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Trending on Billboard
When KPop Demon Hunters fever came to the Top Gabb Music Songs chart in July, listeners seemed more inclined to stream Saja Boys, the Netflix film’s demon boy band, than HUNTR/X, the girl group trio hunting them down.
But now the tides have turned, as HUNTR/X’s “Golden” not only reigns for a second month on the October 2025 chart; the group’s “How It’s Done” also rises to No. 2.
Billboard has partnered with Gabb Wireless, a phone company for kids and teens, to present a monthly chart tracking on-demand streams via its Gabb Music platform. Gabb Music offers a vast catalog of songs, all of which are selected by the Gabb team to include only kid- and teen-appropriate content. Gabb Music streams are not currently factored into any other Billboard charts.
The October 2025 chart marks the third published ranking since Gabb Music was made available via app stores, meaning users can now download the streaming app to devices other than Gabb Wireless’ phones and tablets.
In July, Saja Boys’ “Your Idol” crowned the ranking, followed by a pair of HUNTR/X songs in “Golden” and “Takedown” at Nos. 2 and 3. Saja Boys’ “Soda Pop” ruled the August survey, followed by the aforementioned “How It’s Done” and “Your Idol,” and “Golden” ascended to the throne in September, with the two Saja Boys tunes in hot pursuit.
But this time, HUNTR/X becomes the first of the warring groups to occupy the entire top two thanks to “How It’s Done” rising to No. 2, while “Soda Pop” and “Your Idol” must be content with Nos. 3 and 4, respectively.
With a second month at No. 1, “Golden” is the first song to reign for multiple months since Forrest Frank’s “Your Way’s Better” ruled between April and June.
“Golden” topped the multimetric, weekly Billboard Hot 100 for two frames in October, reigning on the Oct. 4 and 11 lists. It appears at No. 2 on the latest (Nov. 22-dated) tally.
While music from KPop Demon Hunters remains ubiquitous on the latest Top Gabb Music Songs ranking, occupying seven of the top eight positions for the second month in a row, October marks the first time since the songs’ July debut that something else seeps into the top five: Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” which lifts one position to No. 5.
One song debuts on the October chart, though it’s not a newly released song. Billie Eilish and Khalid’s 2018 collaboration “Lovely” bows at No. 24, over six years after the song peaked at No. 64 on the Hot 100 in January 2019. It’s Khalid’s first appearance on Top Gabb Music Songs since the ranking’s October 2024 inception, while Eilish has previously made the 25-positon survey with “Wildflower.”
See the full chart below.
Top Gabb Music Songs
“Golden,” HUNTR/X (=)
“How It’s Done,” HUNTR/X (+2)
“Soda Pop,” Saja Boys (-1)
“Your Idol,” Saja Boys (-1)
“Ordinary,” Alex Warren (+1)
“Takedown,” HUNTR/X (-1)
“Free,” EJAE & Andrew Choi (=)
“What It Sounds Like,” HUNTR/X (=)
“What I Want,” Morgan Wallen feat. Tate McRae (+1)
“Your Way’s Better,” Forrest Frank (-1)
“Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else,” Benson Boone (=)
“Beautiful Things,” Benson Boone (=)
“Stargazing,” Myles Smith (=)
“Riptide,” Vance Joy (re-entry)
“God’s Plan,” Drake (=)
“Up!,” Forrest Frank & Connor Price (=)
“Dusty Bibles,” Josiah Queen (-3)
“Stressed Out,” Twenty One Pilots (+7)
“Eternity,” Alex Warren (-1)
“Butterfly Effect,” Travis Scott (re-entry)
“Love Somebody,” Morgan Wallen (+1)
“Let You Down,” NF (-1)
“Gabriela,” KATSEYE (re-entry)
“Lovely,” Billie Eilish & Khalid (debut)
“Slow It Down,” Benson Boone (-5)
DROPS: “Strategy,” TWICE; “Love Me Not,” Ravyn Lenae; “Lemonade,” Forrest Frank & The Figs; “Chk Chk Boom,” Stray Kids
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Jelly Roll has two major life updates. First, the country star is newly nominated for three Grammys. Second, his face is now bald.
