Media

10 Sep 2023

XIKERS Talk Topping Billboard Emerging Artists Chart, Being a Fan of ATEEZ & More | Billboard

New K-pop boy band XIKERS talk about how they felt being on top of the Billboard Emerging Artists chart, how much they love their fellow labelmates ATEEZ and more at KCON LA 2023.

Tetris Kelly
As you guys can see, I’m a Blink. You guys did a dance cover of “Kill This Love,” right? Yeah, that was incredible to see you guys do it.

Hunter
Thank you! We actually took quite a long time to prepare for it because it was a cover that’s like — it was an honor to cover Blackpink’s “Kill This Love.” And we also had our own dance break at the end. So I hope you guys enjoyed our cover with it. We worked really hard for it.

Tetris Kelly
And then we’re Billboard. So you guys were No. 1 on our Emerging Artists chart, which is really cool. So tell me how it feels to be on a Billboard chart.

Hunter
Yeah, it’s actually an honor to be on such a huge chart like Billboard. I mean, we’re still rookies and we’re just really thankful for every opportunity. And we’ll just keep striving and try our best.

Tetris Kelly
And you’re here killing it at KCON. So tell me what’s great about being here at this event?

Minjae
Sure, so like we’re really nervous to come back as XIKERS in LA for KCON. But for now, I think we’re going to burn a whole stage. So please look for it. It’s our stage. And also we prepared a special stage for roadies and kick corners. So please enjoy. Thank you.

Watch the full interview above!

09 Sep 2023

NCT’s Taeyong Talks About Being a Soloist, New Music & More | Billboard

Taeyong from NCT talks about being a soloist, new upcoming music, his Elle cover, music and fashion, and more at KCON LA 2023.

Tetris Kelly:
First of all, your hair is amazing. Now, I want to know what inspired you to do the blue and the purple and the pinkish. I feel like there’s a lot of flavor going on right there.

Taeyong:
Yeah. Actually, this idea is my stylist’s. … She is really brilliant for this kind of job.

Tetris Kelly:
Well, yeah, you look amazing! And also you dropped your debut solo album. … How’s it feel to now be standing up for yourself, representing only you? How’s it been?

Taeyong:
It’s a little bit … I have some pressures. But I really really, I really, really excited and I can’t wait anymore. I want to go to stage, and I want to perform right now.

Tetris Kelly:
Well, they’re excited to see you perform! And you were giving your stylist some credit, but also you’re on the cover of Elle. So you have a lot of fashion yourself. So how’s it feel to do fashion and music kind of at the same time? How do they complement each other?

Taeyong:
Oh, I thought I thought that is like similar. I thought is music and fashion is really similar. And I really like it both. And I don’t know why, but I just like how to fashion and hairstyle or accessory is like that.

Tetris Kelly:
And then you’ve been hanging out in L.A. at KCON. So how’s the L.A. experiences been? What have you been doing in your free time?

Taeyong:
Oh, actually my favorite tattooist he’s living in L.A. And when I was when I was visiting in LA, I just tattoos in … you know what I mean?

Watch the video above to see if he got any new tattoos!

09 Sep 2023

CRAVITY Talks About 6th Mini Album ‘Sun Seeker,’ Favorite Summer Songs & More | Billboard

CRAVITY tells Billboard all about the group’s 6th mini album, Sun Seeker, their favorite memories from tour, songs of the summer and more at KCON LA 2023.

Tetris Kelly:
Hanging out with my friends CRAVITY. How are you guys doing?

CRAVITY:
We’re doing good.

Tetris Kelly:
Well, your sixth mini album is about to come out. Yes. You know, I know this information! Yeah. So how’s it gonna be different than your previous projects?

Allen:
We have some new appearances, some new hair stylings … just clothing and different sounds. Oh, and this time we’re doing something that we haven’t done before, which is releasing two lead singles.

Tetris Kelly:
Oh, wow!

Allen:
“Cheese” and “Ready or Not.”

