I'm a voice teacher. Here's what I wish people were saying about Sakura.
I'm a quiet lurker on the page and in K Pop in general but I wanted to make this post because I'm really saddened by all the massive criticism I've been reading and hearing about Sakura.
I happen to work in the music industry. I'm a professional singer as well as a music teacher. I just finished hosting an end-of-the-year student recital with performers between the ages of 5 and 19. I promise this story is relevant to my point.
The recital went well, but one of my young teenage students missed her cue while singing her song and became completely off time with the accompaniment track. I helped her by briefly singing her cue so she could find her place in the song. During intermission, I went to find this specific student and overheard another parent say, "I wish I had the courage to go up and do that. You were so brave!"
This is what I wish more people were saying to Sakura. I understand she was not everyone's choice. I can understand voicing concern, especially directed at HYBE x Geffen. Even so, I would never turn to any of my young students and say, "Sorry you can't perform because you need more training." I would never sit there and RANK the students in my studio.
I realize I'm talking about two different situations and stakes but my point is this. Sakura is a young girl pursuing her dream and she was fortunate enough to have it work out.
Does that mean Ayana didn't deserve to win? Absolutely not. But I speak from a lifetime of experience when I say that music is a cutthroat business. I've failed PLENTY of auditions. I've had students fail auditions. I've also disagreed with the choices of others plenty of times. One piece of advice that I got as a young performer was, "You could be the shiniest, juiciest and reddest Apple and they could be looking for an Orange."
This is how I learned to separate my own frustrations with musical decisions I didn't agree with. And you have to develop that tough skin to make it in this business. Not every opportunity will pan out, but you truly only fail when you give up.
I feel for Ayana. She is still a very talented girl. She will be okay! She may even BENEFIT from being the runner-up. We don't even know what her future holds and I am personally excited to see what she does next.
Something else I want to add... most performers and musicians are their own worst critics. Sakura dared to pursue a goal and not give up despite the tons of comparisons, criticism, and discouragement. For whatever reason, HYBE decided to go with her, and it worked out in her favor. Instead of "congratulations," she's hearing all the reasons why she doesn't deserve it, how it was the wrong decision, and how no one wanted her to win. I am personally rooting for her AND Ayana as well as all the other contestants. I genuinely hope they all continue to perform and pursue their dreams. It's really okay to support everyone :)
As for Saint Satine? In my opinion, it's too early to form any opinions on their potential success. So I'll just send them my positive vibes and well wishes! 😊 ☀️