In a chatty video posted to YouTube on Thursday (Nov. 20), Jelly took fans with him as he shaved his beard for the first time in years and shared how he “really feels” about the Recording Academy. After razoring off his facial hair with wife Bunnie Xo at his side in the bathroom, he went for a walk outside and talked to viewers one on one.
“By now, you have probably figured out that I look like a Ninja Turtle,” he said self-deprecatingly, explaining that before his recent weight loss, he felt he “was so obese, it was easier to cover what was happening here [with a beard].”
Jelly then fought back tears while addressing his 2026 nominations for best country duo/group performance for the Shaboozey duet “Amen,” best contemporary country album for Beautifully Broken and best contemporary Christian music performance/song for “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” “When I look at these nominations, all I see is God,” he said.
“I want to cry,” the singer continued. “Wow, country album of the year. It’s not even about the album or the nom. It’s about the name.”
Getting emotional, Jelly said that the title of his 2024 Billboard 200-topping LP represents “what’s happening in the world right now, I think, more than ever.”
“Win, lose, or draw, holy f—, dude, we won,” he added. “I know a lot of artists give the Grammys a lot of sh–, but the truth is I feel honored … Y’all make fun of me now and leave comments about my double chin.”
Jelly has now been nominated for a total of seven Grammys, earning his first nods in 2024 for best new artist and best country duo/group performance for his and Lainey Wilson’s “Save Me.” The following year, he scored nominations for best country song and best country solo performance for “I Am Not Okay.”
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We’re just one day away from the release of Wicked: For Good.
Throughout the month of November thus far, it’s been all about Wicked mania in preparation for the film. Many brands have been dropping Wicked-themed products left and right for fans of the magic franchise, hoping to tide them over before they head back to the wonderful world of Oz.
Now Yoto, the parent-owned and operated children’s audio tech company, is getting in on all the fun with the release of their Wicked: The Soundtrack Card for $11.99, discounted from $14.99. This soundtrack card can be used with the brand’s Yoto Player, sold separately, giving your little ones control of their tunes. If your child is just as big of a fan of Wicked as everyone else is, this Yoto soundtrack card and a separate Yoto Player would make a great gift for the holidays.
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Wicked: The Soundtrack
$11.99
$14.99
20% off
Yoto soundtrack card.
The soundtrack card features 56 minutes of pure fun, including tracks from the first half of the Wicked franchise along with tracks from Wicked: For Good sung by the likes or Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey, among others. You’ve got hit tracks that have made their way onto the Billboard charts, like “Defying Gravity,” “No One Mourns the Wicked,” “The Wizard and I” and “Popular.”
The Yoto Player is kind of like a kid-friendly boombox, made for tiny hands and ears ages 3 to 12+. The player currently comes in two sizes: Yoto Player (3rd Generation) for $81.99 and the more compact Yoto Mini for $63.99. Both are on sale at the time of writing. While there are some differences in the sizes, the biggest thing to note is that the 3rd Generation produces acoustically engineered stereo sound, while the mini produces mono sound, meaning a single-channel audio format. Stereo uses two channels to create a room-filling kind of sound, giving your audio a more dynamic feel. If you or your child are a stickler for good audio, go for the 3rd Gen Yoto Player.
Yoto Player 3rd Generation
$81.99
$109.99
25% off
A Yoto audio player.
Both players allow children to play the Wicked-themed soundtrack card, along with audiobooks and so much more. The 3rd Gen is best for jamming out at home, while the mini is best for listening to your favorite tracks on the go. The 3rd Gen is equipped with more technical features than its tiny counterpart, including a nightlight, clock and even a room thermistor.
The battery life on the bigger Yoto Player is also larger, lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge, while the mini will last up to 14 hours. Both products can be hooked up to wired headphones so your kids can listen in privacy. You can also choose the color of your Yoto device on the website.
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Cardi B is snapping back to her Bodega Baddie era, as the Bronx native kicked off her fitness journey last week while looking to be ready for her first headlining arena tour in 2026.
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Cardi posted a clip in the gym after getting a workout on the stairmaster on Thursday (Nov. 20) to her Instagram Story, which was dated to be from Nov. 13. For now, she’s taking it light while adjusting to post-partum life with tour rehearsals on the horizon.
