The intensive training round involves intensive training in singing and dancing, as well as learning a new song or a new dance. After learning the new song and dance routine, they must show all their hard work to judges. This round will demonstrate to the judges how quickly these girls can learn songs and dances under pressure. Most importantly, it provides the girls with vital training necessary to become an idol.
- The final judgement round selects those who have officially made it into the group.
In AKB0048, the first round was a video audition. The second round was intensive training with judging at the end of it. There was no final round, as the judging in the 2nd round eliminated many of the girls, leaving us with the 77th generation.
Let's look at some televised auditions from over the years, starting from the most recent.
Audition #1
Let's take a look at the auditions for the AKB48 sister group, NMB48. NMB stands for Namba in Osaka, which is where they are primarily focusing to get there talent from. This is to keep up with the idea of "idols you can meet", so Aki-P has started sister groups in different regions of Japan like with SKE48 (Nagoya's Sakae), and the newest sister group, HKT48 (Fukuoka's Hakate). The thing with NMB48 is that many people, especially celebrities, don't think an idol group will be successful in Osaka because Osaka is known to be the comedy central of Japan.
