Latest news with #Cleopatra-inspired
Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Concert review: Ayumi Hamasaki's first S'pore solo show blends iconic songs with theatrical flair
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The concert's first half resembled a musical, with Ayumi Hamasaki and her dancers embodying characters in various storylines woven together by her songs. Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2025 I Am Ayu - Singapore Singapore Indoor Stadium July 5 Queen of J-pop Ayumi Hamasaki finally performed her first solo concert in Singapore on July 5 – and what an entrance she made. As the red curtains rose, more than a dozen dancers in striking gold costumes were seen centre stage. The 46-year-old superstar then emerged, looking radiant in a Cleopatra-inspired Egyptian outfit and holding a sceptre. The near-10,000-strong capacity crowd at the Singapore Indoor Stadium went wild as she opened the show with three rock-influenced numbers – Inspire (2004), Duty (2000) and Microphone (2010). Hamasaki, or Ayu as she is known to her fans, debuted in 1998. Her rise to fame – from a flashy street-wise 'ah lian' to a polished pop princess to now the empress of pop – captivated a massive audience in Japan and beyond. At the concert, Hamasaki's widespread appeal was evident. Many concertgoers were dressed in leopard-print outfits – her signature – or T-shirts bearing her iconic 'A' logo. There were also fans who flew in from China. The singer-songwriter had kicked off her Asia tour – her first in 16 years – in Shanghai in November 2024. She later travelled to other Chinese cities – Chengdu, Ningbo and Guangzhou – and ended the tour in Japan's capital Tokyo in December 2024. Her sequel tour, or as she titled it, started in Tokyo on April 8. Her upcoming stops include Taipei, as well as Japanese cities Hiroshima, Osaka, Sendai and Fukuoka. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore First BTO project in Sembawang North to be offered in July launch Business High Court orders Instagram seller to pay Louis Vuitton $200,000 in damages over counterfeit goods Singapore MOH studying 18 proposals to integrate TCM into public healthcare Singapore TTSH to demolish century-old pavilion wards, keeping one as heritage marker Asia Malaysian commando dies during military diving exercise off Kuantan coast Singapore Overlooked 'glass child', the sibling of a special-needs kid Singapore Red Lions and naval divers join forces for Jump of Unity at NDP 2025 Singapore His world crashed when he got F9 in O-level Tamil but PropNex co-founder Ismail Gafoor beat the odds The concert's first half resembled a musical, with Hamasaki and her dancers embodying characters in various storylines woven together by her songs. Through expressive choreography and dynamic visual projections, one could sense a trajectory of life's highs and lows. There were moments of despair, betrayal, misunderstanding and distance, as well as courage, hope and love. For instance, during Endless Sorrow (2001), Hamasaki's wrist was bound to a pillar surrounded by despondent dancers. The scene poignantly conveyed the anguish of being caught in grief and inner turmoil. Then, as she performed her iconic 1999 hit End Roll, a song about accepting change and letting go of the past, she ultimately 'died' in the arms of her beloved. But the mood lifted when she reappeared on stage in a bride-inspired ensemble. Her heartfelt delivery of lines like 'We are on this journey to be happy', from the 2002 ballad Voyage, had the audience singing along and waving their light sticks. J-pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki opened the show in a Cleopatra-inspired Egyptian outfit and holding a scepter that exuded power. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Now a mother of two and having faced challenges like the loss of hearing in one ear, Hamasaki's songs felt more powerful and authentic than ever. However, the transitions between sets felt awkward and confusing. The audience experience would also have been greatly improved if there were lyrics projected on-screen in romaji and with English translations. As the 2½-hour show entered its second half, it transitioned to 'concert mode'. Dressed in a red hip-hop-inspired outfit, Hamasaki performed alternative dance-rock hits Evolution (2001) and Startin' (2006). It was not until the encore that she addressed the concertgoers in fluent English, confessing her nervousness about their reaction to her debut solo show in Singapore. She had performed at the MTV Asia Music Awards here in 2002, when she was named Most Influential Japanese Singer in Asia. She described their warm response to her solo gig as 'beyond her imagination' before exclaiming: 'I'm the happiest person in the world now.' The crowd was captivated by her unique blend of commanding vocals and an endearingly anime-like speaking voice. J-pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki's performance blends iconic songs with theatrical flair. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI After an emotional rendition of My All (2008), an ode to unwavering love and gratitude, she exited the stage in tears. Many in the audience were inspired by her energy and resilience. For 47-year-old hairstylist Satoko Enomoto, who has lived in Singapore for six years, the concert exceeded her expectations. This was her first Hamasaki show. 'I was amazed by how Ayu's music still feels timeless yet fresh. It reflects her ability to honour the past while constantly innovating, always remaining stylish, strong and inspiring,' she says. 'I believe that's what makes her truly special and allows her to connect with fans across different generations.'
Hans India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Alia Bhatt and Deepti Sadhwani dazzle at Cannes 2025 closing ceremony
The closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival 2025 was nothing short of a grand affair, drawing a constellation of global stars to the French Riviera. Among those who turned heads were Bollywood's Alia Bhatt and rising star Deepti Sadhwani, both bringing distinct elegance and glamour to the red carpet. While Alia Bhatt charmed with her refined grace, it was Deepti Sadhwani who stole the spotlight with a dramatic, Cleopatra-inspired gold ensemble that redefined red carpet royalty. Sadhwani's gown, designed by Kosovo-based couture duo Kujta & Meri, shimmered with the opulence of a golden era. The fitted bodice, accented with regal diadems, flowed into a molten gold skirt that flared like a sculpted masterpiece—fit for an empress of old. She carried the look with a powerful presence, walking the red carpet not merely as an actress but as a woman embodying command, mystique and grandeur. 'For me, this look at the Cannes 2025 closing ceremony is not just fashion, it's a modern feeling of royal,' Sadhwani stated. 'It's a Cleopatra-inspired outfit exuding royalty and giving me the goddess vibe.' The ensemble did more than just captivate; it carried meaning. As an Indian actress presenting her work at one of the world's most prestigious film festivals, Sadhwani's decision to wear a look that bridged cultures spoke volumes. 'I chose this because it speaks to the kind of woman I aspire to be on the global stage: unapologetically powerful, rooted in grace, and unafraid to take up space,' she shared. Her appearance quickly ignited social media, where fans hailed her as 'the Indian in Egyptian queen avatar' and praised her for bringing 'gold-drenched glamour with a legacy of power' to the red carpet. 'Cannes got her new goddess,' one user wrote. Sadhwani later posted a photo from the evening with the caption, 'Channelling Cleopatra, dripping in drama,' encapsulating the impact of her look, which merged fashion with historical resonance. But for the actress, the moment was about more than glamour. 'I wanted to close this chapter in something that doesn't whisper elegance, it declares legacy,' she said. And with that, she delivered a statement—bold, beautiful, and unforgettable. Cannes 2025 had many dazzling moments, but Deepti Sadhwani's appearance will be remembered as one that elevated the red carpet to the realm of legend—where history, heritage and ambition converged in a dress of gold.
