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The No. 1 spot has a new ruler, but who could it be? Does a Christmas classic take the throne? Keep watching to find out! Tetris Kelly: Christmas continues to take over the charts but a classic takes the top spot. M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” comes in at number one on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 […]
John Legend is interviewed by his daughter Luna, and she asks him questions about his new children’s album, My Favorite Dream. He shares what inspired him to take on a kid’s album, celebrating Get Lifted and more. Keep watching to see his cute interview with his daughter! John Legend:Lately, we’ve been getting some good advice […]
Lele Pons, Majo Aguilar and Lupita Infante share their favorite makeup trends, what they love to listen to while getting ready and more!
Lele Pons:It’s Shakira’s step, the one like this, that has to be the single one.
Lupita Infante:With those toloches, some corridos tumbados.
Majo Aguilar:“Lose Yourself” by Eminem. I listen to that song quite a bit, actually.
Lele Pons:What I listen to when I’m glamming is a lot of Taylor Swift — a lot. I like all the songs, all the albums, all of them. All from Taylor Swift, Gracie, Shakira, obviously. Also Kelly Clarkson, I love. I love the songs from way back.
Majo Aguilar:Suddenly, you may be listening to something more relaxed, in case you wants to be calm, which can be Parcels, for example. If I suddenly want more empowerment, I could listen to “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. I listen to that song quite a bit, actually.
Lupita Infante:That new era of Mexican music with those toloches, a few corridos tumbados because I feel that a lot of interesting things are happening.
Lele Pons:I don’t know if it’s a beauty trend, but I really like it. Red lips on all women. I mean, a little bit on the eyes, almost nothing, the skin is very natural, but I love red lips — how cool is that.
Majo Aguilar:I think it’s a bit obvious, my current beauty trend. Normally, I’m a little more laid back with my looks, but I’m bringing a vibe of Mexican Golden Age cinema, which caught my attention, like those great movie divas María Félix, Flor Silvestre.
Keep watching for more!
Kenia Os, Elena Rose and Mon Laferte share their beauty icon inspirations, what they listen to when they get ready and more at Latin Music Week 2024. Mon Laferte I can take off my shoes. Elena Rose Thank you God for giving me another day where I can do what I love. Kenia Os Sometimes […]
Lady A’s Hillary Scott and her 11-year-old daughter Eisele Kaye talk about writing their Christmas song “Hard to Wait for Christmas,” their favorite family Christmas traditions, most memorable Christmas gifts Hillary got as a kid, favorite Christmas cookies and more!
Eisele Kaye
Can we sing a little bit of “Hard to Wait for Christmas” together for Billboard?
Hillary Scott
Do you want to do it?
Eisele Kaye
Sure.
Hillary Scott
Do we want dad to help?
Eisele Kaye
Yeah, what’s your favorite part of writing “Hard to Wait for Christmas” together?
Hillary Scott
I think my favorite part of writing the song with you was just getting to talk about all of the things that are “Hard to Wait for Christmas” for, and then also getting to talk about the real meaning of Christmas — Jesus, the birth of Jesus.
Eisele Kaye
How is recording with me different from recording with your bandmates?
Hillary Scott
Well, it was really fun because I got to experience it with you for the first time. So it felt new again, which is really exciting. And I got to just stand by and be a proud mom, watching you be so comfortable and sing so beautifully in that environment. So it was definitely different, because, I mean, I’m proud of [Lady A bandmates] Charles [Kelley] and Dave [Haywood] but, like, really proud of you, because you’re my girl.
Eisele Kaye
What was your favorite moment of making this song with me?
Hillary Scott
My favorite moment of making this song with you, I think it was the studio. Do you remember what happened?
Eisele Kaye
Oh yes.
Hillary Scott
At the very beginning,
Eisele Kaye
Yes, the lights went out.
Hillary Scott
The power went out.
Eisele Kaye
The power went out
Hillary Scott
to the entire studio. And then what happened again, when we went to do the photo shoot?
Eisele Kaye
The lights went out.
Hillary Scott
The power went out. Those were two things that happened that we just thought, you know what? I think we’re gonna take this as a good-luck charm, that if the power goes out, we’re on to something good.
Watch the full interview above!