“Tour journey with me,” she wrote. “I haven’t started tour rehearsals yet but I’m doing light workouts to not only get my body back in shape but my joints and bones.. I’m 33 honey I’ma ol’ lady.”
In the clip, Cardi revealed it was her first day back in the gym. She completed over 20 minutes on the stairmaster and was getting ready to head over to the squat machine. Cardi’s looking to get to a point where she can do over an hour on the stairmaster.
The 33-year-old announced she gave birth to a baby boy on Nov. 13 — her fourth child and first with NFL star Stefon Diggs — and posted the first glimpse of her newborn on Wednesday (Nov. 19) to social media.
The post boasts over four million likes and finds Cardi in mommy mode, while her son is wrapped up in New England Patriots gear, repping his father’s team.
Cardi B will be hitting the road for the Little Miss Drama Tour on Feb. 11, which kicks off in Palm Desert, Calif. She’s set to make stops across North America in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland, Vancouver, Seattle, Sacramento, San Francisco, Phoenix, Houston, Austin, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Detroit, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Chicago, New York, Newark, Toronto, Boston, Hartford, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C and finish up on April 17 in Atlanta.
Trending on Billboard Kehlani has condemned ICE for “kidnapping” immigrants from school and their jobs. In an interview with Los Angeles radio show Big Boy’s Neighborhood earlier this week, Kehlani was quick to criticize ICE as they discussed today’s tumultuous political climate alongside host Big Boy. “They’re kidnapping [people] out of schools, and jobs, and […]
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Rapper Mystikal has been ordered to stay in jail for a bit longer, according to KLYFY.
A Louisiana judge of Ascension denied the New Orleans artist’s request for bond. Mystikal pleaded not guilty to charges from an incident in 2022. The charges he was facing consisted of first-degree rape, domestic abuse battery, strangulation, and false imprisonment. During Tuesday’s hearing, the Here I Go rapper’s mother and business manager were front and center.
Pleading to the judge that if he were granted bond that they would monitor him and make sure he doesn’t run into any trouble. Following that hearing was a new court date, March 30th, 2026, and it’s expected to last one week. Unfortunately, this was not the first incident of Michael Tyler, better known as Mystikal was charged with sexual abuse towards others.
His past legal charges include a 2003 case, followed by a 2016 case involving kidnapping and sexual assault. That case was eventually dropped.
The 55-year-old rapper is facing a crossroads.
If his team can present evidence proving his innocence, he walks free. If not, he could face a life sentence, according to Louisiana First News. The decision ahead will ultimately determine the rest of his life. More updates as the story develops.
Trending on Billboard At the end of an exhaustive press tour leading up to the premiere of Wicked: For Good, Ariana Grande has revealed that she has COVID-19. In a post on Instagram Stories posted Thursday (Nov. 20) — just one day before the Wicked sequel is set to hit theaters worldwide — the singer-actress […]
Trending on Billboard Nas and DJ Premier will drop off their new collaborative album next month. Premier announced the project during a show on Wednesday (Nov. 19) in Bristol, England alongside The Alchemist. While he didn’t reveal the official title for the new LP, he confirmed the collection of collabs will drop Dec. 12. “How […]
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2025 was a big year for viral products.
From the ever-popular Labubu to celeb-backed blushes and lip stains, products were constantly going viral on TikTok. With so much to sift through and so little time until the holidays, ShopBillboard is here to help.
To make your holiday shopping a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite viral products of 2025, all backed by musicians you know and love, including Harry Styles, Doja Cat, Beyonce, Lizzo, ENHYPEN and Rihanna. We’ve got all kinds of products on this list, including inventive tech, musician merch, hair tools, trendy makeup, athleisure and even an alarm clock.
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If you don’t see anything to your liking, ShopBillboard also has guides for affordable gifts for $10 or under, gifts for gamers and gifts for music lovers.
Dyson Airwrap™ Origin
$399.99
$549.99
27% off
A hair styling tool that uses air.
