The MCs of the night were INFINITE'S Woohyun, B2ST's Gikwang, Moon Hee Jun and Danny Ahn.
First off, I think they did a spectacular job running the whole event (even though I don't understand most of what they said)...
The line up for the performances were:
Simon D, Rhythm Power & Dynamic Duo
K.Will feat. INFINITE's Dongwoo and Hoya
B.A.P
T-Ara
INFINITE
SISTAR
Nell
Ailee and Huh Gak
2NE1
B2ST
WOW. Ok, first of all, AMAZING. SO GOOD. Seriously enjoyed it, much much better than MAMA.
INFINITE, SISTAR and B2ST left my jaw hanging. My three favourite performances of the night.
Honestly, I thought all the stages were amazing and well thought out and interesting.
Except... T-Ara's... I'm not sure what their concept was or if the song choice was bad? But I was really bored and uninterested in their performance and actually swapped tabs to Tumblr to see what was going on there. Actually, the other idols looked pretty bored too.
I loved SISTAR's little video skit at the start. Creative, relevant and oh, so sexy! (unfortunately the skit is not shown the the video above). And 2NE1!!! Omfg. I actually like near cried during their red carpet. I haven't seen them in sooooo long and damnnn Bom. So hot, you make me tear ;___;
Ailee and Huh Gak's collaboration was beautiful as well.
The list of award winners of the MelOn Awards 2012 are:
Artist of The Year - B2ST
Album of The Year - Busker Busker
Song Of The Year - PSY (Gangnam Style)
2012 Top 10 Artists - B2ST
SISTAR Huh Gak 2NE1
INFINITE
PSY
T-Ara
Big Bang
IU
Busker Busker
Best New Artist - B.A.P
Global Star Award - PSY
2012 Netizen Popularity Award - B2ST
2012 Hot Trend - Troublemaker
Best OST - A-Pink's Eun Ji & Seo In Guk
Best Rock - Nell
Best Rap/Hip Hop - Dynamic Duo
Best R&B/Ballad - K.Will
2012 MBC Music Star Award - Super Junior's Shindong & Kim Shin Young of "Show Champion"
2012 Songwriter Award - Duble Sidekick
Can I just mentioned that I noticed that there was not one JYP nor SM artist (besides Shindong) present at MelOn?
All the fuss led up to this. Almost 7 hours (according to the live stream when I started watching) of flashing lights, cheers and disappointment. To be honest, I don't think it deserves as much as people make it to be. It definitely didn't leave me completely emotionally invested like some people. The most predominant controversy being the BAP vs EXO-K drama that spanned the last few weeks of voting. In the end, neither of them won that rookie award; leaving both arguing parties disappointed and the bystanders like me, shaking their heads in shame.
This is just one of the many things I plan to rip apart in my section of this article. Probably why this will start with me and end on a happy note.
Firstly the winners list.
Best
New Female Artist
Ailee
Best
New Male Artist
Busker Busker
Best
Female Artist
IU
Best
Male Artist
G-Dragon
Best
Female Group
SISTAR
Best
Male Group
Big Bang
Best
Collaboration Performance
Hyuna
and Hyunseung - Trouble Maker
Best
OST
Seo In Guk & Jung Eun
Ji - All for You (Reply 1997)
Best
Music Video
PSY - Gangnam Style
Best Rap Performance
Epik High - Up
Best Band Performance
Busker Busker - Cherry
Blossom Ending
Best Dance Performance – Solo
PSY - Gangnam
Style
Best Dance Performance – Male Group
SHINee – Sherlock
Best Dance Performance – Female Group
f(x) - Electric
Shock
Best Vocal Performance – Solo
K.Will - I need
you
Best Vocal Performance – Group
Davichi - Will
Think of You
Best Global Group – Female
KARA
Best Global Group – Male
Super Junior
SONG OF THE YEAR
PSY - Gangnam
Style
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Big Bang
BEST ASIAN ARTIST
Wang Leehom
Philippines: Sarah
Geronimo
Japan: AKB48
Vietnam: My Tam
Indonesia: Agnes
Monica
Singapore: Taufik
Batisah
China: Li Yuchun
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Sexy Free &
Single – SUPER JUNIOR
best new asian artist
New Asian Artist
Group - EXO
China: TimeZ
Thailand: Natthew
Mnet PD’s Choice Award
B.A.P.
