So a fan has just posted in the A'dAA forum, mentioning that AAA is doing yet another cover for Disney, this time for Lilo and Stitch's "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride".

This chalks their list of Disney songs up to 4:

1. Minna Star! (We're All In This Together)
2. You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!
3. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo
4. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride

So this begs the question, is this a good move for AAA as a whole? Disney is pretty big all over the world including Japan, but their target audience are definitely the younger ones. Is that the fanbase AAA truly wants to tap on?

If this collaboration were to go on in the long run, I would expect AAA to have to tone down their "sexy" image slightly in replacement of a slightly more clean and fun one, much like S Club 7 or Jump 5. While their existing fanbase might still know their sexy side, they probably will only be recognized as the "ones who sang that Disney song" or something along that line, much like how one would associate the HSM stars to only HSM.

Truly, working with Disney is like working with magic and can propel one's career into much greater heights. However, there will always be that nagging kiddy tag following you around. For one, if you were to be made popular BECAUSE of Disney, you can expect your new fanbase to be made up primarily of younger audiences. These audiences will definitely not be too appreciative if you were to gyrate your crotches in front of them during performances. If this were to be the case for AAA, they would definitely have to tone down their existing image in favor of a more... cheerful one.

Some artists have managed to break through the Disney stereotypical image and carved for themselves a sexier image (like Zac Efron, Ashley Tisdale or Justin Timberlake even). How successful will AAA be in bridging the two in the case that these collaborations turn out to be immensely successful? How will the old fanbase react to the new "OMG I LOVE AAA SO MUCH. *insert Disney lyrics here*"-screaming fans?

It might be possible that in a few years, as the younger fans grow older that the group image might change to be something more sexy. However, can the existing fans wait for a few years and get tormented by bubblegum pop for the whole time? I expect many fans to get sick of waiting and just move on to more seductive pastures. Is losing your old fanbase in replacement for a new one a good idea? Wouldn't it defeat the purpose slightly?

Some people might mention that in Japan, Cute and Sexy often go hand-in-hand, much like what Hello! Project does. However, H!P is undoubtedly catering to the older crowd and has less inhibitions on their artists' image. Disney is catering to the younger ones, so does this mean they will be more strict on image? Will the culture of Japan help bring down these expectations that Disney might have?

Personally, I couldn't be half-bothered about the bubblegum pop because I am shamelessly in love with it. However, the all squeaky-clean act might grow a little dreary on me in the long run. If this shift were to happen, I'd fully expect my fandom for AAA to shift from all-round-madness to possibly liking only their songs. I say, Men cannot live on songs alone, but also on the flesh of those that sing them.

Do you agree?

Labels: AAA