KISS OF LIFE, true to their name, are breathing new life into the K-pop scene. Debuting with their first mini-album KISS OF LIFE on July 5, 2023, the group has steadily gained both recognition and sales in the Korean market. Their first single album “Midas Touch” earned them their debut on the Billboard Global 200 chart, peaking at No. 165 and remaining on the chart for two weeks. In a K-pop industry increasingly dominated by major corporations, KISS OF LIFE has been dubbed the “miracle of mid-sized companies.”
For the group’s growth, Belle shared, “We used to only dream about moments like these, and now we made our dream come true. Winning our first music show trophy with ‘Sticky,’ a song we particularly love, made us feel like our hard work and confidence in our music had finally paid off.”
The group’s uniqueness is evident in both the concept and tracks of their mini-album KISS OF LIFE. They chose to present their album in a “magazine” format, showcasing their visuals in a distinct way. Moreover, from the very beginning, all members included solo tracks on the album, with Natty’s “Sugarcoat” achieving even greater success than the title track “Shhh,” solidifying KISS OF LIFE’s name in the public’s mind.
One of the group’s defining traits is their nostalgia. Tracks like “Bad News” left a strong impression with its incorporation of 1990s and 2000s hip-hop elements, including iconic phrases like “ain’t no diggity” and “from the east side to the west side.” Their latest single “Get Loud” evokes the Neptunes-era sounds of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. However, the group’s music isn’t confined to these influences. Their summer anthem “Sticky” brought them their biggest success yet, while “Igloo,” with its minimalist production and powerful choreography, marked their re-entry on the Billboard 200 chart. These diverse approaches continue to raise anticipation for what lies ahead.
By seamlessly blending American hip-hop/R&B elements with K-pop, KISS OF LIFE has emerged as a rookie group worth watching. Stepping outside the conventional paths to success, they’ve proven that K-pop can still offer fresh sounds and styles. Just over a year after their debut, they completed a successful North American tour and are now preparing for a European tour — a remarkable feat for such a young group.
Below, find Billboard Korea’s Q&A with the rising group.
It seems like KISS OF LIFE has had a really busy year!
Belle: It’s been an incredibly busy year. Thanks to all the love we’ve received, we were able to have multiple comebacks, hold our first concert, and even complete our first tour in such a short time. It really feels like a year of tremendous growth — both as a group and as individual artists exploring our own paths.
Haneul: I thought last year was hectic, but this year really felt like we poured all our youth into it. [Laughs]
As mentioned, you achieved a lot this year, including another Billboard Global 200 entry, your first world tour and first music show win. What has been the most memorable moment for you?
Belle: Winning our first music show trophy is something I’ll never forget. It was a dream we always talked about, and achieving it with “Sticky,” a song we love so much, made us feel like all our hard work and confidence in our music finally paid off.
Haneul: It’s amazing that the song kept charting even after our next album came out!
Julie: Every moment we achieve something, it feels unforgettable and precious, but for now, I’d say our U.S. tour stands out the most. We gained so much experience and grew a lot, and I already miss those memories!
Natty: I was so happy to see so many overseas fans knowing and singing along to our songs!
Many artists say that after their first world tour, their perspective broadens and they begin to see things they hadn’t noticed before. What has changed for KISS OF LIFE after their KISS ROAD tour?
Julie: It’s hard to pick just one thing, but I’d say our attitude toward the stage. I’ve started to think more deeply about the mind-set I bring to every performance.
Belle: I realized I don’t need to be nervous onstage. People enjoy seeing me have fun and relax while performing, and I loved the connection we shared with the audience — it’s the joy of music at its best!
Upward trajectory is often seen as the most beautiful graph. The response to KISS OF LIFE has been just that, with sales and reactions steadily increasing from mini-album 1 to mini-album 3.
Belle: We’ve kept moving forward with nonstop comebacks and activities, but I think the key has been focusing on what makes us unique and keeping our fans engaged. Above all, I believe our genuine love for music has resonated with people.
While “Get Loud” from “Lose Yourself” didn’t receive the response you had hoped for, “Igloo” was met with a hot response, particularly for its performance. Who came up with the concept of the sunglasses performance?
Belle: It was the idea of our performance director, who’s been with us since debut. They understand us so well and always come up with unique performances that highlight each of our individual charms. The moment we all put on sunglasses felt like a Super Bowl performance and was both cool and playful.
