H!P poll: Risa, Chinami, Hagitty

I want to thank Paul for this poll. The choices were very difficult as I have deep moral objections to pitting one singer against another, since they are all fantastic:

Morning Musume

1. Risa: Always had a crush on this one that will never go away. I must confess to surrendering to looks rather than overall talent. Even though when she talks, you're reminded of your third-grade teacher, or a lawyer in court, she's still No. 1 and always will be right until she graduates, and I hope she never does.

2. Kusumi: Looks again, but a genuine independent talent despite the fact she's heavily shielded by Tsunku in live performances. That's the only weakness. Otherwise, a dynamic central engine for Morning Musume.

3. Sayu: A perfect face. She also, finally, broke through with some recognition at the Hello Project Winter 2008 Awards Show and did her song well. Greatly improved singer, but the world's most beautiful girl.

4. Reina: She is fiery, from every possible orifice. Forever a Morning Musume icon. Tremendous soloist. Not sure why I dipped her down here, but the first three just stop clocks with their looks.

5. Aika: What a great, great kid and courageous one at that. Braces and all, she was considered Tsunku's worst choice of the auditions and has responded magnificently, Athena and all. Yossie coached her into shape.

6. Aichan: She has more the classic beauty and composure rather than displaying the reckless energy of the pop idol star. That is a blessing and a curse.

7. Eri: I almost cried putting her this low. In this range, it starts to hurt.

8-9. JunJun, LinLin: I just hate putting the Pandas here, but I just haven't seen enough of them to have them break through at the top.

1. Chinami: Surprise! This kid has never gotten a break and she is by far the most lovable of all Hello Project singers. What a smile! Tall and fabulous with an underrated voice and very effective dance technique. She hasn't complained a whit and deserves more outside chances. Love this kid!

2. Momoko: What more can be said? The most unorthodox voice in all of pop music, but it just works. Tremendous appeal at all levels of human interaction. Deserves Buono! and all other accolades she receives.

3. Miyabi: Crystal-clear vocal delivery and a laid-back attitude that is infectious. She carries this group time and again by hitting those key notes, and the signature "Miyabi wail" in "Special Generation" is haunting and unforgettable.

4. Risako: I have no idea why I put her down here, other than she seems to have an attitude problem, she looks down too much during dance sequences and seems to take everything a little too nonchalantly. But that's just Risako. Upside? Clear, precise vocals.

5. Saki: Big talent, small stature. Most underrated dancer in the company and needs more opportunities like the spectacular, and all too short, hip-hop sequence in the 2005 Maiha graduation concert. Very solid leader for years. Better used, though, in ZYX.

6. Yurina: Don't get me started. It has caused me nothing but pain to rank her down this low.

7. Maasa: Great kid but completely overmatched by the talent that surrounds her. But, please, Maasa, don't graduate on us!

1. Hagiwara: No doubt the best child star since Shirley Temple, and probably the richest. It will be a sad day when Hagitty gets her first photobook, because the innocence will be shattered. But we'll still have all those DVDs. Thanks for the memories, Mai.

2. Suzuki: This is a great kid just getting undeservedly thumped from what I've seen in this poll. Greatest solo voice in the company. Great pick for Buono! Just great, period.

3. Saki: Most underrated singer in Hello Project. Supermodel potential, and the most energetic personality of all. This kid's future is limitless.

4. Chisato: The tiny package with the booming Petula Clark voice. The signature shout/squeal in "Jump" is a tremendous trademark of this kid's raw vocal power.

5. Kanna: Powerful dancer with the big voice to keep up with everyone in this group. Muscular but graceful.

6. Maimi: World's best dancer but I can't, for some reason, rank her higher. I have no idea why; perhaps it's just ignorance on my part.

7. Umeda: Sorry, Paul, your No. 1 is my No. 7, and it's just because she is outgrowing her role. She is, though, hugely talented in all the requisite areas.

This is Radicalipton signing off -- for now.