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Free music streaming service AccuRadio has filed for bankruptcy, citing $10 million in debts to SoundExchange and failed settlement talks in the organization’s lawsuit against the streamer over unpaid artist royalties.
AccuRadio, an ad-supported platform that describes itself as “the only online music streaming service curated by human beings, not algorithms,” sought bankruptcy protection in a Wednesday (May 14) petition to the federal court in its home city of Chicago.
The bankruptcy petition says AccuRadio owes $10 million to SoundExchange, the nonprofit that collects and distributes royalties to record labels and artists. SoundExchange sued AccuRadio last summer, alleging the streamer had an undisclosed amount of unpaid royalties dating back to 2018.
Trending on Billboard
AccuRadio contests those claims, saying it’s been a “consistently reliable SoundExchange licensee for the vast majority of the past two decades.” The company put out a press release Wednesday, blaming its bankruptcy on failed settlement talks in the litigation.
“We were led to believe that our latest proposal would be accepted by SoundExchange with only minor modifications,” wrote AccuRadio’s founder/CEO, Kurt Hanson. “However, eventually SoundExchange altered its position and rejected that proposal. We were extremely disappointed that we couldn’t reach a negotiated settlement.”AccuRadio’s bankruptcy petition says the company has less than $1 million in assets, while its liabilities total $10.5 million. In addition to the $10 million SoundExchange debt, AccuRadio says it owes more than $400,000 to royalty collectors BMI and ASCAP.
The streaming service has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This means that rather than fold completely, AccuRadio hopes to restructure, pay off its debts and continue operations in the future.
“Filing for bankruptcy protection wasn’t an easy decision, especially since our revenues have been consistently improving and we have returned to profitability,” says Hanson in the AccuRadio press release. “But we are confident that AccuRadio will emerge from it healthier and more resilient and will continue to be an outlet for human-curated music that our listeners desire and cherish.”
AccuRadio has been around since 2000. According to the company, it offers more than 1,400 ad-supported, curated music channels free of charge.
Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura faced cross-examination Thursday (May 15) from defense attorneys, who showed jurors huge numbers of her emails and text messages in an effort to prove she was a willing participant in so-called “freak-off” sex shows.
Ventura, an R&B singer who dated Combs for 11 years, is at the very core of the case against him, in which prosecutors say Combs physically abused her and coerced her to partake in the freak-offs — drug-fueled sex with male escorts for his entertainment.
After two days of direct testimony in which Ventura told jurors that she felt she had no choice but to take part, she took the stand Thursday to face questions from Combs’ lawyer Anna Estevao, according to the Associated Press and the New York Times.
Trending on Billboard
Much of the day was spent asking Ventura about emails and texts to and from Combs — some romantic, others sexually graphic. In one, she told Combs she was “always ready to freak off”; in another, she told him, “Wish we could have fo’d before you left.”
“Yes, at the time, I wanted to make him happy,” Ventura said at one point.
Combs was indicted in September, charged with running a sprawling criminal operation aimed at facilitating the freak-offs — elaborate events in which Combs and others allegedly coerced Ventura and other victims into having sex with escorts while he watched and masturbated. Prosecutors also say the star and his associates used violence, money and blackmail to keep victims silent and under his control.
It was Ventura’s civil lawsuit, filed in November 2023, that first raised allegations against Combs. Her case, which accused the star of rape and years of physical abuse, was quickly settled with a large payment from Combs, but it sparked a flood of additional suits from other alleged victims and set into motion the criminal probe that led to his indictment.
At opening statements on Monday (May 12), defense attorneys told jurors that Ventura and other women had consensually taken part in the sex parties. They admitted that Combs had committed domestic violence during their “toxic” relationship and had unusual sexual preferences, but that he had never coerced her into participating in his “swinger” lifestyle.
In questioning Cassie on Thursday, Estevao seemed intent on establishing that both she and Diddy had planned the elaborate events: “I’m too excited,” Ventura told Combs in one message from 2017, near the end of their long relationship.
When asked about those texts, Cassie seemed to push back on that suggestion, saying the things she said in the texts were “just words at that point.” That echoes her testimony from earlier in the week, in which she said the freak-offs left her feeling “humiliated” and “disgusting” but that she felt compelled to keep doing them.
The questions also focused on the complexity of Ventura’s relationship with Combs, including messages that seemed to show a loving relationship between the pair. In one, from 2010, she wrote: “Going to sleep now so it can be tomorrow faster and you can be home. Love you!!!”