Haneul: The company was concerned about covering our faces, but we all agreed to go ahead with it and in the end, it worked out perfectly.
Natty: At first, we were all a bit worried! It was our first time covering our faces during a performance, so there were some concerns, but we trusted the vision, and the response was amazing! Fans even bring sunglasses to our concerts now!
“Igloo” presented a different vibe compared to previous KISS OF LIFE music and performances.
Haneul: I expected it to be cool, but I didn’t expect such a hot response. [Laughs]
Julie: This was a style I always wanted to try, and personally I felt most confident in it, so I believed people would recognize it, and I’m so happy that we received so much love!
Belle: We had a feeling that the “Igloo” choreography would be well-received when we first started practicing it. The song, with its trap hip-hop base and refined yet playful choreography, felt like it would stand out in a new way.
KISS OF LIFE who had previously shown a ‘summer’ vibe presented a new side with ‘Igloo’. What other new things can we expect?
Belle: We will continue to evolve and reveal even more new sides of ourselves. While the future is uncertain, we will definitely bring fresh music and performances that will entertain both the eyes and ears of our fans!
Each member is involved in songwriting and composing. How do you want to express yourself through KISS OF LIFE’s music?
Belle: I believe only those who fully understand the music they make can produce a certain vibe. We always want to show our fans authentic and sincere music.
Haneul: Music feels like a diary to me, capturing my emotions and experiences. When I’m sad, I listen to music and cry. When I travel, I listen to music and feel even more excited — music becomes a way of saving those personal experiences.
Natty: I feel particularly confident in R&B, and I’d love to explore a variety of styles when I have more time!
You always present a “magazine” concept for your albums and even do magazine shoots. How are the two different?
Belle: In our album photo shoots, we focus on bringing out KISS OF LIFE’s identity, but in actual magazine shoots, the focus is more on showing a new side of me. Both are enjoyable!
Julie: I think magazine concept photo shoots feel less pressured than our album ones. Since the photos are for our KISS OF LIFE albums, we feel more encouraged to push our boundaries!
Natti: They’re quite similar! I really enjoy photo shoots, so I have a great time during both album and magazine shoots!
Finally, what can we expect from KISS OF LIFE in 2025?
Belle: It will be a leap forward. I believe we will achieve even more growth and take a big step forward!
Haneul: Beyond our planned European tour, we’ll have more opportunities to meet overseas KISSY, and Korean KISSY will also get to see a lot of new sides of us.
Julie: We’re going to achieve amazing things! We’re planning to fill 2025 with even better music and incredible stages!
Natty: We’re going to make it big!
Natty
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
I love it when fans call me: Hot Girl Natty
My position in KISS OF LIFE is: All-rounder
My favorite song at the moment: “Nothing”, “Igloo” by KISS OF LIFE
But my favorite song of all time is: “Sugarcoat” by KISS OF LIFE
Julie
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
I love it when fans call me: Sexy
My position in KISS OF LIFE is: Leader
My favorite song at the moment: “Toxic Till The End” by ROSÉ
But my favorite song of all time is: “Igloo” by KISS OF LIFE
Haneul
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
I love it when fans call me: Bob Sky, Haneul-e, neul-e
My position in KISS OF LIFE is: Lead Vocal, Maknae
My favorite song at the moment: “Back to Me” by KISS OF LIFE
But my favorite song of all time is: “Says It” by KISS OF LIFE
Belle
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
I love it when fans call me: Gifted, talented
My position in KISS OF LIFE is: Main vocalist, songwriter. Mainly in charge of the musical process!
My favorite song at the moment: “Toronto 2014” by Daniel Caesar & Mustafa
But my favorite song of all time is: “Feather” by Sabrina carpenter
KISS OF LIFE
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
What can fans expect from KISS OF LIFE in 2025? “We’re going to achieve amazing things!” Julie promises. “We’re planning to fill 2025 with even better music and incredible stages!”
Natty
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
My favorite quote or best advice someone gave me: “You’re doing great, You’re killing it!!”
