Fans who attended the 2024 MAMA Awards in Osaka were left frustrated and feeling deceived after they paid thousands of yen expecting to see a live performance of BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars performing their latest song “APT.” Instead, the performance was pre-recorded, which quickly turned excitement into disappointment.
High Hopes Turned Into a Letdown
Held at the Kyocera Dome on the second day of the 2024 MAMA Awards, the event featured an impressive lineup of stars, with many attendees looking forward to seeing Rosé and Bruno Mars take the stage live for their much-hyped collaboration. Fans had been eagerly awaiting the debut of “APT,” expecting to witness the performance in person for the first time.
However, when the performance started, fans were shocked to see a pre-recorded video of the duo, rather than a live performance. While fans watching the event online were also disappointed, those who had traveled to Osaka and spent significant amounts on tickets felt especially betrayed.
会場の人たち困惑で盛り上がれてない pic.twitter.com/LfG2VYdgow
— ゴンベエ (@gonbe0211) November 22, 2024
Fans Share Their Discontent
Japanese fans quickly took to social media to voice their frustration. Many shared videos showing their reactions to the pre-recorded performance, with some visibly upset and silent as they watched the playback on the big screens.
One fan translated the overall sentiment:
“The audience at the venue was confused and couldn’t get excited.”
Several other fans expressed similar feelings of being misled:
- “The fans and artists who were at the event watched the video together.”
- “I thought we would be able to watch the live performance in person…”
- “I purchased the studio ticket paying thousands of JPY to see them perform…”
- “People are starting to feel this was a scam.”
- “I feel like I was deceived. I expected a live performance, that’s why I bought the tickets.”
- “I was looking so forward to seeing the live performance and thought we would see it, but it was funny when they played a video. But I do want to say Rosé and Bruno Mars are not at fault.”
Many fans were surprised by the quick turnaround of the pre-recorded performance. Some shared how the experience felt more like watching a TV show than attending a live concert:
- “Everyone felt the same.”
- “I was looking forward to this but then only a video was played, and it was over so quickly.”
- “Felt like we were just sitting in front of a TV.”
- “I was so taken aback when they played a video of the performance pre-recording.”
One fan added:
“Huh? I thought I read somewhere this would be their first live performance of ‘APT’ at Osaka, was that a lie? I guess we were expecting too much when they were revealing a worldwide hit song’s performance for the first time in Japan.”
A Question of Expectations
Despite the widespread disappointment, some fans did defend the artists, acknowledging that Rosé and Bruno Mars weren’t at fault for the decision to play a pre-recorded video. However, the backlash highlights the high expectations surrounding live performances at major events, especially when fans pay top prices for tickets.
The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the importance of clear communication with fans and ensuring expectations align with reality, especially when big names like Rosé and Bruno Mars are involved.