Tetris Kelly:
OK. I hope they’re ready for it. And you guys just finished touring Puerto Rico, the States. So what’s been the most exciting part of all of that?

Taeyoung:
I think in L.A., L.A. hotel. The health club is very good. So that gym is very good. So that’s a really memorable thing.

Tetris Kelly:
And then what’s your guys’s favorite song this summer?

Woobin:
It’s definitely CRAVITY’s “Stay,” “Ready or Not.”

Wonjin:
Hey for me, Jung Kook’s “Seven.” Yes, I love that song.

Tetris Kelly:
All right, cool. Thank you guys. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Watch the interview above.

09 Sep 2023

Monsta X’s Shownu & Hyungwon Talk About Their Sub-Unit, Biggest Inspirations & More | Billboard

Shownu and Hyungwon from Monsta X talk to Billboard about what the differences between performing as their sub-unit and performing as Monsta X, their biggest inspirations, plans in L.A. and more at KCON LA 2023.

Shownu:
Oh, BTS ARMY?

Tetris Kelly:
Yes, don’t call me out. He’s like, “You’re a fanboy! You’re ARMY.”

Hanging out with my guys from Monsta X. So this is your first time debuting as a sub-unit live. Have you heard from the other members? How do you feel tonight?

Shownu:
It feels very little excited, and because they’re scream and they give so many energy, so I’m gonna do my best to the stage.

Tetris Kelly:
Nice! And what has been different about being a sub-unit than when you’re with the group?

Shownu:
The most thing is we’re really choosing concept. So before, we have all the members [before] we’re doing anything, but we’re only two members — we’re more thinking about our concept.

Tetris Kelly:
And the fans are super excited to see you guys out there. So how’s it feel to take them on this journey? They’ve been with you guys for so long, so what is your connection like with your fans?

Hyungwon:
We always think connecting — connect with our fans, so we always develop what is best. What is most important thing is love with our fans, so we always develop and that is our lizard in fan with our member.

Tetris Kelly:
And then of course you’re at KCON in L.A. What are you doing outside of KCON? Are you guys hanging out? Did you get to see the city?

Shownu:
We just arrived last night, so we didn’t enjoy yet, but after the concert! We maybe some drink.

Watch the full video above!

08 Sep 2023

Reneé Rapp Talks About Her Debut Single ‘Tattoos,’ First Album, ‘Mean Girls’ & More | Billboard News

Actress, rising pop singer and musical theater star Reneé Rapp tells Billboard senior editor Lyndsey Havens about her debut single “Tattoos,” her first album (Snow Angel), playing Regina George in Mean Girls: The Musical, her favorite quote from the movie and more!

Reneé Rapp:
Everybody’s like, “Reneé, it’s a slow burn, and enjoy the journey — not the destination.” And I’m like, “Jesus, f–k the journey!” But honestly, I’m into it right now — the journey’s cute.

Hey, what’s up! I’m Reneé Rapp, and this is Billboard News.

Lyndsey Havens:
Hey, I’m Lyndsey Havens for Billboard News, and we are here with the multitalented, fast-rising pop star, I think it’s safe to say! Reneé Rapp, welcome.

Has that settled in yet? “Pop star”?

Reneé Rapp:
It feels weird if I were to say yes, ’cause then I think I would just hate myself if I said yes. So no.

Lyndsey Havens:
Maybe after this album comes out.

Reneé Rapp:
Hopefully!

Lyndsey Havens:
So your debut single was “Tattoos.” Came out last year. How did you know that was the song to introduce that side of you with?

Reneé Rapp:
Oh my God, I didn’t. I absolutely didn’t. That was a time in my life where I was so hungry and so desperate to be seen. And I really wanted to get signed so bad. It was like such a big dream of mine ever since I was a kid, like to like, get signed to this like grandiose way and like have it be this moment. And I really liked “Tattoos,” and I thought it was good. I thought I had songs that I liked more. But that ended up being the song that I like, posted on the internet and ended up being a huge catalyst for like my career, and then how I did inevitably get signed.

