J-Pop Star (and 3-D Hologram) Hatsune Miku Sells Out Stadiums

[Mikan]

Hastune Miku is just one of many Vocaloid characters (aka voice packages).

They aren't pre-recorded, that's the amazing part about this and why it gets people. You see, Vocaloid is actually a software package that can have these characters sing anything - it's actually used for creating music from any arbirtrary notes and lyrics that you write. So this character, despite being fake, actually sings what she is told to sing in real-time without any assistance.

I'd like to see this 'singing voice synthesizer' technology make it into other areas of the world within the next 5-10 years, as it is currently the most advanced technology available. However most cannot afford it, and the current alternatives are weak at best. AT&T synthesizers can barely even sound legible, despite claiming to be "natural voices" and having taken half a decade to develop.

Recently an English-speaking/singing version has been given the green light for production.