Ever since rising to fame in 2007 with her signature bright blue hair and distinctive dance moves, Japanese virtual singer Hatsune Miku has undergone 17 years of continuous development. Utilizing software, Miku has accumulated an impressive repertoire of over 100,000 songs and remains a popular collaborator in various projects. Her live performances utilizing 3D projection technology have been ongoing since the summer of 2009. In addition, she has collaborated with renowned fashion brands and notable singers, and was even selected to perform at Coachella 2020 before the event was unfortunately canceled due to the global pandemic.
The rise in popularity of Hatsune Miku has sparked the emergence of other virtual idols, including Luo Tianyi and the Chinese virtual girl group KD/A. Advancements in technology, such as motion capture, have enhanced the realism of 3D virtual idols by utilizing optical and inertial data. This technique has greatly improved the precision and authenticity of virtual idols, enabling their music videos to effortlessly reach 100 million views on YouTube – a milestone that many real-life artists strive to achieve.
In Thailand, a company has developed a fully AI-based virtual singer named VAVA who regularly releases vibrant and visually appealing music videos. They have crafted an image of her as a genuine music star, complete with a social media account that shares updates on her everyday life, including her living space, recording sessions, and coffee outings.
South Korea is actively pursuing the development of virtual idols, with many major artist management companies investing in this technology. Their goal is to cater to a wide range of entertainment needs by having both virtual and real singers in their roster.
In 2023, Vietnam made a groundbreaking move by introducing its first virtual idol, Ann. Her debut song, “Làm sao nói thương anh”(How to Say I Love You), was met with praise for her expressions and vocal performance. This marked a remarkable experiment for the production team.
In August of 2024, Ann, the virtual singer, made a comeback with her music video for “Cry,”showcasing a new look and musical style. The video features a futuristic and post-apocalyptic theme that perfectly complements her rock genre. Ann’s vocal tone has also evolved, allowing her to fully embody the spirit of her music. With careful investment and long-term planning, Ann has solidified herself as a fully-fledged virtual artist. Her goal is not only to bring a fresh perspective to the music industry, but also to leave a lasting impression on her audiences, blending technology and art with a unique Vietnamese touch.
Ann’s latest performance included a collaboration with a live band, utilizing 3D hologram technology. The potential for future partnerships between Ann, the virtual singer, and actual musicians has generated much excitement. This support has motivated the production team to further develop Ann’s image and performance abilities, as they prepare for an upcoming project featuring a duet with a real artist.
The creator of Ann stated that the team’s goal is to provide a wider range of musical options for the audience, rather than solely prioritizing commercial aspects during the development of the project.
The virtual idol industry has experienced significant growth in China over the past few years. A recent survey conducted by Chinese streaming company iQIYI revealed that 64% of individuals between the ages of 14 and 24 are avid fans of virtual idols. Furthermore, there has been a 225% increase in the average monthly viewing time for virtual idol live streams on the Bilibili platform. In an effort to promote the Paris 2024 Olympics, virtual rapper Thất Nguyệt even collaborated with athlete Ngô Mẫn Hà in a performance.
Virtual idols are equipped with artificial intelligence that mimics human behavior, which is integrated through data platforms. This enables the creation of virtual idols that align with local aesthetics, taking into account the preferences of fans in various countries and advancements in technology.
Aside from reducing risks during live performances, virtual idols also offer more control when it comes to emotions, communication, and consciousness. Celebrities from all over the world aim to satisfy their audiences with their music, but they often have to divulge personal information. In contrast, virtual idols have no personal secrets to reveal. If there are any issues with a virtual idol’s image, the production team can simply utilize existing data to upgrade it to a different version.
Despite the fact that Japanese fans are drawn to virtual idols because of their manga and anime influence, Chinese fans hold virtual idols to a higher standard that real-life individuals are unable to live up to.
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