MAMA 2024: Lineup Analysis and Speculations
The initial lineup often features rookies and artists from WakeOne. Even those who dislike Mnet generally find it unappealing for rookies to act like they're doing Mnet a favor by attending if they receive an award.
The so-called 'S-tier' or Daesang (Grand Prize) contenders are usually announced in later lineups. Last year, it was Rosé and Bruno Mars. Even G-Dragon, despite being virtually confirmed, was mentioned vaguely as being 'in discussions' for an appearance.
Fans often assume that the presence of a Daesang-level nominee guarantees them winning an award.
In 2024, aespa's appearance after missing the 2022-2023 MAMAs was widely predicted. While AILLIT's 'Magnetic' or TWS's 'plot twist' were strong contenders based on scoring, MAMA ultimately chose aespa.
As expected, the debut group from Boys Planet, ALPHARD ONE, is naturally included in the lineup. Whether they will unveil a new song here is uncertain, but considering the precedents of fromis_9 and IZ*ONE, it's possible.
As a side note, Zhang Jiahao even changed his stage name to Arno to remove the Chinese feel. Similarly, Seventeen's The8 was originally Xu Minghao. But while Xu Minghao is familiar, calling Zhang Jiahao 'Jiahao Zhang' still sounds too Chinese, making the name change a desperate measure.
With Mnet's 30th anniversary and BLACKPINK's Singapore concert initially scheduled for November 29-30, their attendance was a point of interest. However, an unscheduled concert was added on November 28, confirming that BLACKPINK won't be at MAMA this year.
Settling for second best? BabyMonster, unlikely to win major awards, has joined the lineup. It's unlikely YG is trying to appease Mnet. For Yang Hyun Suk and his brother, known for their business-minded decisions (including scrapping the MIXNINE debut group), participating is beneficial if it's more advantageous.
Moreover, instead of sending TREASURE, who are popular in Japan and considered a MAMA regular, to Hong Kong, they might have decided that having BabyMonster attend is a better option.
BOYNEXTDOOR is now attending as a contender for major awards. After playing a supportive role for the past two years, they're now powered by 'I Love You.'
As I mentioned in a previous post, when things weren't going well for them, HYBE, their parent company, took the drastic measure of replacing the executives, giving Zico a harsh lesson.
Desperation or grit? Some might see it as old-fashioned or excessive. But the saying 'When you are in extreme circumstances, you find a way out' isn't a famous saying for nothing.
Unsurprisingly, anything related to 'Street Fighter' is a regular at MAMA. I remember the 2022 MAMA when Lim Young-woong sang and Monika danced, each just doing their part.
Ah! TXT, like senior member, attended every year,but this year they are absence, so maybe they would do a collaboration performance? Still, it's better than not attending at all.
It's only the first day... what about the Rookie Award? Agencies may not care about awards anymore and attend based on their own needs, but that applies to younger idols.
Even with Lee Soo-man gone, SM's China dream continues. Whether they win awards or not, I hope they create a buzz with amazing performances! Good luck!
As I mentioned in a previous post, there's the relationship between The Black Label and Mnet. Plus, they're nominated for Best Vocal Performance, and likely to win.
Attending for the second year in a row, following last year. While winning major awards might be difficult, in a business relationship where they drink and play golf together, as Min Hee-jin said, it's better to show up if there's something to exchange.
While there are various opinions about the Chinese member 'Han Jin,' it's not enough to cause public concern. Regardless of awards, buzz, or experience, it's natural for idols to continue showcasing their performances to the public.
BoA, TVXQ veterans graced the MAMA stage in the 2020s, and now it's Super Junior's turn.
From here, it's Day 2... Considering the collaboration between Mnet and The Black Label, their appearance is natural, and an award can be expected.
Even though it's Hong Kong, there's no reason to miss MAMA, which is popular in China. Plus, it's their first appearance, making it difficult to refuse.
Attending for the second year in a row following last year, but the atmosphere is not that good.. Still, I hope they cheer up. The common thing among people who stan small- to medium-sized idol groups is that it feels wasted here, I couldn't imagine that I felt that in Mnet survival show.
The key was when they would debut. Finally debuted this year. In the first year of debut, three album releases easily achieved million-seller.
Not a 3-year attendance hell... (Still 2 years left? from Stray Kids, ENHYPEN, etc.)
Returning to the MAMA lineup after 3 years... It feels like they're one step closer to Album of the Year, but we'll have to wait and see. It seems that the effect of boycotting for the past two years is now visible. Feeling that this year's album award is one step closer.
What more needs to be said? Haha
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