Ventura confirmed as much in her answers: “I had fallen in love with him and cared about him very much.” She also admitted that she sometimes felt jealousy toward Combs over his numerous other romantic partners — another key message that the defense is seeking to relay to jurors about the couple’s relationship.
Ventura is expected to complete her testimony on Friday (May 16). After that, prosecutors will continue to call other witnesses, including a second alleged freak-off victim identified by the pseudonym “Jane” and an alleged employee victim identified by the pseudonym “Mia.” According to NBC News, prosecutor Maurene Comey said that Dawn Richard, formerly a member of the Combs-formed girl group Danity Kane who sued him for abuse in September, was expected to testify next. Defense attorneys will then have a chance to call their own witnesses. A verdict is expected by July 4.
W Sound, Beéle and Ovy on the Drums celebrate a new milestone on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart, as “La Plena (W Sound 05)” jumps 2-1 for its first week atop the ranking dated May 17. To date, Beéle has earned a total of three top 10s, while Ovy on the Drums has placed two. Meanwhile, W Sound — also known as Westcol — secured his first top 10 entry when the song climbed 14-8 in April.
“La Plena (W Sound 05)” dethrones Cazzu’s “Con Otra,” which dips 1-2, while Emilia, TINI and Nicki Nicole’s “Blackout” holds at No. 3 for a third week following its two-week coronation in April. Bad Bunny rebounds to No. 6 after sitting in the runner-up slot for two weeks in March.Elsewhere, Puerto Rican singer Mattei earns his first top 10 with “Pa’ Las Girlas,” which surges from No. 26 to No. 9 in its third week on the tally.
Trending on Billboard
The week’s Hot Shot Debut goes to Lali’s “Plástico,” with Duki, which starts at No. 25. The argentinian singer also debuts a second song from her album, No Vayas A Atender Cuando El Demonio Llama, as “Lokura” arrives at No. 81. Four other cuts from the album chart this week, starting with “Mejor Que Vos,” with Miranda!, at No. 14, “33,” with Dillom, which pushes 29-38, and “No Me Importa” and “Fanátco,” which re-enter at Nos. 75 and 90, respectively. Plus, “Loco Un Poco,” with Turf, ascends 88-77, for Lali’s seventh concurrent songs on the chart, the most this week.
Yan Block & Panda Black’s “444” takes the Greatest Gainer honor, awarded weekly to the song with the largest ascent among the 100 titles on the chart. The single climbs 21 spots, from No.100 to No.79, for its new peak.
Two other songs debut on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100: Salastkabron’s “Tengo Una Cadena” at No. 26, while Young Miko’s “WASSUP” bows at No. 70.
As Korea’s most popular virtual idol group, PLAVE is sometimes misunderstood as an AI-generated illusion. But the artists behind the animated band members are real, as are the videographers, engineers, graphic designers, animators and retouchers who bring their imagery to life.For the latest edition of Billboard Artist, Billboard Korea spoke to the characters who power PLAVE. Here are highlights from the conversation.
This edition is built around five key elements—earth, fire, water, air and a fifth: the “digital universe,” which represents PLAVE’s origin story. If you had to define one final element that completes the world, what would it be?
Yejun: For me, it’s truth—and being real, always. When you put your real feelings out there, people can feel that. Doesn’t matter where you are or who’s watching—genuine energy just hits different.
Noah: Happiness, 100%. I feel like almost everything we do in life—whether it’s grabbing food, texting a friend, even just taking a nap—is basically us chasing happiness in some form. That’s honestly why I do PLAVE, too. It makes me happy, and I get to run after this wild, exciting dream with the members.
Bamby: Emotion—for real, it’s everything. Like, I don’t think we even start doing anything without some kind of feeling behind it. Even when I’m like, “Okay, time to sing,” there’s always a reason—someone I’m thinking of, some mood I’m in. It’s all driven by emotion. No spark, no move. That’s just how I run.
Eunho: Analog. If PLAVE started in a digital universe, I think the heart of our story still has to feel human. The more high-tech the world gets, the more I feel like people crave something soft, something real. There’s this quiet nostalgia for the imperfect stuff—the human side of things. Maybe that’s why what we do connects. It’s not just the tech. It’s the feeling behind it. So yeah, if I had to name the final element, I’d call it analog warmth.
