Episode 34 - Hello ☆ Super Idol

Hello☆Super Idol (Hello☆スーパーアイドル) is the 34th episode of Aikatsu! TV anime series and the 34th episode of its "1st Season". The episode aired on June 6, 2013.

Synopsis
''Kaede, an American Super Idol manages to get a spot in the final auditions after showing everyone that she has done more extreme versions of the trials the other idols went through. This leaves Aoi and Ran uneasy about their own auditions, whilst Ichigo wonders if there is something more to the audition than simply getting into Tristar.''

Summary
Ichigo hears a strange noise coming from overhead. She looks up to see a girl jump out of a plane, making a swift landing after she pulls the parachute out. Everyone watches with amazement as the girl approaches Mizuki, then embraces her before kissing her cheek. Much to everyone's surprise, Mizuki simply greets her and welcomes her to Starlight Academy as Aoi recognizes Kaede and points out that her family runs a high class Sushi restaurant chain in America. Kaede is the sponsor for it, being in all of the commercials for it, as well as an idol-based TV show known as "Kids Club". She is an American Super Idol.

Orihime points out that she wasn't supposed to come until the Summer, but Kaede admits that she couldn't wait since she wanted to be there for Mizuki's Idol Unit Auditions. She asks if everyone else has managed to measure up to the requirements like she has, when Johnny reveals the auditions already began and points out that she's too late, since they have their six finalists. Unwilling to back down, Kaede shows everyone the video she put together for proof that she has already taken part in her own special audition back in America and asks them to watch before they decide to turn her down. They agree and watch as she climbs the Grand Canyon with huge bursts of water being sprayed down on her, then she walks on the structure of the Golden Gate Bridge as a boat fires volleyballs at her, then for the third stage she participates in a rodeo; she even has a huge burst of wind thrown her way from a rocket launching. As Aoi and Ran comment on the higher level of things, Ichigo is completely focused on the cute horse Kaede was riding.

With that Kaede announces that for the final stage of her Audition she used the Yankee Stadium to put on a performance. But before they can see it Mizuki ends the tape and allows Kaede special permission to join the final round, a single performance. Pleased by this, Kaede promises to put on a grand show for Mizuki as the other girls grow anxious, standing from behind.

Later, the trip discuss Kaede and realize that they can't take her lightly, so they will need to put more effort into their work from now on. Coming to the training room they spot Kaede practicing her tap. As she finishes she sees many girls staring at her but is confused until she sees Ichigo, approaching her to embrace and kiss her cheek before commenting on how cute her name is. She asks if the people of Japan like Tap or not and the four look at the girls again as she brings up how Ichigo was the only one to enjoy her parachuting, and Ichigo explains that everyone is surprised by her. This makes Kaede feel better and as thanks she puts a black cloth onto Ichigo's hands, then removes it to reveal a cute little sushi charm. She promises to make sure everyone has fun at the audition and tells her to get excited for it.

That evening, Orihime goes out for a walk when she spots Mizuki staring up at a star in the sky. They begin to discuss how it is alone, and Orihime mentions how Mizuki has been shining all by herself like this star; but soon, two more will appear to form three who can shine together.

Meanwhile, Yurika is enjoying various tomato dishes while other girls observe her. She claims that it is to prepare for her next audition, and while it hasn't been announced yet, she needs to always keep up her vampires energy. Otome is dining on some Pop'n Popcorn to keep her spirits up, and Sakura mentions being depressed for failing the audition. Yurika points out that only weak people feel like that after one or two failed auditions though, and after Otome promises to try much harder, Sakura is encouraged to do the same.

It's then Yurika asks Ichigo how she plans to deal with the "Black Ship", something that ends up confusing Ichigo until they explain how it is a reference to Kaede. The trio begin to feel nervous again after Ran points out that Kaede has the abilities to back up her reputation of a super idol; she put on an amazing audition, has popularity, and her aura is amazing. Her abilities are on a much different level than their own, but in hearing this, Yurika snaps and tries to encourage the girls. Ichigo thinks back to the charm Kaede gave her and asks them why they are even doing this, but nobody has any ideas. With the desire to know, Ichigo takes off and tries to find Kaede, with Aoi and Ran tagging along.