Yeah, and I understand. And I hear the argument that is like, you know, “Hey, the internet is crazy, and it’s changed the music business and X, Y and Z.” And I don’t disagree. However, I think it’s really f–king cool, because it gave me a really big opportunity. And the right visibility that I needed to get into that space that I don’t know that I would have gotten a different way.”

Watch the full interview above!

08 Sep 2023

Behind the Song: How Breyan Isaac & Donny Flores Made Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Bongos’ | Billboard News

Producers Breyan Isaac and Donny “Dizzy” Flores share how they collaborated on Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s new song “Bongos.”

Tetris Kelly:
All right, guys, so I got to start right away by asking you: You’ve never worked together. I think this is your first time working together, so how did this even start? How did you end up on a track with Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion?

Donny “Dizzy” Flores:
I know Breyan, you know, we’re from Miami, like, we were all coming up, you know, splitting sandwiches and, you know, going through the struggle. He went his way with Mike Caren and they did a lot of crazy hits for Flo Rida, and I mean, I’ll let him tell you about that. Then I, you know, I moved on with DJ Snake and everything else. As you know, the pandemic we just catch back up again. It was like God put us in, you know, each other’s life for a reason. So it’s like, “Let’s just start working and building some more stuff together.” And this was just, you know, one of them we did. Here we are now.

Tetris Kelly:
You’re following “WAP,” which was a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 song. That’s a lot to live up to. So now that the track is out, what do you think makes it so different than what the girls offered in the past?

Breyan Isaac:
It’s a completely different feel. I mean, it’s a new kind of like bounce, a new kind of vibe to be honest. Like, production-wise, it’s a different kind of direction from what “WAP” was. “WAP” was a little bit more like a mid-tempo vibe. This is definitely more of a simple, more driving, giving you some actions, something to do, you know?

Tetris Kelly:
And now that it’s finished, are you guys satisfied with the product?

Breyan Isaac:
Absolutely.

Watch the full video above!

08 Sep 2023

Here Are 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Nelly Furtado | Billboard

Nelly Furtado reveals five things you didn’t know about her to Billboard.

Nelly Furtado:
Hey, I’m Nelly Furtado, and I’m going to list five things that you might not know about me!

One, I have three kids. One’s 19, one’s 5 and one’s 4, so yeah, mommy of three if you didn’t know. I’m a supermodel and mommy — yes mommy with three kids [in Spanish].

I play trombone — or I used to. My first instrument was ukulele. So … that’s my instrument fact.

I know how to make Portuguese Rissóis De Bacalhau, if you know, you know.

No. 4: I’m really quirky, you might not know that.

I love to stay at the studio till 7 a.m., when the sun rises and bring as many people as I can to jam and have a good time and all for one and one for all.

I’m Nelly Furtado, and those are five things you didn’t know about me.

Watch the full video above!

07 Sep 2023

XG Talk About New Music, Trip to Disneyland, Universal Studios & More | Billboard

XG talks to Billboard about their upcoming new music, recent trips to Disneyland and Universal Studios, and more at KCON LA 2023.

Tetris Kelly:
Well, first of all, I feel like I already know you because you’ve been hanging out with my producer Evan, and he loves you guys so much. So I’m happy to meet you guys at KCON. Tell me about these outfits because you guys look great. What was the inspiration? A little bit of race car going …

Maya:
Oh, yeah … this is like a race car concept. But we wanted to put energy into our performance as well. So we put, like, red colors and also sparkles, bling bling. You know, we need the bling bling for the big stages today!

Tetris Kelly:
Well, you guys are blinging and I know you’ve been busy, obviously. You’ve been at our studio, you’re at KCON LA now. What else have you guys gotten to do while you’re in L.A.? I’ve heard something, I’m just saying.

Maya:
Well, we are preparing a lot of new songs. Our first mini album is coming soon, Sept. 27. Actually, so we’re preparing for that. Oh, yes. Get ready. New DNA is coming. So yes, we’re preparing for that and also different stages upcoming this year.