Hamin: Faith. I feel like everything starts from that. It’s because we believed that PLAVE could exist, and it’s that same belief that lets us love each other—and be loved back.
Like the idea of a flower pushing through tough soil, what’s something meaningful you’ve grown from a hard time?
Bamby: I’m really into growing plants. There’s just something magical about watching life sprout from plain old dirt—seeing it grow, bear fruit, and then return to the soil. That whole cycle is so beautiful to me. It made me realize nature is all about giving and receiving, in this constant loop. And I’m part of that too, right? I think I’m growing a little every day—like a tree, like a flower. I don’t think we’re meant to bloom just one flower or grow one fruit in our whole life. It’s more like—we keep blooming whatever fits that moment. One season, one vibe, one version of ourselves at a time. Performing as PLAVE? That’s one of my flowers. Doing this interview? Another one. It’s not about having a single perfect blossom—it’s about living in a way where you’re always trying to bloom something real. That’s the part I care about most.
Water seems soft, but it’s one of the strongest forces in nature. It cuts through diamonds with speed, shapes stone with patience, and sometimes, all it takes is one tear to move a heart. What’s a quiet strength you carry that people might not see at first—but feel over time?
Yejun: I think I’m like the ocean—quiet, steady, but ready to hold whatever comes my way. I want to be that kind of space for the members, and for PLLIs too. Like a winter sea—calm and still, the kind you can sit beside when you just need to breathe. And like a summer sea—cool, open, and full of light when you’re in a good place. That’s the kind of strength I believe in. Not loud, not flashy—just… always there. If I can be someone you lean on without saying a word, someone who gives you peace just by being around—that, to me, is real power.
Silver hair, red eyes and fire all feel timeless—almost immortal. But they also carry a certain quiet, a sense of solitude, like midnight. Do you see yourself as someone who stands apart? And when you feel that distance, do you lean into it—or try to break through it?
Eunho: I think I do find comfort in solitude. When I’m alone, I get to slow down and think—about where I’m going, how I want to grow. If I’m in a good mood, I’ll quietly celebrate by myself. And if I’m not, I’ll sit with that too, try to unpack it. But I’ve also learned that staying in that space too long isn’t always healthy. It’s easy to sink into it without noticing. That’s why I try to face those feelings—and then step out of them. I think that’s where growth really happens. So yeah, I like being alone. But I never want to get stuck there.
In ancient alchemy, gold wasn’t just treasure—it was the fifth element, the last piece of a perfect world. These days, it’s still the ultimate symbol of excellence. So tell us: are you quietly working your way toward being PLAVE’s golden member? (And no, we’re not just talking about the hair, lol.)
Noah: Wait—are you calling me the golden member? That’s wild. Thank you, seriously. Honestly, I think all of us in PLAVE are kind of wired to chase perfection in our own way. But yeah, since I’m one of the older ones along with Yejun, I do feel that extra layer of responsibility. I’m always thinking like, “How can we level up as a team?” “What’s the next version of PLAVE the world hasn’t seen yet?” If we were a car, I’d probably be the one with both hands on the wheel, eyes on the road. Just trying to steer us forward—safe, strong, and headed somewhere amazing.
In today’s digital world, there’s a growing craving for something real—for that human touch. More and more people feel the need to know what’s real. How do you handle that kind of pressure, and how do you stay grounded in your own truth?
Hamin: Honestly, I don’t really see the point in drawing a hard line between what’s “real” and what’s “virtual.” I think everyone’s just living in the version of reality that feels real to them. And for me? Virtual is real. People are free to see it however they want—I don’t feel the need to push back or prove anything. What actually matters is: can we still connect? Can we understand each other, share something real, even in a digital space? That’s the kind of reality I believe in.
The theme of this edition, QUINTESSENCE, is all about the five elements coming together to represent purity, essence, and ultimate quality. If you had to define the “essence” of each of your fellow members in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Yejun:
Hamin – Maturity. He may be the youngest, but he’s often the most grown-up of us all.
Eunho – Purity. When he’s working on music, you can feel how purely he loves what he does.
Bamby – Nature. He’s probably the most effortlessly natural person I’ve ever met.
Noah – Charm. There’s just something about him—you can’t dislike him. It’s a superpower.
Noah:
Yejun – The blueprint. Total husband material. No notes.
Bamby – Wild card. He’s our 4D king—you never know what’s coming next.
