Aikatsu Start!

Season 2 episode 17

The episode opens with the girls at Saku Academy buzzing about an upcoming event known as "The Cute Idol Showcase." It’s a major event where idols specializing in the Cute-type category perform and present their "cuteness" to the audience. This year, Rizela Aiyoku has been chosen to be one of the main performers, and everyone’s excited to see how she’ll shine. Rizela, who is half-Norwegian and an expert in Cute-type idol work, feels the pressure mounting as the big day approaches.

Rizela: (talking to herself while looking in the mirror) Stay cute, stay cute, stay cute… (sighs) But what if I don’t? What if I don’t live up to the expectations?

Miho: (popping up from behind, full of energy) Rizela, you’re already cute! Everyone knows that! You’re going to totally ace this! What’s there to worry about?

Rizela: (forcing a smile) Thanks, Miho… But I don’t know if I can keep up with the level of "cuteness" everyone expects from me.

Rotasu, who is walking by, overhears the conversation and approaches them with a calm and supportive smile.

Rotasu: (kindly) Rizela, there’s no one more fit for the Cute-type performance than you. You’ve always embodied the perfect balance between sweetness and elegance. Why are you doubting yourself now?

Rizela: (biting her lip) It’s just… I’ve been feeling like the expectations are so high. This showcase is all about cuteness, but I feel like I need to add something special, something different. Otherwise, I’ll just blend in with the others.

As they continue talking, Miss Mihara walks into the room with a clipboard in hand, looking at Rizela with a bright smile.

Miss Mihara: Rizela, I know the pressure’s high, but remember that what makes you stand out is you. Not just how cute you are, but how you blend your cultural background, your elegance, and your unique sense of style. You don’t have to be a stereotype of “cute.” Be your own version of cute, and the audience will feel it.

Rizela: (nodding thoughtfully) You’re right, Miss Mihara. I think I’ve been focusing too much on what I think people expect from me. I should just be myself… but in the cutest way possible!

The scene shifts to the rehearsal room, where all the idols are preparing for their performances. Aika is busy working on Rizela’s outfit for the showcase, while Miho is practicing her own routine in the corner.

Aika: (holding up a bright, pastel-colored dress) Rizela, I designed this outfit with your cultural background in mind. It’s a mix of traditional Norwegian patterns and modern Japanese kawaii fashion. I think it’ll help you stand out while staying true to who you are.

Rizela: (her eyes lighting up as she takes the dress) Wow, Aika! This is incredible! It’s cute, but it’s also… me.

Aika: (smiling) Exactly. You don’t have to compromise who you are to be cute. You just have to highlight your best qualities. That’s what makes you unique.

Later that day, the Cute Idol Showcase begins, and the outdoor stage is adorned with pink, pastel decorations, glittering lights, and an overall adorable atmosphere. Various idols from Saku Academy and other schools take turns performing their Cute-type routines, each one bringing their own style to the event.

Miho’s performance is first, and she bounces onstage with her usual energetic charm, wowing the crowd with a catchy, playful pop song. She’s dressed in a brightly colored coord with stars and sparkles.

Miho: (singing with a bright smile) "Let’s shine bright like the stars above! Come on, everyone, feel the love!" ♡

The crowd cheers, and Miho finishes her performance with a wink and a cute pose. She quickly runs backstage, her heart racing with excitement.

Miho: (panting) That was so fun! I hope I get more chances to do cute-type performances!

Next up is Rizela’s turn. She steps onto the stage with a look of calm determination, wearing Aika’s stunning dress. Her song starts softly, with a mix of traditional instruments and modern pop beats. Her voice is sweet, but there’s an elegance to it that sets her apart from the previous performers.

Rizela: (singing softly at first) "In the snow, in the sky, every dream can fly… with a little love, we can shine so high…"

The song picks up, and she performs a graceful dance that combines traditional Norwegian movements with modern kawaii-style choreography. Her performance is a fusion of cultures and styles, making it truly unique.

As she finishes the performance, the audience is mesmerized. There’s a brief moment of silence before the crowd erupts into applause. Rizela smiles shyly and gives a small, elegant bow before stepping off the stage.

Rotasu: (backstage, clapping) That was incredible, Rizela. You were cute, but you also stayed true to yourself. I think that’s why the audience loved it so much.

Aika: (smiling proudly) The outfit looked perfect on you too. I think you really nailed it.

Miho: (grinning) You totally out-cuted everyone! You’re a natural!

Rizela: (blushing slightly) Thanks, everyone… I think I finally understand that being cute doesn’t mean losing who I am. I can be elegant, true to my heritage, and still be the “cute idol” they expect.

As the event wraps up, Miss Mihara gathers all the idols backstage to give them some feedback.

Miss Mihara: (smiling warmly) You all did a fantastic job today. Remember, cuteness isn’t about fitting into a mold. It’s about expressing your best qualities in a way that makes people smile. Rizela, your performance was a perfect example of that. You brought something unique to the stage, and it showed.

Rizela beams with pride as the other idols congratulate her. The episode ends with the girls walking together, discussing the showcase and how each of them brought their own unique flair to the performances.

Miho: (cheerfully) I can’t wait for the next event! I want to keep doing more cute performances!

Rizela: (smiling softly) Me too. I feel like I’ve found my own way to “stay cute” without losing myself.

Aika: (teasingly) And next time, I’ll have an even better outfit for you!

The episode ends on a high note, with the idols laughing and walking off into the sunset, ready for whatever comes next.