This viral multi-styler uses air, rather than heat, to style your hair, thus preventing damage. It’s has been used by Beyoncé, Lizzo, JISOO and other music artists and is designed for drying, smoothing, volumizing and more, whether you’re on stage or just getting ready for a night out. The styling tool is usually $500+, but the Dyson Airwrap Origin is currently on sale right now for just $399 at Amazon.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
$159.99
$249.99
36% off
Wireless bluetooth earbuds in a silver case.
These Samsung earbuds went viral, thanks in part to K-Pop boy group ENHYPEN. The group is a longtime Samsung ambassador, and their earbuds of choice are the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro in Silver. Right now, the buds are 36% off, so if you want the same sound quality as your favorite idols, you’ll want to take advantage of this sale while it lasts.
Bella – Fits-anywhere Kitchenware: 6-qt. Slim Air Fryer – Blossom
A pink air fryer.
Air Fryers went viral in 2024 and into 2025 on TikTok because it’s infinitely speedier than using your oven. The tech has been hailed as a healthier alternative to deep frying because it utilizes air, rather than oil, to fry things to a crisp. While air fryers can be really expensive, this Bella Air Fryer is just $69.99, and is just as good as the pricey ones. It’s also super slim, meaning it’ll fit nicely into your kitchen without sacrificing space.
Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock, Sound Machine, Smart Light (Cocoa) – White Noise, Screen-Free Sleep Routine
$139.99
$169.99
18% off
An alarm clock and sound machine.
Rihanna and Lizzo apparently use Hatch Restore’s Sunrise Alarm Clock, and it’s easy to see why. With both singers’ busy schedules, we’re sure this product offers them time to unwind and keep track of all life’s hectic moments. This viral alarm clock went viral on TikTok this year and acts as a sound machine, alarm clock and smart light that can all be controlled via Hatch Restore’s app. It’s a screen-free way to get the sleep you need and a warm wakeup too. The alarm clock is currently on sale for $139.99 on Amazon.
Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
$27.97
$44.99
38% off
A TikTok viral portable speaker.
Anker’s Soundcore 2 speaker is another TikTok viral product thanks to its exceptional sound quality. The speaker is available on Amazon for $27.97, 38% off its original price. The portable style is waterproof and features 12W power with enhanced bass thanks to dual neodymium drivers, giving you the best sound possible, all in a portable package. The speaker also comes in four other colors if the black model isn’t your thing.
Four Apple Air Tags
A pack of four Apple Air Tags.
Air Tags have always been popular. They’re a great way to keep track of your belongings, whether that be suitcases, handbags and even pets. You can now get a pack of four Apple AirTags for just $64.99. That’s four for the price of one at Best Buy. If you didn’t know, AirTags emit a secure, anonymous Bluetooth signal that is detected by nearby Apple devices in the Find My network.
ALTSON 60 LED Portable Selfie Light
A clip-on LED portable light.
Snapping a selfie can be tough, especially if you don’t have good lighting to work with. TikTok experts will know that the best way to get the content you need is by utilizing a portable light like this one from Amazon. The Altson LED Portable Selfie Light retails for $12.10 and can be clipped onto any device to offer you light. Snap onto your phone for a great selfie light or put it on your laptop to light up your Zoom calls. The possibilities are endless.
Pop Mart The Monsters (Labubu) Big Into Energy Vinyl Plush Blind Box V3
$37.35
$41.94
11% off
A Labubu blind box.
While the Labubu was around for some time, it didn’t make it big until way later in April of 2024 when K-Pop star Lisa from the ever-popular girl group BLACKPINK was with one of the fluffy collectibles fixed to her Louis Vuitton bag. Since Lisa’s introduction, stars like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, Rosé, David Beckham, Lizzo, Madonna, BTS, Cher and Lady Gaga have all gotten in on the Labubu mania, affixing their blind box acquisitions to bags, keys and luggage. You can shop the viral sensation at Target and Walmart. The best part? This series is currently on sale.
K-Pop Demon Hunters Saja Boys Heartthrob Officially Licensed Sweatshirt
$35.67
$41.97
15% off
A sweatshirt featuring all the members of the Saja Boys on the front.
Another favorite is the Heartthrob Sweatshirt, equipped with a colorful neon graphic of the Saja Boys members Jinu, Abby, Mystery, Romance and Baby. This unisex sweatshirt comes in four different colorways and sizes ranging from small to XX large. The unisex Heartthrob Hoodie boasts the same graphics and sizing options but in five colorways. Each piece of merch is made of majority cotton, keeping the wearer nice and comfortable while streaming their fave fictional K-pop acts.
