Staying power means having more than a few hits though. When they first started out they were not popular at all; and although they did have some really big hits, their popularity outside of otaku is almost non-existent. Kids at my school call them disgusting, annoying and stupid; most Japanese people see that Under-16 idol culture as being disgusting (Those who aren't otaku).

I'm not going to start on the music. Haha.

I used to be a fan for a brief period of time years back.