Eunho – Puppy. It just fits, okay?
Hamin – Black cat. And yep, I mean that exactly how it sounds.
Bamby:
Yejun – Soft blue. He’s solid as a leader and sees every little detail in the team.
Noah – Honesty. He’s always showing his true self, to everyone.
Eunho – Fiery red. He brings that bold, energetic passion to PLAVE.
Hamin – Leafy green. Like a strong tree, he quietly keeps the team balanced.
Eunho:
Yejun – The Center. To me, Yejun hyung is the gravitational core of PLAVE. He holds us all together, not just as a leader but as a person. What makes him special is the way he balances warmth with sharp clarity. I’d say he’s 60% cool-headed, 40% soft-hearted.
Noah – The Seasoning. He’s like that one pinch of spice that takes everything from “okay” to “oh dang.” His voice? Total flavor boost. We’ll be working on a track, and the second he hops in—boom, it all makes sense. And on air? He’s the one dropping those chaotic one-liners that make us lose it. What gets me is how he flips between genius-level precision and total goofball energy. You never really know which version you’re getting—and that’s exactly what makes him fun.
Bamby – The Sour Peach. Bamby’s like a tangy peach—sweet, zingy, full of character, and always keeping you guessing. I’ve known him for a while now, and just when I think I’ve got him figured out, he shows me a new side. He lives like he’s the main character in a movie. “Sour peach” might sound funny, but it fits him perfectly.
Hamin – The Bassline. And I mean that literally and emotionally. He plays bass, sure—but more than that, he is the base of PLAVE. He holds us together, gives the group shape. He’s the youngest, but he’s the one checking in on everyone, keeping the vibe grounded whether we’re on or off stage. Quiet, steady, solid—that’s Hamin.
Hamin:
Yejun – Selflessness. He leads by example and always puts others first.
Noah – Sensitivity & humanity. He’s observant, thoughtful, and always there with the right words.
Bamby – Approachability. He vibes with everyone and makes people feel seen. He knows when to lean in and when to lean on.
Eunho – Warmth & light. He lifts me up with compliments and always knows how to make me laugh.
Image Credit: Billboard Korea + VLAST
Yejun: I think I’m like the ocean—quiet, steady, but ready to hold whatever comes my way. If I can be someone you lean on without saying a word, someone who gives you peace just by being around—that, to me, is real power.
Image Credit: Billboard Korea + VLAST
Noah: Since I’m one of the older ones along with Yejun, I feel that extra layer of responsibility. I’m always thinking like, “How can we level up as a team? What’s the next version of PLAVE the world hasn’t seen yet?” If we were a car, I’d probably be the one with both hands on the wheel, eyes on the road. Just trying to steer us forward—safe, strong, and headed somewhere amazing.
Image Credit: Billboard Korea + VLAST
Bamby: I’m really into growing plants. There’s just something magical about watching life sprout from plain old dirt—seeing it grow, bear fruit, and then return to the soil. That whole cycle is so beautiful to me. It made me realize nature is all about giving and receiving, in this constant loop. And I’m part of that too, right? I think I’m growing a little every day—like a tree, like a flower. I don’t think we’re meant to bloom just one flower or grow one fruit in our whole life. It’s more like—we keep blooming whatever fits that moment.
Image Credit: Billboard Korea + VLAST
Hamin: Honestly, I don’t really see the point in drawing a hard line between what’s “real” and what’s “virtual.” I think everyone’s just living in the version of reality that feels real to them. And for me? Virtual is real. People are free to see it however they want—I don’t feel the need to push back or prove anything. What actually matters is: can we still connect? Can we understand each other, share something real, even in a digital space? That’s the kind of reality I believe in.
Image Credit: Billboard Korea + VLAST
Eunho: I think I do find comfort in solitude. When I’m alone, I get to slow down and think—about where I’m going, how I want to grow. If I’m in a good mood, I’ll quietly celebrate by myself. And if I’m not, I’ll sit with that too, try to unpack it. But I’ve also learned that staying in that space too long isn’t always healthy. It’s easy to sink into it without noticing. That’s why I try to face those feelings—and then step out of them. I think that’s where growth really happens. So yeah, I like being alone. But I never want to get stuck there.
Image Credit: Billboard Korea + VLAST
From left: Eunho, Yejun, Noah, Bamby and Hamin of PLAVE.
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco opened up about why the title of their new album I Said I Love You First felt so right, in a new short film released Thursday (May 15).
“We were just, like, trying to figure out what to even call this thing. It’s such a scary thing, ’cause it’s like, ‘Oh, we worked so long on this! How are we even gonna figure out…’” Blanco recalls before trailing off, with Gomez quick to respond, “But I feel like that became something really easy: I Said I Love You First is just a fact.”
“Technically, you probably would’ve said it first,” she then admits, laughing over her cup of tea before triumphantly adding, “I just beat you to it!”
Trending on Billboard
During the 12-minute film for Vevo Extended Play, the newly engaged couple perform intimate renditions of a number of cuts off I Said I Love You First, including second single “Sunset Blvd,” “How Does It Feel to Be Forgotten” and “Scared of Loving You.”
In between numbers, the lovebirds spill plenty of other tidbits about the songs on their romantic, collaborative project — from “Sunset Blvd” being inspired by the location of their first date (well, “the second half” of it, anyway, according to Blanco) to why “Scared of Loving You” is the “easiest” song for Gomez to perform.
“It’s so easy for us to do a thing together, like a project, because we speak the same language — both in music and, you know, personally,” the producer says of the way their romance translated to musical chemistry in the studio while crafting their joint album. “Whenever either one of us has an idea, we’re always gonna listen to each other, and that, to me, goes both romantically and in our working relationship.”
I Said I Love You First bowed at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 upon its March 25 release. Since then, Gomez and Blanco have already unveiled a deluxe version of the LP titled I Said I Love You First… And You Said It Back, which features additional collaborations with GloRilla, DJ Sliink and Cigarettes After Sex and other bonus tracks.
Watch Gomez and Blanco’s I Said I Love You First short film in full below.
On April 13, the Circle Chart — South Korea’s longest-running music ranking, and its equivalent to the RIAA — unveiled its latest musician milestones. Alongside accomplishments by Blackpink’s Jisoo, NewJeans and BTS, stood PLAVE — a boy band whose members’ real-life identities are hidden behind digital avatars, but whose commercial performance and ambitions rival K-pop’s biggest human acts.
For almost three decades, Korean music companies have attempted to develop cyber singers, with mixed results. But none have broken through like PLAVE, which with its third mini‑album, February’s Caligo Pt. 1, became the first entirely virtual Korean act to surpass 1 million units sold, according to Circle Chart. But much like Gorillaz — the virtual British band created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett — the members of PLAVE are, behind the screens that project their avatars, real artists proving they can have real impact without revealing their faces or personal lives.
PLAVE was conceptualized in the unassuming Seoul office building that houses VLAST, an entertainment company that started as a for-hire computer graphics studio and is now a full-service production house for real-time graphics and virtual intellectual property that also provides label and management services to PLAVE, which is currently its sole musical group. Inside its scrappy yet cutting-edge production facility, and under CEO Lee “William” Sunggoo’s direction, the company imagined a virtual band in the style of manhwa, the Korean comics and webtoons that have become increasingly popular over the past two decades thanks in part to the otherworldly good looks of their characters. After successfully pitching the potential of virtual artists to the singer who would go on to voice PLAVE leader Yejun, VLAST recruited four more artists to round out the quintet as Bamby, Noah, Eunho and Hamin. “Each new member was recommended by someone who recognized their musical ability,” Lee says.
Trending on Billboard
According to VLAST, the men behind PLAVE are all artists who previously pursued K-pop or R&B careers. Their virtual selves — brought to life in meticulous 2D detail through motion-capture rendering — sing, dance and rap like any K-pop stars would. But the real men of PLAVE also write, produce, choreograph and play instruments on tracks, a level of creative involvement usually seen in chart-toppers like BTS and Stray Kids that’s still atypical among idol groups.
Bamby
Billboard Korea + VLAST
Eunho
Billboard Korea + VLAST
At VLAST’s Seoul headquarters, creative teams huddle around screens, monitors and camera rigs, overseeing motion-capture stages and ensuring the PLAVE avatars and the actual musicians in the room with them have every dance move and facial expression synced. Through real-time animation, PLAVE can host frequent livestreams with fans and play concerts and festival appearances — so long as venues have a screen to display them.
The quintet’s real members can even see its fans — known as PLLI — as it performs from inside VLAST HQ and respond directly to them. So far, the group has headlined four concerts with in-person audiences, all in Seoul: First, it sold out two April 2024 shows at the city’s 2,500-seat Olympic Hall, then two dates the following October at the 11,000-capacity Jamsil Indoor Stadium, according to VLAST. In a review of the latter, the Korea JoongAng Daily lauded onscreen feats like watching PLAVE “driving a burning motorcycle to the stage,” but noted that the band’s inability to actually meet its audience “greatly limits the range of performance,” while technical glitches jolted fans from the fantasy.
(“We are always committed to delivering the best possible results,” VLAST says. “Enhancing PLAVE’s concert experience involves upgrading every element that allows the audience to feel fully immersed and connected — including minimizing technical issues.”)
“PLLI are the kinds of fans who truly see the real us,” Bamby tells Billboard in a video interview. At 5 foot 9, he’s PLAVE’s shortest member and sports pink hair and magenta eyes. (Whether these avatars’ attributes are in any way directly inspired by the people voicing them remains a secret.) Because of PLAVE’s virtual nature, Bamby continues, “We rely even more on communication platforms. We’re constantly curious about how they’re doing and how they’re experiencing our content.”
Since its March 2023 debut, PLAVE has earned more than 2.1 billion official on-demand global streams, according to Luminate. Before its latest single, “Dash,” became the first song by a Korean virtual group to reach the Billboard Global 200 in February 2025, PLAVE had entered the Global 200 Excl. U.S. chart with “Pump Up the Volume!” and “Way 4 Luv.”
Hamin
Billboard Korea + VLAST
PLAVE joins a long history of virtual acts from Asia. In the mid-1990s, Japan pioneered virtual idols; the first from South Korea was Adam, a Sims-like cyber singer from information technology company Adamsoft who “debuted” in 1998 and whose first album, Genesis, sold a reported 200,000 copies. Adam led a small boom of cyber stars, but corporations ultimately abandoned them as costs exceeded earnings.
Virtual artists began making a comeback at the start of the 2020s after artificial intelligence and metaverse technology trends helped launch groups like Mave:, an AI-powered female quartet that virtual-artist management house Metaverse Entertainment launched in 2023. Korea’s Kakao Entertainment invested a reported 12 billion won (about $9.7 million at the time) in a partnership with Metaverse. While Mave: is strictly operated through technology, other groups with real humans behind virtual facades like PLAVE now exist, including female sextet Isegye Idol and 11-member girl group Itterniti. But none have broken through with significant sales or awards recognition like PLAVE.
“The initial investment is substantial,” Lee says. “But once that foundation is in place, there are certain advantages. Unlike traditional artists, we don’t have costs for things like hair, makeup or long-distance travel. Instead, our resources are directed toward technology, creative development and content production.”
PLAVE’s rapid ascent has attracted financial investment from HYBE and YG Entertainment, which double as strategic advisers on everything from the members’ vocal health to global rollout strategy. “As a company new to the entertainment industry, we valued getting advice and insights from established industry leaders with extensive experience,” Lee says. With global distribution from YG PLUS, Caligo Pt. 1 included the group’s first all-English track, “Island” (co-written by Adrian McKinnon, whose credits range from Rae Sremmurd to ENHYPEN). On June 16, PLAVE will release its debut Japanese single, “Kakurenbo (Hide and Seek),” following a 2024 agreement with HYBE Japan to support PLAVE’s expansion in the market.
“From an international fan’s point of view, it can sometimes be hard to fully grasp the emotions we want to express due to language barriers,” says PLAVE’s Eunho, who appears as a silver-haired rapper with fangs. “Some feelings just don’t translate perfectly, so we’re really glad we got to release an English track this time. We believe it helped us connect more deeply with our fans in English-speaking countries, and we plan to keep exploring multilingual projects.”
For now, VLAST has no plans for developing further virtual artists, focusing its energies entirely on PLAVE. Its current goals for the group include upgrading the concert experience, launching a dedicated mobile app, pushing to “reach more global fans” — including in Western markets — “and introduce them to what virtual artists can offer,” according to Lee.
“The biggest misconception we faced was that virtual idols like PLAVE were fully operated by AI,” he adds. “Even now, in some overseas markets where people aren’t yet familiar with PLAVE, that remains a common misunderstanding.”
