Since the Japanese virtual singer Hatsune Miku gained fame in 2007 with her bright blue hair and unique dance moves, it has been 17 years of continuous development. Through software, Miku has amassed over 100,000 songs and continues to feature in various collaborations. She has performed live using 3D projection technology since the summer of 2009. She has also collaborated with fashion brands, famous singers, and was even chosen as a performer for Coachella 2020 before the festival was canceled due to the pandemic.
Today, Japan has developed a diverse generation of virtual idols in terms of gender, skin color, age, and more, attracting a dedicated fan base.
The popularity of Hatsune Miku has led to the creation of similar virtual idols, such as Luo Tianyi and the virtual girl group KD/A from China. The 3D virtual idol image has become more vivid thanks to technologies like motion capture that create virtual idols using optical and inertial data. The main benefit of this method is the increased sensitivity and accuracy of the images, allowing MV (music videos) of virtual idols to easily reach 100 million views on YouTube—a feat that many real artists still aspire to.
In Thailand, a fully AI-based virtual singer named VAVA frequently releases vibrant and visually appealing music videos. The company behind VAVA has created an image of her as a real music star, complete with a social media account updating her life, such as her living space, recording sessions, and coffee outings.
South Korea is also focused on developing virtual idols. Most major artist management companies are working on this technology, aiming to maintain both virtual and real singers to meet diverse entertainment needs.
In 2023, Vietnam introduced its first virtual idol, Ann, with the song “Làm sao nói thương anh” (How to Say I Love You). At that time, Ann received feedback on her expressions and vocal performance. However, this was also a notable experiment by the production team.
In August 2024, the virtual singer Ann returned with the MV “Cry,” showcasing a transformation in appearance and musical style. The MV features a futuristic and post-apocalyptic setting to suit the rock genre. Ann’s musical colors have become clearer through her vocal tone, especially in how she conveys the spirit of the genre. Ann appears as a fully-fledged virtual artist, with meticulous investment and long-term planning. She aims to not only “bring a fresh breeze” to the music industry but also gradually leave a unique mark on audiences, representing a blend of technology and art with a distinct Vietnamese touch.
In this release, Ann also performed with a band on stage using 3D hologram technology. Many are looking forward to future collaborations between the virtual singer Ann and real artists. Thanks to this support, the production team is “gearing up” to enhance Ann’s image and performance skills, preparing for a future project involving a duet with a real artist.
The creator of Ann mentioned that the team wants to offer more musical choices to the audience rather than focusing solely on commercial aspects when developing the project.
The virtual idol industry in China has grown in recent years. According to a survey by Chinese streaming company iQIYI, 64% of people aged 14 to 24 are fans of virtual idols. The average monthly viewing time for virtual idol live streams on the Bilibili platform has increased by 225%. Recently, virtual rapper Thất Nguyệt even performed with athlete Ngô Mẫn Hà to promote the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Artificial intelligence with human-like behavior is integrated into virtual idols using data platforms. Therefore, based on the preferences of fans in different countries and the development of technology, virtual idols can be introduced that fit local aesthetics.
In addition to minimizing risks during live performances, virtual idols are also easier to control in terms of emotions, communication, and consciousness. Celebrities from any country want to please their audience with their music, but they always have to share information about their private lives. In contrast, virtual idols have no personal secrets. If a virtual idol’s image has issues, the production team can use existing data to upgrade it to a different version.
While Japanese fans love virtual idols due to their manga and anime culture, many Chinese fans have high expectations for virtual idols that real-life individuals cannot fully meet.