The concept I’d love to try most in KISS OF LIFE is: Y2K, Original Hip-Hop
Julie
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
My favorite quote or best advice someone gave me: Hard work pays off
The concept I’d love to try most in KISS OF LIFE is: Hip-Hop
Haneul
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
My favorite quote or best advice someone gave me: Hard work pays off in the end
The concept I’d love to try most in KISS OF LIFE is: Dreamy, Rock Punk
Belle
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
My favorite quote or best advice someone gave me: Trust your gut!
The concept I’d love to try most in KISS OF LIFE is: bright pop music
Wham!’s “Last Christmas” has become a holiday standard over its 40 years in release — not just because of the extraordinary success of the original 1984 recording by the pop duo (George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley), but also because of its numerous covers by the likes of Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, Kelly Clarkson, Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift, among others.
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What’s it been like for Ridgeley to see the song have so many new interpretations by such artists through the years?
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“It’s testament to the brilliance of the song,” he tells the Billboard Pop Shop Podcast (listen to his interview below), “to its appeal as a Christmas record, its appeal as a pop song, its attraction to the younger generation and those that recognize what a really good Christmas song it is.”
“Someone told me there’s over 400 ‘Last Christmas’ covers,” Ridgeley says. “I can’t verify that, but I wouldn’t be too surprised. It’s extremely flattering and I think George (who wrote, produced, and solely performed “Last Christmas”) would have been really really pleased that so many people recognize — so many of his peers, so many of contemporary musicians of this era and in between — recognize it as a definitive kind of Christmas record.”
“Last Christmas” has become a fixture on the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the holiday season and recently reached a new peak of No. 3. Ridgeley says it has been “extremely satisfying” to see the tune climb the Hot 100, and adds that Michael (who died in 2017) “would have been utterly delighted… and it would have meant a great deal to him.”
In Ridgeley’s chat with the Pop Shop, he also discusses the continued popularity of Wham!’s overall catalog of music and how it’s “surprised” him a “wee bit” that their music has grown in popularity over the decades with new fans. He says it’s all owed to the “enduring vibrancy and youthful nature of Wham!’s music and Wham! that (the catalog) continues to draw in new cohorts.”
Also in the Pop Shop interview, Ridgeley talks about the new documentary Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped, the possibility of a boxed set with unreleased Wham! material, and if the public will ever hear Michael’s original demo recording of “Last Christmas.”
The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)
‘A Complete Unknown’ stars Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning sat down with Billboard News to give their thoughts on Billboard’s Hottest Female Rappers of 2024 list, their favorite Aries singers and diving into the world of Bob Dylan.
Timothée Chalamet:2024… Cat Johnson:Top female rappers of 2024. Elle Fanning:Wait, so can you read the list again? You said… Cat Johnson:No. 1 is GloRilla, No. 2 is Megan Thee Stallion, No. 3 is Nicki Minaj, No. 4 is Sexyy Red, No. 5 is Latto. Top three? Together! Timothée Chalamet: I’m just gonna agree with it, because I don’t wanna, I don’t wanna stoke any… Elle Fanning : I know! We don’t want to rank anyone, right? Timothée Chalamet: I feel like as a LaGuardia grad, as a Barb, even if I get roasted saying that, you know, maybe I have to slot Nicki, you know, but I’m not gonna disagree with that, because that’s, oh, I don’t need to wade into those waters. Cat Johnson: Yup! Tetris Kelly:We find out Timothée Chalamet is a Barb. Elle Fanning ranks her favorite Aries singers. We’re looking at you, Mariah! And they discuss their new movie, the Bob Dylan biopic ‘A Complete Unknown.’ Cat Johnson:You had to learn 13 songs. Timothée Chalamet:Yeah. Cat Johnson:But you ended up learning 40?Timothée Chalamet:I learned a lot. I don’t know if it was that many, but it was a lot. There’s also a lot that we shot that’s not in the movie.Watch the full video above!
Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson, oh my! The queens of Christmas are taking over the Hot 100 top 10, during the Christmas week. Merry Christmas. The gift of music is here. This is the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 for the week dated Dec. 28. Kelly Clarkson is at a new No. 10 […]
SZA releases her highly anticipated ‘SOS Deluxe: LANA’ with the help from Ben Stiller who stars in the music video for ‘Drive.’ The album features SZA in an alien costume as well as another collab with Kendrick Lamar called “30 For 30.” Tetris Kelly The wait is over, as SZA’s much anticipated ‘SOS Deluxe: LANA’ […]