List of AKB48 members
Monica Hesse of The Washington Post describes the AKB48 audition process as "American Idol-esque".[3] The group has publicized special events for choosing the promotional and recording lineup for some of its singles.[5] To obtain a ballot, voters have to buy the group's latest "election single",[6] or sign up for the official paid fanclub.[4][6] Narumi Kuranoo is the current leader or "general manager" of AKB48 and all of its sister groups.[2] Trainees (研究生, kenkyūsei) are members who have entered the group but have not been assigned or promoted to a fixed team.