Home
JPop

≠ME’s Live Vocal Stage on CDTV Criticised for Singing Skills

≠ME Under Fire Again as Live Performance Triggers Online Backlash
Rough Notes for ≠ME? Idol Group Faces Heat After Live Singing Criticism

It was meant to be a turning point — a fresh stage, a clean slate, and a telly debut of their shiny new single. 

But for J-pop girl group ≠ME (Not Equal ME/ノイミー」), their 10th single performance on CDTV Live! Live! ended up causing more noise online than onstage — and not the good kind.

On 26 May, ≠ME took the stage to perform “Mobu no Cinderella,” their much-anticipated 10th single, in what was supposed to be a triumphant first full-length TV performance.

Not Equal ME Criticised
X/≠ME

Unfortunately, it didn’t exactly go to plan. 

Viewers were quick to jump on social media (particularly X, formerly Twitter) with comments like:

“≠ME can’t sing, pitch is all over the place.”
“Honestly shocked how bad they sounded live.”
“They’re cute, but this was a mess.”

The critiques were harsh and came thick and fast. 

According to netizens, even the less demanding parts of the song sounded shaky, with several solo lines noticeably off-key. 

≠ME’s Singing Skills Questioned After TV Stage

Some fans even went as far as to call the performance “broadcast accident level.”

Ouch.

But not everyone was joining the pitchfork party. 

In the Yahoo! Japan comments section, some loyal fans clapped back, arguing that the girls were performing a brand-new song and had little time to adjust. 

Others called the article slamming their vocals unfair, especially considering the live format and recent events surrounding the group.

Ah yes — the recent chaos.

This is the same ≠ME that had to cancel a Saitama appearance in late April after a group of disruptive fans reportedly caused a scene and assaulted staff members at an outdoor event. 

The situation escalated so quickly that police had to get involved. 

Since then, management’s been operating on high alert — boosting security and reshuffling schedules.

“Mobu no Cinderella” was originally meant to debut at that Saitama event. 

When that fell through, they managed to deliver the song at their Osaka event on 12 May, held under what insiders described as “ultra high alert conditions” with triple the usual security. 

CDTV marked their first real shot at bringing the song to a broader audience — and all eyes were on them.

Too many eyes, maybe.

Industry insiders weren’t exactly shocked by the criticism, though. 

One entertainment journo commented:

“Out of the three idol groups produced by Sashihara Rino — =LOVE, ≠ME, and ≒JOY — it’s often said ≠ME isn’t the strongest vocally. That said, Sashihara Rino seems committed to pushing live singing no matter what. Still, given the post-scandal spotlight, this wasn’t the ideal performance to showcase their skills.”

Tough crowd, but it’s not all doom and gloom. 

While critics had a field day, others pointed out that ≠ME is still growing and their performance showed promise beneath the nerves. 

Some even praised the girls for not lipsyncing — a rare move in an industry where perfect playback is often the norm.

One fan wrote:
“They sang live. That’s already more than most. Give them credit.”

Another added:
“They’re not perfect, but they’re real. That’s why I stan them.”

So, what now for ≠ME? 

In idol land, comebacks are never far away, and this group’s got plenty of potential — even if they’ve got some vocal kinks to work out. 

Whether “Mobu no Cinderella” becomes a hit or just another headline will depend on how they bounce back from this rocky stage.

As the saying goes — rough start, but room to grow.

Source

#JPop

Post a Comment