Virtual popstar Hatsune Miku had the nerve to appear in 2D — not 3D — while kicking off her latest North American tour. And some fans on social media are fuming.
On the first two stops of her Miku Expo 2024 North America outing — in Vancouver and Portland — the turquoise-pigtailed starlet did not appear as a hologram as she has in the past, 404 Media reports, but instead via a big LED screen accented by decorations and a light show.
The same setup appeared to be employed at Miku’s Monday show in San Jose.
On X and TikTok, the #MikuExpo2024 hashtag surfaced mixed reviews, according to 404 Media. Some cheered the energy and community of the show, while others were underwhelmed by the screen in light of what they paid to attend.
“I’m sorry, but there is absolutely no excuse for that LED Wall at #MIKUEXPO2024,” one X user wrote. “Especially with how much more expensive the tickets were this year. It’s a damn shame.”
“I’d want my money back,” one TikToker concurred. “Where are the holograms?”
A spokesperson for Miku’s creator, Crypton Future Media, told Business Insider that the LED screen technology will continue to be featured at shows across North America and Europe.
“We appreciate the fan feedback regarding Miku Expo’s North America tour and will continue to refine our show experience with our audience in mind,” the spokesperson said.
Hatsune Miku, which translates to “the first sound from the future,” is a Vocaloid — or software that allows fans to compose their own songs using Miku’s voice, which she then performs live. Miku was initially released almost two decades ago and even opened for Lady Gaga in 2014.
Tickets for the next available show in Phoenix Sunday start at $55.
Miku is also set to perform at Coachella this weekend. The star was initially slated to appear in 2020, but the event was scrapped due to the pandemic.
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