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There were several times during Sunday night’s (Feb. 4) 66th annual Grammy Awards where Oprah Winfrey gave Taylor Swift a run for her money when it came to cameras catching the media mogul jumping out of her seat and singing along enthusiastically to the performances on stage. And on Monday morning (Feb. 5) Winfrey again […]
“There is a phrase, ‘If you have no expectations, there will be no disappointment,’” (G) I-DLE’s Minnie explains when it comes to her mindset for the group’s newest full-length album. “I actually didn’t want to have high expectations, but it will be great if we get good results.”
In 2022, (G)I-DLE embarked on a bold new chapter with its first full LP, I NEVER DIE from 2022. The pivotal moment marked a creative renaissance for the group — with the single “Tomboy” named Billboard’s best K-pop song of the year — and propelled it to new chart heights with hit albums and signature singles. Less than two years later, (G)I-DLE is already back with its second full-length album, aptly titled 2, that shows the group’s heavy involvement in writing and producing songs discussing female empowerment, trusting one’s instinct, destiny, and love.
“Since a lot of people are waiting for (G)I-DLE music, we wanted to come out with a new concept that no one expected,” leader Soyeon says of the LP promoted by the bold and bass-driven single “Wife” (that’s gone viral for its lyrics and breaking into the general public, more on that below) and the booming, big-room anthem “Super Lady.”
Despite a packed 2023, which included the release of their Korean EP I Feel and their debut English EP HEAT — which peaked at Nos. 41 and 25 on the Billboard 200, respectively — (G)I-DLE wasted no time returning to the studio.
“I started working on our songs when we were heading towards the end of our world tour,” says Minnie. “Although I did not have enough time, I worked on the songs non-stop and was able to make ‘Vision’ and 7Days within 10 days.” Shuhua adds, “Whenever we had a free moment, we practiced and recorded our songs.”
The album also marks a significant milestone for member Miyeon, who contributed lyrics for the first time.
“Excluding my solo songs, this is my first time participating in the lyric-making for (G)I-DLE album,” the vocalist shares. “I had so much fun and was able to work with a lot of excitement since it was my first time. Although some parts were lacking, this whole process was a new experience, and I am really glad that our [fandom] NERVERLANDs liked it as well.”
Throughout the creative process, (G) I-DLE’s members took active roles in also shaping the album’s direction, from refining choreography to fine-tuning the concept.
“We all were involved together,” Soyeon says. “We communicated with the choreographer to revise the details while learning the choreography for our title track single ‘Super Lady’ because I wanted to do something that wasn’t so obvious.” Yuqi adds that “most of the choreography and concept were centered around Soyeon, as she is the producer of the group, but all of our members gathered together to share our opinions.”
While high chart rankings are undoubtedly a goal, the quintet also emphasize the importance of connecting with listeners.
“First, I want to thank you for listening and showing a lot of love towards our songs,” Miyeon says to those tuning in. “When preparing for this album, I thought, more than ranking on the charts, I hope each and every person who listens to (G)I-DLE songs can relate to our songs and enjoy them.”
Yuqi sums things up by saying, “Of course, it would be great to rank high on the charts, but I don’t go around thinking about rankings when making music. I want (G)I-DLE music to be delivered to as many people as possible. That’s the biggest and most meaningful goal!”
Read on for (G)I-DLE to break down every track of their new 2 album, track-by-track, below:
“Super Lady”
Image Credit: Cho Gi-Seok 88Rising
There’s a wide gulf between writing and singing your own songs and saying something elegant while giving an awards show thank you speech in an arena packed with the music world’s biggest stars while being honored for those accomplishments. And at Sunday night’s (Feb. 4) 66th annual Grammy Awards, two women who took home multiple awards revealed that acceptance nerves are real.
ET caught up with Billie Eilish, 22, after the show and asked the singer about her private backstage conversation with fellow winner Miley Cyrus, 31, after the “Jaded” star took home her first two Grammys ever, record of the year and best pop solo performance for “Flowers.”
“Not to blow up her [Cyrus’] spot, but she was saying… she was asking me if I also feel when I get up on stage that I say the dumbest s–t I could possibly say?” Eilish told ET of their private chat. “Absolutely, 100 percent. She was like, ‘Why was I saying all that?’”
Eilish told Cyrus she could totally relate, saying, “Sorry, Miley, but I feel the same. I always get up there, and I just poop out of my mouth.” Eilish should be getting used to it by now, considering she and brother Finneas won song of the year and best song written for visual media for their Barbie soundtrack ballad “What Was I Made For?,” which has already scooped up a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination this year.
Eilish appeared somewhat tongue-tied earlier in the evening, when she took home her second song of the year Grammy honor. “That’s stupid guys,” she said looking dumbfounded at her win in a field that also included Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, Jon Batiste, Dua Lipa, SZA and Olivia Rodrigo. “That was a crazy list of incredible people, incredible artists, incredible music. I feel crazy right now. I’m shocked out of my balls.”
Earlier in the night, after winning her first-ever Grammy, Cyrus accepted the best pop solo performance gramophone from one of her icons, Mariah Carey, reveling in the opportunity to share the stage with the fellow pop legend. “This MC is going to stand by this MC because this is just too iconic,” Cyrus said. “I was stuck in the rain in traffic and I thought I was going to miss this moment, and I could have missed this award, that’s fine — but not Mariah Carey.”
Cyrus then offered up a kind of parable about a boy’s wish for a butterfly for his birthday and how it finally came to him when he stopped chasing it so hard. “And right when he did is when the butterfly came and landed right on the tip of his nose. And this song, ‘Flowers,’ is my butterfly. Thank you,” Cyrus said.