BEST NEW ASIAN ARTIST
EXO
International/Global Favorite Artist
Psy
Style in Music
Ga In of Brown
Eyed Girls
Guardian Angel Worldwide Performer Award
Big Bang
Best Line Award
Super Junior
No surprise that PSY won so many of the awards. Gangnam Style rightly deserves Song of the Year for making such a big impact on the global music market. But as I was watching it, I couldn't help but guess the winners to practically all the prizes near the end of the ceremony. Why? Well this is just a theory I had formulated from ideas I read from other people as the ceremony was airing. It seems like MNET tried to make sure everyone who attended left with an award. That would account for some of the awards that I have never heard of before being awarded. It fits together quite nicely once you look at the nominations for the awards that were voted on by fans and then look at the awards that were given that didn't have a fan voting contribution. Just a theory. No bashing. I've just always believed these awards reflected the power of established fandoms and marketing (add in a little bias from the organisers?) rather than true quality of music. Of course, there were many on this extensive list that I think deserved their awards very much.
On to the performances. For making me sit down for so long, the performances had to be good. To be honest, I didn't watch all of them. As I said, seven hours is a long time. EXO and SHINee's performance did give me a slight heart attack from too many feels (maybe a little biased there) but looking at it objectively, the purpose was a "time skip". It looked pretty biased to me. H.O.T, TVXQ, SHINee? It's looking more like an SM promo than nostalgia (though I am not denying that SM has been very popular in the past). Other personal favorites were the obvious epic Epik High and the explosive Big Bang (puns fully intended :P). I also thoroughly enjoyed Roy Kim's performance. I've never heard of him prior to this, but I definitely liked his vocals. Though Seo In Young's English pronunciation didn't cut it for me, K.Will's did. OMG. Just a quick comment on the Troublemaker performance (second MAMA version). Was it just me or did it just get to a new level of sexual that I thought never existed? Conservative me coming through
Being the stagecraft critic that I am, I have to say that the lighting and sound in this year's ceremony was pretty good. There were times where I picked up sound that was probably from the backstage crew's communication devices but I forgive them. Camera-work was good. Not too jumpy or lagged. Angles were ok. Being a live show though, sometimes the camera did miss some things that I wanted to see through panning to the idol pit (as I called it) or simply shooting from another angle.
Anyway, I think I've ranted enough. I'll leave some for the others. Overall, liked the ceremony but it was very long and sometimes grueling to get through. I won't even go into MNET Global's live Twitter commentary. EUGHHH.... Don't get me started.
Admin S
Ok hi. My turn~
First of all, I sat and watched the entire 7 hours of the stream (screaming at my family occasionally to stop talking to me because I was busy) but I have to admit, I was actually very disappointed in MAMA this year.
Can I just say how annoyingly unprofessional and obnoxious the English MC's were?
They basically didn't know anything or anyone and proceeded to diss the entire of Troublemaker's performance and Epik High's costume.
Then they said something along the lines of:
"Oh. I really liked that one dress that was short at the front and long at the back. I think that was very nice"
"Oh, did you mean Ga In?"
"Was that her? Yeah. I think so. Ga In."
o.m.g.
As MC's of a very important event, you would think to at least commit names to memory and avoid being sarcastic towards the idols.
Moving on from the pretty disappointing and somewhat offensive commentary,
I pretty much tuned in at the very start (although I skipped "The History of MAMA" because gawddddd. that was boring). The red carpet was quite interesting and I actually enjoyed looking at the fashion and was super delighted by the surprise performances of both B.A.P and Block B (OMG. BLOCKBAP. MY FEELS).
The standouts on the red carpet (for me) were:
B.A.P
Lee Hi
f(x) (omgggg. amber *blubbering mess of incoherent noises*)
Park Shin Hye
Song Joong Ki
Ga In
Block B (so much win omg)
Seo In Young
Wooyoung
Bai Bai He (my favourite of the night)
On to the actual ceremony...
Was anyone else confused about the second award?? (Presented by Simon and PSY's first award of the night)
There was no mention of what the award was or who the nominee's were.
Judging by the look on his face, PSY was pretty darned confused too.
I'm disappointed that MNET did not provide any explanation to this...
The night went on and to be honest, the winners of the awards were quite predictable.
Except Best Female Global Group.