Ichigo properly introduces the other two to Kaede after they find her in her dorm room and she mentions the desire to speak to her about the audition tomorrow. Kaede invites them inside and they quickly start to observe it- spotting something odd and they question it. Kaede brings up how long she has admired Japanese culture growing up, and she is very excited to be there. She holds up a pan and has them watch before she puts a cloth over it to surprise them after pulling it off to reveal three cups of tea, followed by sushi. Ichigo compliments her abilities before Ran asks why she does magic. Kaede explains that she has always loved the Magical Toy Brand, and she was encouraged after meeting the top designer of the brand after so long. She promised that she would become a top Idol and in response, he waved his hand to make a set of premium cards appear.

With a wave of her hands Kaede summons them to explain her plans to use them the following day. Ichigo suddenly remembers why she came to visit Kaede and asks if stunt parachuting, tap dancing, and magic are because she seeks the happiness of others. Kaede confirms this and goes on to say that she plans to make sure that everyone has fun tomorrow, but Ichigo thought that the audition was only to determine who is chosen. Kaede states that while this is true, her top priority is just making the audience have a great time, which makes the trio realize that they were so hung up over being chosen that they forgot all about the audience.

After Aoi accidentally knocks over a box, the girls see Kaede's huge collection of Mizuki-based items. Ichigo and Aoi begin to clean them up while Ran questions it, causing Kaede to explain that she learned about Mizuki from a bunch of Japanese Research she did. Ichigo claims that she and Kaede are the same, since they both want to stand on the stage next to her.

As the next day rolls around, an announcer tells everyone that the final audition will be to decide who will be in Tristar starting today. He also informs everyone regarding the inclusion of Kaede, much to their surprise. The seven remaining girls stand behind the stage while Johnny and Orihime make discussion. Yurika, Sakura, and Otome cheer for the trio to win meanwhile, and the announcer calls the third-year students, Ichika, Nino, and Sango, to perform first. As they take their turn, the other four go to the changing area to wait for their turn, where they change and perform "Take Me Higher".

With that the auditions has come to an end. The announcer asks Mizuki for a few words before they announce the winners. Mizuki congratulates everyone for a job well done, then proceeds to tell them that the first girl she chose was Kaede, because after she proclaimed herself qualified to join she backed it up with the performance she put on today. She holds the power needed to make the Audience enjoy every performance. She then goes on to announces that she wasn't able to make a decision regarding a final member, and has decided to have Ichigo, Aoi, and Ran perform in one more audition.

As everyone reacts to this news, the third-year entrants thank Mizuki for allowing them to come even this far. Even if they couldn't join Tristar and start to perform with Mizuki again, they plan to keep going and they bring up how hard it will be for the other trio to compete against each other due to their close friendships, bu the girls plan to try their hardest anyway. With that, the three girls take their leave.

Yurika and Sakura comment on how hard this final audition will be, while Otome questions who she should cheer for. Mizuki simply observes them while thinking things over once more.

Character Appearances

 * Ichigo Hoshimiya
 * Kaede Ichinose
 * Aoi Kiriya
 * Ran Shibuki
 * Mizuki Kanzaki
 * Otome Arisugawa
 * Yurika Todo
 * Sakura Kitaoji
 * Johnny Bepp
 * Orihime Mitsuishi
 * Marcel
 * Shion Kamiya
 * Raichi Hoshimiya
 * Ringo Hoshimiya

Trivia

 * This episode marks the official debut of Kaede Ichinose, an American super idol and the final main character of the first series.
 * This episode also marks the first time a character has made their debut performance in their premium rare coord, followed by Seira Otoshiro, Sora Kazesawa, and Maria Himesato.
 * This episode marks the debut of the brand Magical Toy.
 * This episode also marks the debut of the Pierrot Carnival Coord.