It was an elegant anecdote that summed up the unknowable magic of creating a song that connects so deeply with you fans and professional peers. Of course Miley being Miley, when she came on stage later in the broadcast to scoop up her second “Flowers” award, the singer thanked her glam squad and producers while noting that her life was, “beautiful yesterday. Everyone in this world is spectacular, so please don’t think this is important!,” then adding, “I don’t think I forgot anyone — but I might’ve forgotten underwear. Bye!”
While the 2024 Grammy Awards on Sunday night (Feb. 4) were chock-full of surprises, perhaps none was bigger than the appearance of pop icon Celine Dion. Presenting the final award of the evening — the coveted album of the year trophy — Dion walked onto the stage at Crypto.com Arena dressed in a long, burnt-orange […]
Joni Mitchell gave the crowd at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena a performance for the ages on Sunday night (Feb. 4), in what was technically the legendary singer-songwriter’s Grammys debut. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Mitchell was introduced by Brandi Carlile, who saluted her importance and influence […]
Taylor Swift opens the doors to the Tortured Poets Department on April 19, and fans are losing their minds. “TAYLOR CALLING HERSELF ‘THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT?!?!?!?’ THERE IS NO BETTER DESCRIPTION FOR THE DEVASTATING MIX OF BEAUTY, ARTISTRY, AND GRUESOME SOUL BARING THAT SHE BRINGS TO EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF MUSIC SHE […]
‘Despite furious fan speculation that Taylor Swift would soon be announcing the release date for Reputation (Taylor’s Version) – the second to last re-recording in her series of Taylor’s Version albums – the three-time Grammy album of the year winner surprised the world yet again. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest […]
Olivia Rodrigo brought a new level of intensity to her performance of her Grammy-nominated ballad-rocker “Vampire” at the 2024 Grammys in Los Angeles on Sunday night (Feb. 4). Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Rodrigo’s delivery of “Vampire” started out normally enough, as she sang the Billboard […]
Are you ready for it? Taylor Swift‘s profile pictures on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook turned black and white on Sunday (Feb. 4), leaving fans in a frenzy.
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Swifties consider the imagery to be Reputation-coded, since the pop star’s original Rep album cover depicts her in black and white.
With the sudden shift on social media, fans wondered whether a Reputation (Taylor’s Version) announcement was imminent and speculated about the chances of it happening on the night of the Grammys, where Swift is nominated for six awards.
“If she ends her damn acceptance speech with ‘there will be no explanation there will just be reputation’ and just walks off. Like, what do we do? What’s the protocol?” one fan tweeted.
Later on Sunday, Swift’s website was down — and showing a seemingly custom “321” error code, along with an unexplained message: “hneriergrd.” If this is a signature Swift Easter egg, “hneriergrd” can be unscrambled to spell out “red herring.”
“REPUTATION STANS RISE IT’S OUR TIME TO SHINE,” another Swiftie wrote on X.
Although Swift isn’t scheduled to perform at Sunday night’s awards ceremony in Los Angeles, she is expected to attend.
For this year’s event, she was nominated for album of the year and best pop vocal album for Midnights; best pop solo performance, song of the year and record of the year for “Anti-Hero,” and best pop duo/group performance for her “Karma” remix with Ice Spice.
With the Super Bowl being just a week after the Grammy Awards, Swift’s boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, recently said he won’t be able to attend the show to support his girlfriend.
“I wish I could go support Taylor at the Grammys and watch her win every single award that she’s nominated for,” Kelce said in a Pat McAfee Show interview on Jan. 31, before explaining that the weekend will be filled with practice and traveling to Las Vegas for the game. “Unfortunately, I’ve got to get ready for this big ol’ Super Bowl we got in a week.”
Following the Grammys, Swift picks up her Eras Tour with four concerts at the Tokyo Dome in Japan from Feb. 7-10.
She’ll likely be able to make it to see the Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers at the Super Bowl on Feb. 11 before flying out to Melbourne, Australia, to continue her international tour. The Embassy of Japan even assured fans that Swift will have time to get to Vegas after her Tokyo shows, writing in a statement: “Despite the 12-hour flight and 17-hour time difference, the Embassy can confidently Speak Now to say that if she departs Tokyo in the evening after her concert, she should comfortably arrive in Las Vegas before the Super Bowl begins. We know that many people in Japan are excited to experience Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, so we wanted to confirm that anyone concerned can be Fearless in knowing that this talented performer can wow Japanese audiences and still make it to Las Vegas to support the Chiefs when they take the field for the Super Bowl wearing Red.”
Back to Grammys night: See some of the best fan reactions to the possibility of a Reputation (Taylor’s Version) reveal on Sunday below.
If she ends her damn acceptance speech with “there will be no explanation there will just be reputation” and just walks off. Like, what do we do? What’s the protocol?— Jenna 🖤 (Taylor’s Version) (@spilling_wine13) February 4, 2024
SO YOURE TELLING ME THE GRAMMYS SNUBBED REPUTATION SO HARD THAT SHES GONNA ANNOUNCE TAYLORS VERSION ON GRAMMY DAY?!?! YALL IM ACTUALLY SCARED THIS WOMAN IS CRAZY!!! pic.twitter.com/u58ol47Ouc— GINA 🌙✨ (@whatamind13) February 4, 2024
TWICE‘S “I Got You” has topped this week’s new music poll. Music fans voted in a poll published Friday (Feb. 2) on Billboard, choosing the K-pop group’s fun new single as their favorite new music release of the past week. “I Got You” brought in 84% of the vote, beating out new music by Keith […]