Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Road To MAMA 2014: Throwback - My Favorite Performances in MAMA (2009 - 2013)


Hello everyoneeeee!!!

It’s been a long time since I post on this blog. Well, I’m really sorry that I abandoned this blog again. I’m quite busy with all the college stuffs while also went around exploring Seoul (I’m currently an exchange student for one semester in Seoul by the way :D).

Anyway, the end of the year is coming, which means that it’s time for various Korean music awards and festivals. Among all of the awards and festivals, one of the most anticipated would be Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). For three times in a row, this year MAMA would be hold on Hong Kong on December 3rd, 2014, which means one week later.

Why MAMA is one of the most anticipated one? It’s because they always hold in on a big scale from its place, stage, audiences, to performances. Beside that, the fact that it holds overseas also rise up the pride for this award. Despite many criticisms for this awards such as major biased to Korean music and “popularity” contest through voting, many people still like to watch this awards and many artists still put huge of effort for their performances in this awards. Beside that, MAMA is always holding a special place in me because this is the first award that I watched when I first discovered K-Pop.

Now, while waiting for MAMA 2014 next week, I will have a throwback edition in this post. It’s about my most favorites performances from MAMA 2009 until 2013. Why from 2009? Because that was the first year where this award changed their name from MKMF (Mnet Korean Music Festival) to MAMA. Their changing name means to cater more into Asian music although at the end, Korean music still got the most focus.


So, let’s start from 2009….

2009


2PM – Heartbeat, Again & Again


This performance is one of the best and the most heartbreaking performance from 2PM. 2PM has just lost their leader, Park Jaebum (Jay Park), who left the group at the peak of their popularity. Jay Park left the group due to his My Space controversy, which insulted Korean people, while 2PM continued to release their first full album, 01:59 PM with Heartbeat as the lead single. It’s basically a messy situation at that time with lots of drama.

One week and a half after the album released, 2PM performed in MAMA. Controversies and sentimental issues always gain more interests and 2PM used this well. During the performance, they paid homage to Jay by leaving an empty spotlight for him in the choreography and keeping his part on the song. Instead of the boys singing, the fans sang Jay’s part. It was really heartbreaking. I think I almost cried when watching it for the first time.

But other than the sentimental part, the boys also delivered the good performances that night. The dance and vocal were great for these songs. I like the remix too with the mix of modern electronic music and classic orchestra music. 2PM also brings out special guest on this performance by having JYP as a conductor with his memorable glasses.

That was a sweet night for 2PM because they also brought home on of the biggest award for the night, Artist of the Year.


2010


Taeyang, T.O.P, and G-Dragon - Break Down, I Need a Girl, Turn It Up, Intro, Knock Out, Hallelujah


One word for this performance is epic! I love everything from the action movie concept, the transition between songs to the songs choice. All of them added by Taeyang, T.O.P, and G-Dragon great stage presence; making this performance more entertaining to watch.

However, my most favorite part would be the surprise element on this whole performance. I was shocked to see how Taeyang kissed 2NE1 Sandara Park, more shocked to see the shooting at the end of the performance, and even most shocked to see the spoiler date for GD & TOP upcoming sub-unit album when the performance finished. I think that this performance really capture the essence of performing in awards shows because you have to give surprise for the audiences to make the performance different from the usual.


2011


2NE1 – Lonely, I am the Best


If the most favorite performances from previous years is more about concept and gimmick, this 2NE1 performance showed that how a good song won over the audiences. 2NE1 really hit it big in 2011 with Lonely and I am the Best and it clearly shown in this performance. All of the audiences were singing along with them. My most favorite part would be when the audiences kept singing eventhough the music stopped in the middle of the song. It gave me chills.

The power of the audiences also pumped up the girls’ spirit. They owned the stage that night, especially CL with her charisma, despite going for simple concept compared to the previous years’ performance. Definitely the best 2NE1 performance for me!

2012

Honorable Mentions: PSY – Gangnam Style and SISTAR – Alone

Big Bang – Crayon, Fantastic Baby


This performance is a combination between good song, concept, and sentimental/controversies issue. This was Big Bang comeback performance in awards show after one year and after hit by several issues such as Daesung car accident and G-Dragon marijuana scandal in 2011. Many people had wait for a long time and yes, Big Bang did not disappoint. The monster concept was unique and the song was really effective in pumping up the crowd. The boys had a great stage presence too and knew how to have fun on stage. Although I still cannot forget some of the members’ hideous outfit, hairstyle, and vocal, I forgive them. And yes, T.O.P, you rock the pink suits and contact lenses!

2013


EXO – Growl, Wolf



What I love the most from this performance is how EXO brings out the classic element of K-Pop, good-looking appearance, catchy song, and well-polished choreography. It worked really well for this performance because everything was on point from the boys’ styling, the song remix to the concept that goes well with song theme. The dance break also gives the surprise element for the song and I like how they went with the actual dance break with new and sleek choreography. Also, I give a special mention for the cameraman who did a great job in the camera effect, adding the entertaining aspect for the performance. Sans the lip-synching part, this is actually the best performance from EXO up until now.


So, that’s the list of my most favorite performances in MAMA 2009 until 2013. As for this year’s performance, they still have not announced the full line-up, so it’s actually making me more anticipating the awards. Hopefully, many of the performances will slay like the previous years.

Then, what are your favorite MAMA performances? Which artists that you hope will perform this year? Which performances that you are looking forward the most this year?

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