Sacheu Peel Off Lip Liner STAY-N in Shade P-INKED
A peel-off lip liner in a pinkish-brown hue.
The Sacheu Peel Off Lip Liner STAY-N went ultra-viral among musicians, especially Doja Cat, and we’re kind of obsessed. The lippie is currently available at Ulta Beauty for $14 and comes in nine shades. The “Woman” singer isn’t the only one obsessing over Sacheu’s peel-off product. Billie Eilish is also a fan of the stain (she also uses the shade P-INKED), along with non-musicians like Sofia Richie Grainge and Alix Earle.
Gap High Rise Knit Horseshoe Jeans
$35
$89.95
61% off
Barrel jeans in a dark wash.
Barrel jeans had a major moment in 2025. The unique silhouette has been seen on a ton of musicians this year, namely Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson and Dove Cameron, among others. The style rose in popularity because of its interesting fit with a high waist and exaggerated wide legs. The resulting fit is baggy and slouchy, a desired effect for many, especially those looking to break away from the chains of skinny jeans. Our barrel jeans pick? These Gap High Rise Knit Horseshoe Jeans. They’re currently 61% off and give you the desired effect of barrel jeans without spending a fortune.
Medicube Collagen Overnight Wrapping Peel Off Facial Mask Pack
$14.32
$18.90
24% off
A collagen face mask that is peel off.
All of Medicube’s product line went extremely viral. The K-Beauty brand also boasts a big celeb following, namely K-Pop star Tzuyu from the girl group TWICE. That has got to explain her unreal skin. If you’re not a fan of K-Pop, that’s okay. A-listers like Hailey Bieber, Kylie Jenner have used the brand in the past, along with influencer Alix Earle, reality stars Khloé Kardashian and Kyle Richards and even the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle. Our favorite from the line is the Medicube’s Collagen Overnight Wrapping Peel-Off Facial Mask Pack, which is basically a one way ticket to glass skin. The mask is peel-off, creating a film on the skin that hydrates for up to eight hours after use.
Owala FreeSip Twist Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw
$23.99
$29.99
20% off
A cherry red Owala water bottle.
Owala’s water bottles are already a viral moment. The brand is used by the likes of musicians like Hilary Duff and about a million folks on TikTok. The latest Owala craze however, is the brand’s Black Cherry colorway, a deep, rich red that resembles a juicy cherry. The colorway is available right now on Amazon in Owala’s FreeSip style. The best part? The popular style is on sale for $23.99, so you won’t have to spend a pretty penny to snag the on-trend bottle.
Sacheu Stainless Steel Non-Porous Gua Sha
A stainless steel gua sha.
Sacheu’s Stainless Steel Gua Sha retails for $32 at Ulta Beauty, and it’s an item we can foresee being used in your beauty routine for years to come. Justin Bieber uses a gua sha to keep himself looking good, and so does his wife, Hailey. In general, gua sha tools are used to massage the body in tandem with an oil or moisturizer, promoting blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage is just a fancy way of saying you’re moving extra fluid from a swollen area into an area where the lymph nodes will work to drain said fluid. The emphasis on stainless steel is because it is non-porous, meaning it won’t harbor bacteria or moisture like plastic would.
KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Officially Licensed T-Shirt
$16.99
$19.99
15% off
A T-shirt featuring all of the HUNTR/X members on the front.
Just like the Saja Boys, HUNTR/X also made it big this year with the viral sensation that was, and is, KPop Demon Hunters. We’ve included this tee featuring all the HUNTR/X members, from Mira and Zoey to Rumi, accompanied by flashy graphics. The tee is currently just $16.99 on Amazon and comes in a slew of sizes for men, women and little ones.
Paris Hilton Handheld Milk Frother Set, 2-Pack, Includes Pink & Brushed Gold Frothers
Paris Hilton’s milk frother.