Tetris Kelly:
As you prepare for your new release, did you also get to maybe check out Disneyland or something?

Cocona:
Oh, I went to Universal Universal Studios Hollywood with Harvey and Maya.

Tetris Kelly:
Oh, y’all split it up. So what was your favorite thing at Universal?

Cocona:
Oh, studio tour. Oh yeah. I love it.

Tetris Kelly:
What did you guys do at Disneyland? And I need your favorite ride/

Jurin:
Oh, favorite ride? Incredicoaster. That was so fun.

Tetris Kelly:
Incredicoaster! So fun! And then last, before I let you guys out of here: What’s your favorite song this summer?

Jurin:
Oh favorite summer song is “New Dance” by XG. We can’t spoil it or anything, but it will come out on Aug. 23. So I hope you guys enjoy it.

Tetris Kelly:
Well, look forward to new music from XG. Thank you so much for hanging out with us.

07 Sep 2023

Charlie Puth Is Engaged, 2023 CMA Nominations, Simon Cowell Is ‘Speechless’ & More | Billboard News

Charlie Puth announced his engagement to girlfriend Brooke Sansone when he posted a pic of his fianceé rocking a serious rock. The 2023 CMA Awards nominations are here, and Lainey Wilson & Jelly Roll are leading the pack! Billboard takes a look back at some of the most controversial Hot 100 No. 1 tracks. And more!

Tetris Kelly
Charlie Puth announces his engagement. Lainey Wilson leads the CMA Awards nominations. An AGT contestant leaves Simon Cowell speechless. We look at some of the most controversial No. 1s and learn five things about Noah Kahan. Welcome back to Billboard News, I’m Tetris Kelly, it’s September 7th, and we’ve got to get the show off to the most positive note: love. Charlie Puth is engaged. The soulful crooner is singing the news, and we’re letting you know all about the happy couple.

Tetris Kelly
Charlie Puth took to Instagram to announce his engagement to Brooke Sansone with this adorable picture, captioning, “I flew to New York to ask my best friend to marry me. And she said yes. I’m the happiest, best version of myself. And it is all because of you. Brookie I love you endlessly forever and ever and ever.” Congrats, Puth. Also, that pizza looks bangin’. The engagement comes nearly a year after they went IG official in a post on Charlie’s birthday. We wish the couple the best.

Onto some more good news: Country is killing it on the charts, and some of your favorites are celebrating their CMA Awards nominations. Lainey Wilson leads the pack, with Luke Combs and Jelly Roll capturing a handful of nods. Here are your CMA nominations.

Tetris Kelly
Lainey Wilson nabs nine nominations, making her the most nominated at this year’s CMA Awards. She’s nominated for the biggest prize of the night — Entertainer of the Year — but she’ll have to beat out Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs, who received four nominations, including Single of the Year for “Fast Car.”

Watch the full news video above!

07 Sep 2023

Controversial Hot 100 Hits: Britney Spears, Lil Nas X, Madonna & More | Billboard News

Billboard takes a look back at some of the most controversial Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 tracks.

From Cardi B andMegan Thee Stallion to Katy Perry to Robin Thicke and many more before them, controversy has always been a part of music. With two controversial No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 this summer, Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town” and Oliver Anthony Music’s “Rich Men North of Richmond,” let’s look back at a few of the chart toppers that have stirred up the most controversy.

Madonna’s career is no stranger to controversy, but it was her 1991 hit “Justify My Love” that got the singer’s video banned from MTV for images of sadomasochism, voyeurism and bisexuality.

In November of 1998, the world was introduced to 16-year-old Britney Spears, who came out the gate with her controversial smash “Baby One More Time.” The erotically charged lyrics were considered too mature for a teen pop star at the time, but that did not stop the Princess of Pop from reaching No. 1.

Following his record-setting run at No. 1 on the Hot 100 with “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X brought controversy with his sexually charged song and provocative video for “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” when he gave the devil a lap dance.

And those are just a few controversial No. 1 hits from the Hot 100. For our full list, head to Billboard.com.

Watch the full video above!