Singer-songwriter Abe Mao has been chosen to be the supporting act for Avril Lavigne's concert in Japan. Avril's concert will be held on February 4th and 5th at Saitama Super Arena as part of her tour, 'The Black Star Tour'.

Abe, who is in her third year since her major label debut, started her music career after hearing Avril's "My Happy Ending". She joyfully gushed, "I still can't believe it. I feel like I'm in heaven."

The only Japanese artists who've served as support acts for Avril in the past are�Otsuka Ai and PUFFY AMIYUMI for Avril's�Tokyo Dome concert on September 16th, 2008. It's said that the staff heard about Abe Mao's dream to play together with Avril, and delivered the wish to Avril herself, who decided to pick Abe to be part of her concert.

Brimming with excitement, Abe commented, "I've continued to admire her for many years, and she was the reason I aimed to become a singer-songwriter myself. I never in my dreams thought I would stand on the same stage as her support act. I feel like I'm in heaven. Avril is my youth. I've learned so much from her, and she cannot be replaced! I love Avril!!!"

On November 16th, Abe will release her 7th single, "Soba ni Ite".

Source: Oricon