Is Ailee The Asian American Singer We're Looking For? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Is Ailee The Asian American Singer We're Looking For?

Why now?

361
Is Ailee The Asian American Singer We're Looking For?
Moarpowah

We have all seen Asian singers try to break the music scene here in the states. BoA, Rain, Se7en (yes, that's how he spells his stage name), Psy, SPICA, Wonder Girls (twice), Girls' Generation, CL, and CL's former group 2NE1. They all have tried to make a name for themselves in United States but none of them have found success since the Kim Sisters, who performed on the Ed Sullivan Show 22 times during 1950s and 1960s.

There were few Asian American singers such as John Park who auditioned on shows like American Idol but never won the competition. Many Asian American singers have found their place in music either on YouTube such as Arden Cho, Timothy DeLaGhetto, Jason Chen, Kina Grannis, and David Choi or go underground and work their way up like Dumbfoundead. While there are a handful of artists such as Eric Nam and Clara C who try to use their YouTube platform and break into the music, they end up traveling back to Korea and became big there. Aside, from YouTube and minor exception like Yuna, there is not a lot of Asian American singers who are breaking out in the US music scene.

Until a mysterious artist by the name of A.Leean released a teaser of her debut, "Fall Back."


With no formal announcement or introduction, the internet is freaking out who A.Leean is. Well, call me Scooby because I know who A.Leean is and this isn't her first time releasing music (practically in Korea).

For those who don't know who A.Leean or, if you want to call her by her Korean stage name, this is Ailee

Ailee's, real name is Amy Lee. She's a Korean American singer who is well known in Korea and is referenced as "Korea's Beyonce." She started her music career on YouTube like many Asian American artists. She posts many cover songs of Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, and my personal favorite, Alicia Keys.

She tries her hand on performing on TV by appearing on the Maury Show (of all things) to become a Maury Idol. Let's say she didn't win that title.

After her not-so-successful attempt to break into the industry, Ailee went to South Korea and debuted in her epic ballad song, "Heaven."


Many K-Pop fans fell in love with Ailee and her powerful vocals that when she came with songs like "I Will Show You" and "U & I" everyone already sees her as K-Pop's new superstar.

Yes, the ending wasn't that great but this song. Ugh, so good.



Many singles and awards later, Ailee continues to shine in her latest Korean single featuring Korean music legend and fellow Korean American Yoon Mi Rae, "Home."


So far Ailee is returning to music but she's debuting in the U.S. as A.Leean.


While I am excited for Ailee to return and debut in her home country--New Jersey born!-- this raises questions like

Why A.Leean?

Why Isn't She Using Her Korean Stage Name?

Will This Single Finally Put Her On the Map?

Or Any Asian American Singers?

And most importantly...

Why now?

Since CL ended her US tour and promoting her debut single "Lifted," she hasn't found many attention from audience aside from her fans who already knew her in 2NE1 and her solo works in Korea. Eric Name has released English versions of his Korean singles but never promoted them outside of Korea. Wonder Girls tried, twice. But will Ailee be different? Will she pave the way for Asian singers on the path to success in the states? We'll just have to wait and see. Her debut single "Fall Back" will officially be released on January 27th.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

2960
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

28139
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

12041
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments