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14 Nov 2023

Olivia Rodrigo Explains Why Writing ‘Can’t Catch Me Now’ for ‘Hunger Games’ Challenged Her As a Songwriter

Olivia Rodrigo is the Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes head songbird, but she says that writing “Can’t Catch Me Now” for the franchise’s new film wasn’t as easy as she made it look.

On the red carpet for the Hollywood premiere of the latest Hunger Games installment Monday (Nov. 13), Rodrigo revealed that penning the soundtrack centerpiece was actually more difficult than writing, say, the songs on her chart-topping albums Sour and Guts. “It was a really fun challenge for me as a songwriter, because lots of my songs are kind of about my personal life,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “[They are] very diaristic and confessional.”

“It was a wonderful experience to try to write something from the character of Lucy Gray,” continued the 20-year-old singer, referencing the film’s leading lady portrayed by Rachel Zegler. “[She] is a character that I feel very connected to.”

Rodrigo also said that the invitation to join the soundtrack was “such an honor,” noting that she’s “such a huge fan of The Hunger Games and such a huge fan of The Hunger Games soundtracks.” She added: “When they asked me to do this, I was so excited and so nervous.”

With “Can’t Catch Me Now,” Rodrigo follows in the footsteps of past Hunger Games soundtrack contributors such as Taylor Swift (“Safe & Sound,” “Eyes Open”) and Lorde (“Yellow Flicker Beat”). The haunting ballad entered the Billboard Hot 100 this week at No. 56, and on the day of Songbirds & Snakes‘ premiere, the “Drivers License” singer released an accompanying music video.

Rodrigo is nominated in the top female artist category at the upcoming 2023 Billboard Music Awards. You can watch the BBMAs here, via Billboard or the BBMA’s social media channels on Nov. 19.

Watch the “Can’t Catch Me Now” music video below:

14 Nov 2023

McDonalds & Crocs Collab On New Collection Inspired By Mickey D’s Famous Mascots

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McDonald's Crocs

Source: McDonald’s / McDonald’s

While sneakerheads obsess over the latest Nike SB Dunk or Air Jordan drops, many people actually do collect Crocs like they’re going out of style. McDonald’s is getting in on the action and making some of their most famous mascots the focus of a collaboration.

CNBC is reporting that McDonalds and Crocs will be releasing some new footwear inspired by the fast-food chain and will be paying homage to Grimace, The Hamburgler and Birdie with three different colorways for each individual character. Who asked for this collaboration? Who the heck knows, but don’t be surprised when you see people walking around with purple Crocs with Grimace’s face on it. Y’all already gonna know what they diet consists of too. Just sayin.’

Per CNBC:

Also for sale will be a number of McDonald’s-themed charms that can be attached to the clogs, including french fries, the Big Mac and the iconic Golden Arches logo.

The shoes will be released on November 14, retailing for between $70 and $75. Matching socks for each pair of shoes will retail for $20. Customers will be able to buy them at Crocs retail locations and wholesale partners. 

In its press release, McDonald’s recommended that fans who want to snag a pair of the clogs follow McDonalds and Crocs on social media, adding only that the drop will happen at “midday” central time. 

The partnership with Crocs is McDonald’s second fashion collab in recent months. Back in August, McDonald’s partnered with British skate brand PALACE to release limited-edition branded merch. 

There will also be a Croc colorway which depicts the classic red and yellow colorway that McDonald’s (and Hulk Hogan) is known for. Might see a few Hogan fans wearing those here and there.

What do y’all think of the McDonalds x Crocs collection? Will you be picking up a pair or nah? Let us know in the comments section below.

14 Nov 2023

15 Thoughtful Subscription Gifts to Surprise Loved Ones Near & Far

Consider these the gifts that’ll keep on giving featuring beauty, food, fashion and more options. They’ll even work as last-minute presents.

Subscription Gifts, Christmas, gift box

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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Now that the holidays are fast approaching, it’s time to create our list of gifts to get our friends, family and maybe even colleagues. Looking at all the names can be overwhelming, but with Black Friday deals and holiday sales going on, you can take advantage of promos and discounts to score heartfelt gifts —without leaving a hole in your wallet.

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Not everyone you’re gifting may be close in proximity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still surprise them with a thoughtful gift. Subscription gifts are a great way to surprise your friends and family without having to stress over last-minute gifts or mailing out a box on your own. Instead, the best subscription gifts will supply your loved ones with months of their favorite things, whether it’s books, skincare or a virtual learning experience.

Rather than do the research yourself, we took the time to put together a mix of unique subscription gifts, no matter your budget or need. Take a look below and get ready for a lot of thank you hugs.

Amazon Music app

Thiago Prudncio/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Amazon Music Unlimited

$10.99/month after 3 months free

Take advantage of Amazon Music‘s current promo, which offers three months of the service for free. After the free trial is over, you’ll be charged $10.99/month. The best part is you can personalize how many months you want to pay for the subscription — just make sure to cancel it when you’re ready.

Best Subscription Gifts for the Holidays & Beyond 2023

MasterClass

MasterClass

MasterClass offers a vast library of classes for people to take no matter if they want singing lessons, piano lessons or something else. Each class is taught by a legend or professional in the industry, and even includes classes taught by artists such as Christina Aguilera and Usher.

Veeps All Access

Courtesy of Veeps

Veeps

From $12.99

Music lovers will be excited about Veeps All Access, which provides on-demand and live concert and comedy performances from a growing library of performers. You can choose between a six-month of 12-month gift subscription, or send them a virtual ticket to one performance – it’s up to you!

photo of polaroid, water bottle, and box

Breo Box

Breo Box

For the friends who are always keeping up with the latest tech and gadgets, Breo Box comes stocked with the most buzzy innovations they’ll immediately want to unbox. Just choose how many boxes they receive in a year, and they can look forward to unboxing moments every three months until your plan is up.

drawing of jimi hendrix next to guitar accessories

CrateJoy

Axe Legends

From $15.99 a box

Whether you know a guitar player or fan of the greats, the Axe Legends subscription box is a collector must-have. Each box comes with a set of guitar picks, an A5 original caricature print of the legendary guitarist of the month, a collectable enamel guitar pin, guitar lesson cheat sheet and a new guitar accessory. You can also customize how many boxes they receive.

box with broadway-inspired stickers, prints and cup

CrateJoy

Broadway Box

From $36.25 a box

For the friend who’s always belting broadway tunes, make sure they have a Broadway Box in their hands. Choose between one, three, six or 12 months of boxes, and they’ll be surprised with a mix of on- and off-broadway show-inspired merch, stickers and collectables to decorate their accessories and home with.

Audible

Courtesy of Audible

Audible

Keep your friends listening to all the latest and greatest thrillers, musician memoirs and more with an Audible subscription. Choose from one, three, six or 12 months of credits that they can use to stock up on all their most-wanted audiobooks.

headspace app

Headspace

Headspace

$34.99/year

$69.99/year

50% off

Encourage some self-care with a Headspace subscription that’ll help them track their goals, meditate and use stress-reducing resources for a more mindful lifestyle. You can pay monthly for as many months as you’d like, or choose the annual plan for them to have a full year of the service.

pink box with 6 bottle of beauty products in front

Dermstore

BeautyFix by Dermstore

Beauty gurus will be praising your gift-giving skills after receiving Dermstore’s subscription box. Each one comes with a curated pick of six skincare, haircare and makeup products that are a mix of full- and travel-sized bottles. And did we mention they’re all worth at least $100?

lifestyle photo with puzzle pieces and puzzles completed

Jiggy

Jiggy

Jiggy offers a puzzle-of-the-month subscription that sends a new puzzle your gift recipient can choose each month. Every puzzle is designed with art from a local artist, with a percentage of the profits going to support their work.

gray bottle of perfume

ScentBird

ScentBird

From $48

$51

6% off

ScentBird is offering a scent-sational subscription for either three, six or 12 months. All plans come with a free case for their perfume or cologne, and with a six- or 12-month plan, they’ll also receive up to two free fragrances.

potted plants next to one another

Horti

Horti

Plant parents won’t be able to contain their excitement when you surprise them with this unique plant subscription. Horti offers three-, six- or 12-month plans. Or, if you’re looking to splurge, you can get the rare-plant subscription for six months. Within the customization process, there’s also a pet-friendly option for anyone who’s also a pet owner.

bag of coffee in box next to cup of coffee

Bean Box

Bean Box

If your family member can’t be seen without a cup of coffee in hand, then Bean Box is the gift to go with. You can choose between a three-, six- or 12-month plan as well as customize it to the type of brew they like, and whether they receive full-beans or freshly ground. From there, the brand will send a new bag of coffee from independent coffee shops around the nation.

white candle next to pink box

Wickbox

Wixbox

From $34.95/month

Help grow your friend’s candle collection with Wixbox. The subscription service creates personalized boxes for each person’s tastes, and has a month-to-month plan or you can prepay for up to 12 months. Plus, they’re offering a free wick trimmer with most plan options — just enter the code FREEWICK at checkout to redeem.

six bottles of wine next to wine glass

Bright Cellar

Bright Cellars

$55

$150

63% off

Wine enthusiasts can enjoy blends chosen based on their particular tastes and interests through Bright Cellars. Right now, the brand is offering six bottles (one per month) for for 63% off. You’ll just need to fill the quiz out for your loved one, and then each box will be customized to their unique tastes.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best gifts for musicians, gifts for Harry Styles fans and gifts for music lovers.

14 Nov 2023

Lainey Wilson’s ‘Country Gold’ Stanley Cup Is Here: Where to Buy the Limited-Edition Tumbler Before It Sells Out

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Just in time for the holidays, Lainey Wilson‘s limited-edition Stanley cup was released on Tuesday (Nov. 14). The country star teamed up with Stanley again to release her second cup collaboration, and if you want to grab one, you’ll have to act fast because it probably won’t be in stock for long.

The 40 oz. Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler features a limited-edition “Country Gold” colorway, serving up a retro twist on the viral tumbler cup.

 “It was so exciting to see how much folks loved the ‘Watermelon Moonshine’ Quencher, so we decided to do it again! The Stanley x Lainey Wilson ‘Country Gold’ Quencher has an iridescent flare that catches and holds your attention at first glance,” Wilson said in a press release. “Similar to what I look for in my own personal taste and style, it makes a statement. Plus, it keeps me hydrated and my ice cold for hours on end, both on and off the stage.”

Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson

The Country Gold Quencher ($55) features flecks of gold shimmer over a deep burgundy base. The design reflects Lainey’s “signature style.”

Wilson’s latest Stanley collaboration arrives less than a week after she took home five CMA Awards, including entertainer of the year. Wilson was the most nominated artist at the 2023 CMAs.

Next year, she will hit the road for the Country’s Cool Again Tour sponsored by Wrangler. The trek is expected to stop in more than 35 cities, starting with Nashville on May 31, 2024.  

“Nothing gets me buzzin’ like putting on a show and singing along with the crowd,” Wilson said in October. “I want to give a big thank you to all of the fans who have continuously showed up and showed out this year. We can’t wait to see you nationwide on the Country’s Cool Again Tour!”

Get tickets here.

14 Nov 2023

David Bisbal, Lola Índigo, Pablo López & More Celebrate ‘El Flamenco Es Universal’ During 2023 Latin Grammys Week

The 24th Latin Grammy Week celebrations continue in Seville, Spain, with a unique tribute to Flamenco in The Plaza España on Monday (Nov. 13). Among the celebrities that assisted the gala were Anitta, Danna Paola, David Bisbal, Juanes, Lola Índigo, Pablo López and more.

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“Flamenco Is Universal” was held during the Santalucía Universal Music Week, where more than 130 artists gathered to perform and create an audiovisual work.

Jesús López, the Chairman and CEO of Universal Latin America and Iberian Peninsula, kicked off the evening with a powerful speech that resonated with the audience. He highlighted that Spanish music has traveled far and wide across the globe and stated unequivocally that flamenco, a proud national legacy, is indeed a universal art form.

Jesus Lopez

Jesus Lopez

“Flamenco is a way of living, it is a way of expressing yourself, it is a way of behaving in life, it has many connotations, UNESCO declares it an intangible heritage of humanity. It is a music that is highly discussed because the purists want it to be one way. Still, today, a young generation is fusing flamenco with hip-hop, with reggaeton, with electronic music, and that shows you that flamenco is more alive than ever,” López told Billboard during the red carpet.

At the red carpet event, David Bisbal, Vanessa Martin, Pablo López, and other emerging pop flamenco artists such as Lola Índigo, spoke to Billboard to express how significant it is for them to share their folkloric music traditions with the world and what it means to them.

The evening began with a performance by Rosario, the daughter of the iconic Lola Flores. The artists graced the stage for almost four hours, starting with a beautiful rendition of Granaínas by Doña Carmen Linares, who was awarded the Latin GRAMMY of Honor in 2023.

All the flamenco families were seated in the front row: Camarón’s sons and widow, Paco de Lucía’s daughters and his widow, La Farruca surrounded by her children, and the Morente family. All of them attended with admiration for the tributes to their sagas, brought to the stage by Tomatito, la Macanita, Niño Josele, Rancapino Chico, Pedro El Granaíno or Marina Heredia, among others. Vicente Soto with his daughter Lela took Jerez to the stage; Dorantes played the piano for Alba Molina to pay tribute to her parents; and Lole and Manuel, and the Morente family (Estrella and Kiki), backed by their usual lineup, paid a heartfelt tribute to Enrique, whose voice was heard in his immortal Omega.

At the halfway point of the gala, Sara Baras appeared with her tribute to Carmen Amaya, who left the audience stunned after the cante and toque that characterized the first part of the show. She was followed by Israel Fernández and Diego del Morao, who paid tribute to the Niña de los Peines.

The president of the Junta de la Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, the mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz, Sebastián Yatra, Juanes, Anitta, David Bisbal, Manuel Carrasco, Danna Paola, Lola Indigo, Pablo López, Joaquina, Greeicy, Vanesa Martín, Pastora Soler, Los Morancos, Nati Abascal, Morat, Antonio Carmona, Timø, Boris Izaguirre and a long eclectic list of personalities of music, acting, journalism and culture enjoyed a special sound: the flamenco.

Held for the first time outside the United States, the annual Latin Grammys will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville, Spain, on Nov. 16 on Univision starting at 8 p.m. ET, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Danna Paola, Sebastián Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega will serve as co-hosts.

14 Nov 2023

RBD Has Their Own Barbie Dolls: Here’s Everything We Know

In the midst of their Soy Rebelde Tour, RBD is getting their own Barbie dolls. 

The news was shared on the Barbie instagram page on Monday (Nov. 13), where the dolls were officially unveiled. “¡Y soy Rebelde! Pop stardom meets pop culture icons with the special edition RBD x Barbie dolls,” read the caption. 

The collector’s Barbie dolls — which are available in a set of five or sold individually as Rebelde characters Mia (Anahí), Roberta (Dulce Maria) and Lupita (Maite Perroni) — commemorate the Mexican group’s triumph comeback after a 15-year hiatus. In true RBD fashion, the dolls are decked out in emblematic concert outfits or their signature Elite Way school uniform. Mia, for example, comes with a star sticker on the forehead and Roberta with her distinct cherry-red locks.

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Furthermore, the official Barbie website states “Barbie is celebrating RBD’s reunion with a set of five dolls ready to take the stage! Roberta, Mia, Lupita, Diego and Giovanni wear outfits that pop with their personality and style. The clothes are trendy, the accessories cool and the hair spot on! Fans of the popular pop-rock music group and Rebelde telenovela will love the instant collection of the beloved group. Dolls cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.” 

News of the Barbie dolls come just days after a wave of Música Mexicana acts — including Calibre 50, Chiquis, Banda Carnaval, Banda Los Sebastianes and Los Socios del Ritmo, among others — teamed up for Somos Rebeldes, a 15 track-set with reimagined versions of “Sólo Quédate en Silencio,” “Qué Hay Detrás” and “Sálvame.”

“I think that people connect with us because each one of us is so different, but we’re a family,” band member Christopher von Uckermann previously said at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week. “We know each other. We understand each other without having to speak. We are family and that is something you can feel.”

Fans can pre-order the RBD Barbie dolls here.

14 Nov 2023

Boygenius & Catbird Drop Exclusive Dainty Jewelry Collection: Shop It Here

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Boygenius is adding a jewelry line to its list of achievements, as the trio has launched its first-ever limited collection with Catbird. Starting Tuesday (Nov. 14), you can snag your very own ring, necklace, bracelet and more designed and inspired by The Record singers.

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No matter if you’re looking for gifts for music lovers or just want to take a piece of the band home with you, this collection is a must-have for almost all fans of the Grammy-nominated band. Each piece of jewelry is inspired by the songs and aesthetic of Boygenius while being versatile enough to pair with everything from Doc Martens, oversized leather jackets and even pleated skirts. And, if you’re best friends with a fan of the band, make sure to grab two charms to add some elegance to your friendship bracelets.

The fine jewelry brand has previously collaborated with band member Phoebe Bridgers on the her own collection, which sold-out within minutes of its release — and we expect the same with this collaboration, so don’t wait too long to get your hands on the jewelry!

Keep reading to shop our picks or view the entire collection here.

gold tooth-shaped studs

Catbird

Bite The Hand Stud

Add these gold tooth-shaped studs to your earring collection. The accessory — which is a nod to the band’s matching tooth tattoos — is available in gold or silver.

gold pin with tooth charm

Catbird

Bite The Hand Pin

Made from 14k gold, this pin can easily be added onto your favorite top, blazer, jacket and more. It’s inspired by the band’s matching tooth tattoos and will elevate your outfits whether you’re going to the office or dinner with friends.

silver tooth charm

Catbird

Bite the Hand Charm

Add some Boygenius flair to your necklaces and bracelets with this tooth charm. It comes in gold or silver, and you also have the option to add a chain with your purchase — or add it to one you already have.

Looking to expand your jewelry collection even more? Catbird is also prepping for the holidays with some early Black Friday deals that you can take advantage of now such as 50% off their limited-edition black diamond collection.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best band T-shirts, platform boots and unique-shaped bags.

14 Nov 2023

10 Chart Records The Beatles Still Hold on the Hot 100 or Billboard 200

The Beatles are, well, the Beatles. Perhaps the biggest and most successful act in music history, and, of course, on Billboard’s charts, as confirmed by their standing at No. 1 on Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Artists recap.

The Fab Four were only active for a brief period in the 1960s, but that short span left an indelible mark on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart and Billboard 200 albums list. The group charted 64 total songs on the Hot 100 between 1964 and 1970, of which 20 hit No. 1 — a record for the most leaders that still stands.

The band also charted 26 albums on the Billboard 200 from 1964 to 1970 (14 of which topped the chart in that time frame), but have charted an additional 18, thanks to compilations, live recordings, special releases/anthologies and more. To date, The Beatles have earned 19 No. 1 albums, also the most in the chart’s history.

The group returns to the Hot 100 on the Nov. 18, 2023-dated chart thanks to its new single, “Now and Then.” The track, billed as the final Beatles song, was first recorded as a demo in 1977 by John Lennon and initially meant for the band’s three-edition Anthology series in the mid-‘90s before being shelved by the surviving members of the band. It was completed, and released Nov. 2 after new technology helped extract Lennon’s vocals from the original demo while also using guitar recordings from George Harrison from the initial attempt to finish the song.