Paris Hilton launched a range of kitchen tools with Walmart. Her most viral product? A handled milk frother. The tool, even without the Hilton name attached to it, is extremely viral on TikTok. It easily froths any liquid up with the click of a button, great for making cream tops on your daily matcha or latte. You can get in on the viral trend by shopping for a two-pack of Hilton’s frothers for just $14.97. That’s roughly $7.48 per frother, a steal if you ask us.
Kelly & Katie Gem Mary Jane Flat
$49.99
$70
29% off
Mesh flats with polka dots.
Another trending item that we’ve seen just about everywhere this year was the mesh flat. The style usually consists of sheer mesh paneling, acting as a sort of peekaboo effect. Ballet flats in general have had a major moment this year, with adopters like Jennifer Lopez, the Olsen twins, Sofia Richie Grainge and Jennifer Lawrence styling the flats. If you want to follow in the footsteps of your faves, literally, you can shop these Kelly & Katie Gem Mary Jane Flats at DSW for just $49.99. The style is black with see-through paneling and white polka-dotted accents throughout.
Rhode Pocket Blush Buildable Hydrating Cream Blush
A stick blush by Hailey Bieber.
Rhode launched in Sephora this year, giving fans and followers of model Hailey Bieber even more opportunities to shop the star’s line. While the brand, in general, has been well-received by musicians like Ariana Grande and Tate McRae, the brand’s Pocket Blush is a particular stand-out. The product currently retails for $25 at Sephora and comes in 10 different shades, although the fan-fave is Toasted Teddy. The blush is a creamy and blendable stick formula with a medium to buildable coverage.
Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Short 6″
High-waisted shorts.
Lululemon is always going viral for its athleisure products. Harry Styles, Kelsea Ballerini, Hilary Duff, Olivia Rodrigo and Addison Rae are all avid wearers of the brand’s athletic styles. While all of Lululemon’s products are pretty great, their viral hit has to be the Align High-Rise Short in the Berry Rumble colorway for $64. The high-waisted short has a six-inch inseam and are made of an ultra-stretchy material with minimal seams that let you get active without feeling discomfort. Sizing is available from 0 to 20. If the viral berry hue isn’t your thing, the Align shorts come in 12 other hues.
Summer Fridays Tinted Lip Butter Balm
A tinted lip balm.
Summer Fridays’ Tinted Lip Butter Balm was crazy popular in 2025. You couldn’t scroll TikTok without seeing it in someone’s “monthly favorites” or a “get ready with me.” The tinted balm is available to shop on Amazon for just $24. It strikes the perfect balance between hydrating and pigmented, giving the lips a subtle tint and a juicy shine. If that didn’t sell you, the balm has a few famous fans including Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba and even Jeremy Allen White.
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This April, Maria Becerra underwent an emergency surgery for a second ectopic pregnancy that caused severe internal bleeding. For Becerra, it was “very difficult for me to do normal things,” like running, walking and even singing; however, it was this dark moment in her life that ultimately inspired her third studio album Quimera, out today (Nov. 20) under Warner Music Latina.
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Home to 17 songs produced by Xross, including the previously released singles “Corazón Vacío,” “Ramen Para Dos” with Paulo Londra, and “JOJO,” Quimera represents the “rollercoaster of emotions” that the Argentine experienced during her hospitalization and recuperation.
Inspired by the mythical creature, chimera, it also inspired four alter egos, each with a set of songs that best characterize them: Shanina, Gladys, Jojo, and Maite.
“The concept started in April, but I had just gone through a very difficult health situation, a huge loss,” she tells Billboard in an exclusive interview. “I was in a very hopeless, sad, and empty emotional state…when you don’t understand that something inside you isn’t working. You don’t understand that something you long for suddenly doesn’t happen. It was a harsh dose of reality. I went through many phases. When I was at my peak of recovery, that was the Jojo moment — unconsciously, everything was connected to my recovery and my emotional states.”
Below, Becerra opens up about her ultra-personal and very vulnerable project:
Maria Becerra
@javifotoman
In QUIMERA you have songs dating back to 2023: How long ago did this creative process begin?
The creative process, conceptually speaking, began in April of this year, with the idea of creating this new album. The truth is that songs like “Corazón Vacío,” “Romántica,” and “Slow it Down” are songs that have been around for a long time, songs that fascinate me, but I really didn’t want to force them onto an album where they didn’t fit. I’ve had “Slow it Down” for six years; it’s one of the first songs I ever wrote.