Wtf. How did Kara win that?? They were the least likely of all the nominees (in my opinion).
I still wonder how 2NE1, f(x) and Sistar didn't cinch that one...
[ADMIN K: Evidence to my theory up top]
But the most shocking, disappointing, annoying, unhappy and angry feels I had to an award winner was Busker Busker (not that they're not good and I don't like them. No hate, ok?)
I know that only 20% of the results come from voting but the other 80% is made up of album sales and a judging panel.
Sorry, call me biased but I really, seriously don't think that Busker Busker could've surpassed Exo or B.A.P at album sales...
It seem like MNET just gave it to them to avoid a fanwar between Exotics and Babyz (fried tofuz). I think they just made it worse though? Because both sides came away angry and annoyed and disappointed.
What got me the most though, was that they didn't bother to announce the winner on the live stream but through their Twitter instead...
As for the actual performances,they were actually... quite disappointing and not as good as last year's (in my opinion).
G-Dragon's opening rap was fabulous and amazing and I died so hard because it was perfect.
But then Ailee, Bang Yong Guk and PIA took the stage and honestly... I hated it.
I really really loved Epik High's performance and of course Big Bang's because seriously GD, how did you do that to your hair in less than 2 hours?? And T.O.P, your eyes.
Yeah how did this...
Become this in 2 hours ?
(On a side note, since GD was shirtless under that big, red coat, it's confirmed that his tummy tattoo from Crayon is real)
And then Troublemaker was just... yeah...I'm not even sure what was going on there.
I really didn't like B.O.B and Seo In Young's performance of Airplanes (you would've thought to get someone with a high enough vocal range and who was fluent in English?)
Like Admin K said, there were quite a few awards that didn't really make sense to me (what's a Line Award? and a Guardian Angel Worldwide Performer Award??) and there were a few winners I was quite unhappy with and thought they didn't deserve it and I was quite sad that many bands didn't make the nominations stage (Nu'Est, BtoB, C-Clown etc etc etc etc etc.) but I'd like to congratulate everyone, nonetheless.
2NE1 are back in Japan promoting their new single titled Scream! It is an upbeat dance track that exhibits their individual talents and own concepts.
I was so hyped about this track. After watching the stupidly long teaser, I was hooked. I love how YG allow their artists to dance in more than 2 rooms unlike SM...
ANYWHO this song is absolutely fantastic! CL is just gorgeous in every scene. What I am quite stunned about is how Dara is stylised. I mean, everyone looks fabulous, but she honestly gets the worst costume and hair. In addition to that, Bom's face is looking a little plastic to me.. I'm quite disappointed now that she is back to sporting red hair.
Hahaha this might sound a bit cheesy, but I got bored in class a few days ago and decided to write my own K-Pop song/poem/letter with as many song titles as possible!
So how many song titles can you find?
Noona, you are so pretty, I like you the best. Day by day, Your luv is like oxygen. Remember, I am your man. I know I did wrong, so I'll back off so you can live better. Someday, I'll take you away. You are my obsession, my beautiful target. Without you, I cry. I hope on one better day, I can make you smile. I'll be back on rainy days to be with U. There is no other love like this. I can't let you go even if I die.
You are number one, girl. Sorry sorry but I love you. You are a heartbreaker with your lies; a monster like the lucifer. My heart beats for you, it can't stop, won't stop. Around and around, again and again. I am not a lucky guy, but I am not alone. I can stay or I can change, but I can never let you go. Sorry I'm not Mr Simple, nor am I perfection or your superman. Please be mine. I'm calling you everyday. You are my virus, my beautiful hangover. I know I'll be in danger, but I don't care. In fiction and fact, black and white, up and down, little by little I will try to be the one. Baby don't cry, don't look so lonely. Everything will be OK. My shinee world would be lightless without your smile. You make my love, my kiss, my heart go ring ding dong.
Be my baby and marry me. I'll never be tired of waiting. Tik tok, tick tack I'm going crazy because of you. Why are you being like this? Before you go, just hug me once. You're a good girl, bad girl... just tell me your wish. Don't say goodbye, we always have tomorrow. Look only at me; you're in my head like a sweet dream. I want to be in heaven with you, let's fly to neverland. I can't breath; I don't want to be in love alone. I can't live without you. This might be our last farewell, but promise me you will do what is right. I can't get you off my mind. Good bye, good bye, my love.