The song debuts at No. 7 on the Hot 100, becoming the band’s 72nd career entry, and first since “Real Love” reached No. 11 in 1996. It’s The Beatles’ 35th top 10, extending their record for the most among groups. Plus, the band has now charted on the Hot 100 in five distinct decades: the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and now, the 2020s.

As the iconic group returns to Billboard’s charts, here’s a look at 10 records the band still holds on the Hot 100 or Billboard 200 (as of the charts dated Nov. 18, 2023).

14 Nov 2023

Teen Sensation Ruby Leigh Punches Through ‘The Voice’ Knockout Round With Killer LeAnn Rimes Cover

Sixteen-year-old Ruby Leigh punched her ticket out of part two of the knockout rounds on The Voice on Monday night (Nov. 13) thanks to a perfect song choice by her coach Reba McEntire. The country legend suggested the 1996 breakthrough LeAnn Rimes cover of Bill Mack’s “Blue” for her charge and the Missouri native crushed it.

Opening with the song’s signature yodel, Leigh — wearing a black-and-white patterned western shirt and skirt combo — blew away the panel with her preternaturally strong breath control and steady vocals, causing Niall Horan to break out in elated laughter while Gwen Stefani could only shake her head in awe at the performance as John Legend smiled along.

“3:00 in the morning/ Here am I/ Sitting here so lonely/ So lonesome I could cry,” Leigh sang, before sliding into the elongated “blue” in the chorus, inspiring McEntire to jump to her feet and applaud the young singer. “Ruby, you’re on a different planet,” Horan enthused. “It’s amazing what you do with your voice and the power that comes out of it.” Stefani added that she thinks, “everything about you is original, yet you just remind us of something so classic.”

Leigh has been wowing the judges since her blind audition and during Monday’s performances — which featured some help from Meg Mentor Wynonna Judd — she performed alongside two other Team Reba members, Ms. Monet and Rachele Nguyen.

“Ruby is 16… oh my gosh!” Wynonna said after hearing Leigh’s voice in rehearsal and saying it reminded her of country icon Patsy Cline. “Something there is very spectacular, and I think she’s got such a a future and she’s unique in a way that country needs. She’s gutsy.” 

Ms. Monet also earned praise for her cover of The Emotions’ “Best of My Life,” while Nguyen impressed with a take on Maddie & Tae’s “Die From a Broken Heart”; both were eliminated.

The Voice airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC; the playoffs begin on Nov. 21.

Watch Ruby Leigh’s performance of “Blue” below.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=rZIplE4eqb8&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

14 Nov 2023

Billboard Music Awards Performer Profile: Stray Kids | Billboard Music Awards 2023

Billboard announces Stray Kids will be performing at the Billboard Music Awards 2023. Billboard runs through some of Stray Kids’ biggest chart highlights.

Stray Kids:
When ODDINARY first charted, we felt so thrilled after our fans started congratulating us, so yeah, it was very huge for us.

Tetris Kelly:
K-pop group Stray Kids is celebrating a huge year on the Billboard charts. Our BBMAs finalist and performers have had five hits on the Billboard Global 200 chart, nine hits on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart and three No. 1s on the Billboard 200, including this year’s 5-Star, which spent one week at No. 1.

Stray Kids:
Being the creatives of our own music, we think first place on the charts is very, very meaningful.

Tetris Kelly:
The K-pop group is a finalist in two BBMAs categories, including top global K-pop artists and top K-pop album for 5-Star.

Let’s take a look at their biggest hit to date: “Maniac” landed at No. 21 on the Global 200 chart and No. 15 on the Global Excl. US chart.

Stray Kids are making waves on the Billboard charts with No. 1 albums and hit songs. We can’t wait to see them light up the BBMAs stage on Nov. 19.

Watch the full video above!