Noah
Billboard Korea + VLAST
Yejun
Billboard Korea + VLAST
The way that blonde, blue-eyed Noah sees it, “one of the coolest parts about PLAVE is that we can do things on stage that other artists can’t — like magical effects or cinematic action scenes. People sometimes say, ‘But aren’t you AI? Doesn’t that make it easier?’ But the truth is, none of it is easy when you actually try it.” (He adds that some members even sustained injuries while rehearsing the “intense” choreography for “Dash,” created by Bamby and Hamin.)
As with so many ascendant pop stars, the real men behind PLAVE have faced their share of privacy invasion. Prying online fans have unearthed clues to the members’ real-life identities; last year, some began stalking them at VLAST and their homes, despite the company’s pleas for fans to respect PLAVE’s privacy and subsequent threat of legal action toward anyone disclosing personal information about the act. When rumors regarding the members’ real identities ran wild across social media and online forums around Caligo Pt. 1’s release, neither the band nor VLAST responded.
The group’s navy-haired, silver-eyed leader, Yejun, promises that in the coming year, “Fans will see us onstage a lot more. Up until now, we’ve had relatively few chances to perform live. In 2025, we want to change that — more concerts and more global tours.” (In early May, PLAVE announced three August dates at Seoul’s KPSO Dome.)
“All five members of PLAVE are passionate about music,” Lee explains. “We believe that high-quality music and performance are what distinguish us from other virtual artists. Creating compelling music is always one of our top priorities.”
“Our chemistry as a group, our direct communication with fans and our distinct musical identity are what have brought us this far,” the black-haired, black-eyed rapper Hamin says. Adds Yejun: “The bond we share as members — the connection, the stories we’ve built and the trust between us — that’s what makes PLAVE special.”
This story appears in the May 17, 2025, issue of Billboard.
Lil Tjay’s rise from the gritty Fordham neighborhood of The Bronx to the Billboard Hot 100 and performing at the O2 Arena across the pond is being turned into a documentary.
Per Variety, Hangtime and Standard Projects are collaborating to bring the doc to life while detailing Tjay’s turbulent upbringing and career.
Producers on the project include Hangtime co-CEOs Frank Murray and Frida Torresblanco as well as Clayton Barmore, Deon Douglas and Heather L. Boucher.
Trending on Billboard
Before the fame, Tjay’s life was never the same following the fatal stabbing of his childhood friend, Smelly. As a teenager, Tjay went all-in on a rap career while spending a year in a detention center after being arrested for robbery.
Two years later, Tjay (born Tione Jayden Merritt) broke through with his multiplatinum hit “Brothers” in 2018, which led to him inking a lucrative deal with Columbia Records.
He cracked the Hot 100 top 15 when teaming up with Polo G for their “Pop Out” anthem, which peaked at No. 11 on the chart in 2019. Later that year, Tjay was stamped as one of the leaders of the new school in NYC’s rap scene with the release of his True 2 Myself album, featuring hits like “F.N.”
“Witnessing a young man transform pain into purpose is what moved me to begin the journey to tell Lil Tjay’s story,” Torresblanco said in a statement. “He is a wounded poet whose resilience speaks to an entire generation.”
She continued: “This documentary is about more than music; it’s about strength, growth and the quiet wisdom that can only come from living through what most of us will never have to experience. His voice shows young people that beauty can arise from hardship, and his legacy reminds us that even the most difficult struggles can inspire hope.”
Lil Tjay nearly lost his life in 2022 when the rapper was shot seven times in a botched armed robbery attempt in New Jersey.
The 24-year-old returned to release his 222 album in 2023 and then followed up with the arrival of Farewell in 2024 featuring NLE Choppa, Polo G and G Herbo. Earlier in May, Tjay returned to unite with Detroit rapper 42 Dugg for his “Different” single.
The untitled documentary will be introduced later this month at the Cannes Film Festival, while a director is set to reportedly be announced at a later date.
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Walmart is taking summer by the reins with help from PrettyGarden, the affordable fashion line known for its festival-ready prints, on-trend silhouettes and size inclusive styling.
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Inspired by a philosophy of empowering women of all shapes and sizes. PrettyGarden features a slew of warm weather-ready staples to choose from, including blooming floral maxi dresses, breezy two-piece sets and feminine tops. We’re making shopping easy by breaking down some of the best styles to grab from PrettyGarden that are sure to make your summer a memorable one, whether you’re looking for concert inspiration, heading out on a trip or getting down at a festival or show.