Why is the name of your album inspired by a creature from Greek mythology?
The Chimera is a monster made up of different animals: a goat, the wings of a dragon, the head of a lion—each animal represents a personality and a strength that contributes to this monster. There are precisely four animals, which are the alter egos that, in a way, act as Maria’s shield and together form this beautiful monster that is the Chimera. Each animal corresponds to a different alter ego.
Gladys is more grounded, more connected to reality; she is the goat. Shanina is the dragon, with Japanese culture, colors, and fantasy. Jojo is the lion, with that fiery personality. The Chimera has another beautiful meaning, which is what gave rise to this album—it’s a somewhat impossible dream to achieve, a distant dream that can’t be fulfilled. It had a lot of meaning for me, not only in music but also in my personal life.
How do you identify with these four alter egos?
All the alter egos are based on my personality. They’re like stages I’ve gone through that have marked me the most. I was Shanina at one point—very toxic, very jealous, very emotionally dependent. I was also Jojo with my excessive partying, my detachment from love, my antisocial nature. I was Gladys too, and Maite, very much so; I think she’s the one who has remained most present in my life—there’s an emotional and dramatic place that’s present in my songs.
In this album, you experiment a lot with tropical genres, including salsa and cumbia. Coming from the urban scene, was this a challenge?
Not at all! I’ve always made bachata from the beginning. Besides, these are genres I feel very connected to because I’m a huge fan of them—salsa, cumbia, bachata, I’ve always loved everything Latin. It was always played a lot at home, I’ve always had those influences, and honestly, I feel like that’s what helped me easily immerse myself in those genres and keep them so fresh in my ears.
You close the album with five songs like “Maria Becerra.” What makes these special?
Maria is the love story I have with my partner. “Slow it Down” is about those typical first encounters, where you feel a strong sexual connection with the person, very passionate, which is what happened in our first encounters with my partner, J Rei. We first connected through chat, through our thoughts and ideologies; that’s where we fell in love. “Slow it Down” represents everything I felt at that moment. “Pierdo la Cabeza” is about being on the verge of falling in love and not knowing how to explain what you’re feeling. In “Tatu,” I’m completely in love; it’s a real relationship. “Romántica” is about a relationship that has developed with a lot of love. And I close with “Mi Amor,” which is about something solid: trying to start a family, our engagement. It’s a song with him to share our experience.
There are 17 songs that convey different emotions: What was your mindset when you created this project?
My state of mind was a rollercoaster. The idea started in April, but I had just gone through a very complicated health situation, a huge loss. I was in a very hopeless, very sad, very empty emotional state. You don’t understand that something inside you isn’t working, you don’t understand that something you long for suddenly doesn’t happen. It was a reality check. I went through many states, the entire beginning of the album: April, May, June… in the months I spent recovering mentally and physically, it was all very sad, dark, very numb, and I don’t know at what point in my mind I associated all that pain with Shanina. She was the first alter ego where I channeled some of my pain with that madness, that cynicism, that darkness, like my thoughts.
As my condition and mood evolved, the other alter egos emerged — at the moment I felt empowered, I started to look good, to regain weight. It was very difficult for me to do normal things; running, walking, singing was incredibly hard after being intubated, regaining lung capacity. When I was at my peak recovery, that was the Jojo moment, unconsciously, everything was connected to my recovery and my emotional states.
Did you ever think about giving up music during your recovery?
It was the opposite. The first intrusive thought, more due to the physical aspect, was that I wouldn’t be able to tour. I was going to have to take a really long break—mental, vocal, and physical rest. It wasn’t throwing in the towel, but it was recognizing that I needed to take a break. And recognizing that I had to be away for months, but in terms of [quitting] music, I never even considered it.
On the contrary, although I did have my dark moments creatively, very sad and dark songs would come out, and I couldn’t get out of that place. That moment alarmed me, and well, being the anxious person I am — I was very vulnerable — I had a creative block, but I never thought about giving up music. The important thing is to let grief flow. I listened to myself a lot, I was very patient with myself, and I went with the flow.
