Hello! Project: Hannah Montana times 70

Miley Cyrus, a.k.a. Hannah Montana

Interesting that the "Hannah Montana" phenomenon is spreading across the United States like an outbreak of bird flu. It's indicative of how starved America is for quality music acts, especially with female performers. Folks, listen up: Want more more of Miley Cyrus, a.k.a. Hannah Montana? Look no further than Hello! Project, where up to 70 Hannah Montanas at any given time have been kicking butt for 10 years now.

Take Miyabi Natsuyaki, who turned 15 this year, and is a clear star both in Berryz Kobo, H!P overall and now the new unit Buono!. Miley Cyrus turns 15 on Nov. 23, so the ages are comparable. While Cyrus has a mediocre TV show and a stable of so-what, assembly-line songs to her credit, Miyabi has a body of work that, for her age, defies description -- with Berryz, the huge trio with Suzuki and Reina ("First Kiss") in the 2004 H!P winter concert, solo work, shuffle groups; the list goes on and on.

Miyabi Natsuyaki, center, anchors Buono!

This artistic depth and career stability speaks for itself. Miyabi is a killer act and is just getting better and better (the "Miyabi wail" in "Special Generation" is but one example). Cyrus has already been sued by her fans for failing to provide them with concert tickets through her Web site. H!P has organized drawings and tries to steer clear of fan friction.

The point here is that Hannah Montana will burn out in another year or so (remember Britney?) while Miyabi will continue to be well-coached, well-rested and producing quality work well into her 20s as have many H!P performers.

Hannah Montana's concert tour rolled through this area (Central California) earlier this month. It was a joke. All the rotund, sloppily dressed soccer moms were fighting each other for tickets. Turned out there were more available than people realized. It was all a bunch of empty hype. Jealousy took over; the typical frenzy that leaves the kids out, and the adults squabbling among themselves. Typical America. And now, out of Texas, a class-action lawsuit no less, because some red-faced helicopter parents couldn't score Hannah Montana concert tickets online.

All this for one kid. Doesn't Disney have any imagination? How about 100 Hannah Montanas? Why not get them great songs, super choreography and corporate support?

Too bad for American music fans, especially young ones. If they want more of what Hannah Montana offers, look across the Pacific and discover a musical and artistic universe that is just beginning its global quest for excellence in song and dance -- Hello! Project.

This is Rad signing off -- for now.