How many songs did you find?
I hope you liked it; it was actually really good fun. I think it got worse towards the end; you can tell I was getting desperate haha
Recently, Allkpop released an article titled "How long does it take for idols to reach #1?" after Teen Top won their first music program award with their song Crazy. Netizens calculated that it took them exactly 564 days since their debut back in July 2010 with Clap, which has got me thinking:
What are the best/most successful songs that a group debuted with?
CN BLUE - I'M A LONER (15 days after debut)
Oetoriya Oetoriya... Yes in first place is CN to the Bluee! Taking their award after 15 days took the music industry by storm which makes me and many boices very proud. I am yet to approach any one who hates CN Blue which is great because they are real talent without choreography or auto tune.
MISS A - BAD GIRL GOOD GIRL (22 days after debut)
Second place goes to the girls of Miss A. After winning with Bad Girl Good Girl, Miss A have proved to be one of the best female dance groups in Korea. They are expected to make a comeback later in February which are making many A Classes excited :)
G.NA - I'll Back Off So You Can Live (êº¼ì ¸ 줄게 잘 ì‚´ì•„) (28 days after debut)
G.NA got a head start in the industry after releasing a duet with Rain. Her first mini album Draw G's First Breath is really amazing and her vocals are seriously powerful. G.NA's recent songs like Black & White and Top Girl don't impress me as much as her ballads but I hope Cube would do more collaberations with their artists.
WONDER GIRLS - IRONY (28 days after debut)
2NE1 - FIRE (40 days after debut)
Mi mi mi mi mi mi mi michigo shippeo! 2009 was the year of 2NE1 and after their unofficial debut song Lollipop with Big Bang, they have dramatically changed K-Pop with their unique style. Fire was not my favourite song, but YG chose his members well. With such an electrifying debut, these girls have had the world in their palms, winning Girl Group of the Year, Song of the Year, releasing 2NE1 TV and performing on stage with reknown US artists.
FT ISLAND - LOVE SICK (55 days after debut)
BIG BANG - LALALA
And look how far Big Bang has come! Starting in 2006, Big Bang has consistently surprised us all with their style and music. It makes me a proud VIP to know that they are recognised worldwide after winning Best Worldwide Act at the 2011 MTV Awards. I don't know why but I get really dizzy after listening to La La La haha but these boys are truly daebak.
SHINEE - REPLAY (NOONA YOU ARE SO PRETTY)
SHINee's debut song Replay remains as one of my favourites, showcasing every member's talents. They really captured the hearts of noonas left right and centre after this track but they made great success with their recent albums. It really strikes me how young Taemin was at the time, being just 15 when promoting Replay... makes me realise what a failed 15 year old I was...
SUPER JUNIOR - KNOCK OUT (TWINS)
TVXQ - HUG
U-KISS - NOT YOUNG
Not Young made U-Kiss seem like such an innocent boy group, right? Then came Man Man Ha Ni. Then came Bingeul Bingeul. Then their innocent boy image became rare and almost non-existent. Truthfully, their 'cute' side never appealed to me. Except Dongho. I can never see him grow up hahahaha
SS501 - WARNING
2PM - 10 POINTS OUT OF 10
This debut made me feel somewhat uncomfortable. Oh that's predebuted G.Na by the way. These beastly idols have changed the least in comparison to other groups, but I didn't like Shipjeom Manjeome Shipjeom. I miss their I Hate You and Without U days...
B2ST - BAD GIRL
BEST. EFFING. DEBUT. EVER. Kikwang, let me marry you, really. They all look so ridiculous, it's absolutely brilliant. But I genuinely love this song and all their other title tracks from their mini albums. I love Yoseob's blonde hair. I love Dongwoon's "C.O.M.E". I love Junhyung's rapping and how it's the exact same as the Japanese version. I love their baggy pants. I love how Kikwang dances in a bathroom. This is top stuff, nuff said.
MBLAQ - OH YEAH
OH YEAH OH YEAH OH YEAH YEAH YEAH. I wish I could meet their stylist and give her a big hug. It's like Lee Joon is shirtless, but not shirtless, understood? It's great. But I truly hate their coloured costumes because it's just outright atrocious. In all truth, I hated this song. But it slowly grew on me to the point where it is now acceptable.
