Following BLACKPINK's impressive performance in the 2022 VMAs, a US-based magazine earned the ire of readers after accusing the group of lip-syncing. Here's what the publication stated.
Magazine Mentions BLACKPINK's Alleged Lip-Syncing As Worst Moments of VMAs
On August 29, the famous U.S. weekly magazine, Variety, released an article with the title, "The Best and Worst Moments of the 2022 MTV VMAs: From Taylor Swift’s Surprise to Johnny Depp’s Confusing Cameo."
The article serves as a wrap-up of events and highlights, which took place during the MTV Video Music Awards held on the same day. The feature is particularly divided into two parts, picking the "best" and "worst" moments.
Reading the write-up, BLACKPINK was mentioned in the latter part under the heading, "Lip-Sync Snafus." Variety wrote:
"[...] the most conspicuous blunder was the obvious lip-syncing..."
Referring to BLACKPINK, singers Anitta, and Flo Milli as the main culprits of lip-syncing, the media outlet pointed out:
"They... who devoted attention to their killer dance routines but left little room for the actual singing."
In particular, BLACKPINK performed their pre-release track, "PINK VENOM," at the said ceremony.
BLINKs Call Out Variety After Accusing BLACKPINK of Lip-Syncing
As soon as the article reached the attention of K-pop fans, particularly BLINKs (fandom), they expressed displeasure. Fans then refuted the author and claimed that BLACKPINK doing lip-sync is not true at all.
They explained that the quartet only performed with AR, but still performed live. In context, AR is a recording where both the artist's voice was recorded along with the instrumental.
On the flip side, MR is a recording that only uses instrumental music.
When the article came out, BLINKs unveiled the MR version of the four-member group's stage at the VMAs, revealing that BLACKPINK sang live.
Unfortunately, the AR was so loud during the stage that the real vocals of the members weren't completely heard.
Due to this, the fandom called out Variety and demand them to "get their facts straight."
- "No way they would have lip-synced in the U.S."
- "Everyone except for that magazine said they did well."
- "That magazine is a real hit-free topic."
- "What are you saying, it was live."
Meanwhile, others sided with the magazine, commenting:
- "No wonder their mouth and the sound were not in sync."
- "Still, it wasn't a complete live broadcast."
In regards to criticism that BLACKPINK should have used MR instead of AR, BLINKs defended the group, saying:
- "BLACKPINK often plays AR on the domestic stage."
- "AR is often used in big events especially if there are loud cheers."
- "There are many AR-turned singers besides those singers."
On the other hand, BLACKPINK won the award in the "Best Metaverse Performance" category at the "2022 MTV VMAs" held in New Jersey. Lisa also received the "Best K-pop" category for her solo song, "LALISA."
READ MORE: MTV VMAs 2022 Winners: BTS, BLACKPINK & LISA Bag Trophies at Award Show
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Written by Eunice Dawson
