I have found out that on survival show, idols mostly compete and getting eager to get the position of being center. Why is that so? How important this position? How can idols be chosen to this? Hope you would help me as I am really curious about this💖💜 Btw, it's the same for main vocal and main dancer, I mean everyone gets competitive with these. Please, let me know why you think so! Thank you!!!🥰
What is the center position and why is it important?
The center position in the group is very important, as that idol is usually the one who begins performances, and is often in the centre of the screen/stage during performances, choreography, promos, reality shows, MVs and other contents. This gives them greater opportunity to showcase their charms, and to stand out, which in turns allows them to build a greater fanbase.
Why do they want this fanbase?
Most idols who are fighting for a center position are idols on survival shows, and survival show groups usually only last for 1-3 years. This means that the idol has limited time to cement their place in the industry, and to ensure that they have enough popularity to continue to receive work after disbandment. So, having the center position is the best way for them to secure their careers in the long run.
A great example of how being the center of a group benefitted an idol is Wonyoung of IZ*ONE, who gained a lot of support and had a solid fanbase even after disbandment and re-debut. Kang Daniel, who ranked 1 in Produce 101 Season 2, and became the center of Wanna One, gained a large fanbase which allowed him to become a successful solo artist after Wanna One’s disbandment.
So, these trainees are well aware of the added career security, caused by popularity, gained by being the center of the group.
How are they chosen to get the position?
Usually, the trainee who ranks #1 in the show will be the center. This was the case for the Produce series, and was why Rank #1 became so contested. Usually, the ranks are decided through audience votes, so the most popular trainee becomes the center and gets a chance to amass even greater popularity. Some shows have also ranked trainees based on the opinions of other idols and experts.
Some shows, however, pick a center based on idols’ skills, rather than their rankings. An example of this would be Heeseung from ENHYPEN. Even though he ranked #5 in I-Land, he is arguably the center of the group, as he is the most rounded performer and is the core of the group. Jungwon and Jay, who ranked #1 and #2 respectively, have a kind of sub-center position in the group, where they supplement eeseung’s position.
But this is because of their individual skills and performance styles, rather than their ranks.
What about main vocal and main dancer?
This is for similar reasons. The main dancer will be in the middle of choreographies, and especially during dance breaks, which are often impressive and attract many new fans. This gives the main dancer a chance to showcase their skills and to increase their fanbase, which in turn leads to further promotions, partnerships, collaborations, deals, and other career opportunities.
Main vocals will have ad-libs and impressive vocal lines, including high notes during the final chorus of the song. This allows their vocals to stand out, and, again, for them to gain fans and secure further opportunities.
So these positions, are of course, highly valued, as they are, you know, the best way to get yourself some job security.
And that’s basically all it is. It’s job security. Anyone working in the entertainment industry, which flip-flops every half second and which can suddenly turn millions of people from high-paying jobs to living on the street, wants to have as much security of empoyment as possible. And the best way to do that in entertainment is to ensure that you remain popular, and valuable as a money-making tool to both yourself and your company.
That sounds a little disilusioned, but the entertainment industry is about making money.