PRETTYGARDEN Smock Maxi Dress
A smock-style maxi dress in the trending ‘butter yellow’ colorway.
A smock dress is a must-have for many. At $45.99, this PrettyGarden style is hard to beat. This boho-inspired piece is endlessly flattering, equipped with a form-fitted bodice, spaghetti straps and a flaired skirt that would look pretty good poolside.
The calming pastel yellow colorway pulls from the ever-popular “butter yellow” trend that has been taking over the fashion and footwear scenes as of late. The hue is vibrant but not blinding, unlike some shades of yellow. Worn with open-toed sandals and a cocktail in hand, we can see this dress being your next summer go-to. If yellow isn’t your thing, PrettyGarden features the same silhouette in four more flattering shades like “Black” and “Lightblue.”
PRETTYGARDEN Summer Jumpsuits
A neutral jumpsuit that appears to look like a two-piece.
Jumpsuits are an easy way to make it look like you’re put together without looking like a try-hard. This one from PrettyGarden is unique, given it kind of looks like a two-piece. Retailing for $41.99, the garment features elegant capped sleeves that transition into billowing trousers with pleats all down the front. Sizing options range from S to XXL.
We like the “Apricot” colorway for its versatility, pairing well with more maximalist pieces in your wardrobe. Styled with classic lifestyle sneakers and a wide-brimmed sunhat, this jumpsuit takes you to the rock beaches of Nice to rock concerts in New York. Worn with a flattering pair of ballet flats and a bold lip, the jumpsuit is totally date night-ready.
PRETTYGARDEN Bow Front Top With Puff Sleeves
A pinstriped top with bow closures and puffy sleeves.
Bows have become all the rage as of late. Retailing for $24, this top from PrettyGarden is an easy way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe without it looking out of place. Elegant and simplistic, the top is made of a pinstriped blue and white fabric accompanied by billowing sleeves and bow closures up the front.
The bows offer a dainty quality, giving certified “Balletcore” vibes. This piece could be the perfect addition to your work wardrobe. It’s made of a breezy material and feels dressy enough to wear to the office for those important meetings. The bow top also comes in a more maximalist pink and white pinstriped colorway if you’re feeling adventurous.
PRETTYGARDEN Summer Maxi Dress
$46.89
$61.99
24% off
A bold maxi dress with a floral print and striking pink colorway.
We can definitely see this maxi dress on the next season of The White Lotus, but without all the murder and drama. Retailing for $46.89, this PrettyGarden maxi dress comes equipped with a whimsical blooming floral print in neon pink, set atop a deeper pink background.
The dress is centered around a relaxed, free-flowing construction. Puffed sleeves give way to a plunging neckline and a playful A-line skirt. Some strappy sandals or a kitten heel would really make this dress pop. Or go the less formal route in a pair of classic white sneakers.
PRETTYGARDEN Women’s Maxi Skirts
An olive green maxi skirt with pockets.
Maxi skirts are a must for summer activities. I mean, who wants to be restricted by stuffy pants anyhow? This PrettyGarden maxi skirt is your answer to the pants vs skirt debate and retails for only $37.99. The style is high-waisted, like all good pants should be, but non-restrictive, thanks in part to the breezy olive green fabric it is made of.
Hidden pocket detailing on the hips is a major plus, too. This skirt would look best with a cropped top to offset the boxiness of the skirt. I can totally see it now: laid out under the sun, toes in the sand, stylishly lounging in your new PrettyGarden threads.
PRETTYGARDEN Summer Two-Piece
$32.65
$53.99
40% off
A two-piece set featuring a vest and shorts.
This one is for all my working ladies who want to look office-ready without the effort. Retailing for $32.65, this PrettyGarden two-piece is the epitome of effortless. Consisting of a vest top and pleated shorts, the look is chic and heat-friendly, given the lack of sleeves.
The turtleshell buttons are a nice touch, offering the look a decorative feel. Whatever you wear with this set, it should be equally as clean and simplistic. Think black leather shoulder bags or loafers. Something timeless without prints or maximalist patterns.
50 Cent says Diddy should have taken a plea deal after hearing Cassie‘s gut-wrenching testimony in Puff’s ongoing sex trafficking trial. On Thursday (May 15), 50 hopped on Instagram to share some more thoughts about the ongoing criminal trial, which just wrapped its third day with cross-examination of the disgraced mogul’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. During […]
