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As part of her grand prize, Samsung NXT 2.0 winner Nyla XO was awarded the fund for a music video and our champion filmed a clip for “Perfect View,” the song that she performed in the Original Song round of the competition and at the grand finale in Los Angeles. TETRIS KELLY:Samsung NXT 2.0 competition […]

The success of Samsung NXT 2.0, the one-of-a-kind competition created by Billboard and Samsung in which unsigned artists across various backgrounds and sounds competed to stand out as a new-school superstar, was captured across five months of challenges beginning last year and a star-studded finale in February. After Nyla XO was crowned the winner of Samsung NXT 2.0, the singer-songwriter landed on the cover of a special digital issue of Billboard, and is now well on her way to showcasing herself under a brighter spotlight.

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That was always the goal of NXT, says Mike Van, president of Billboard – not only for a champion like Nyla XO, but for all of the artists who competed, or were inspired by those who did.

“This partnership with Samsung was borne out of this very genuine idea of supporting creators from all genres,” says Van. “The genesis of NXT was about finding the next social music star — because as we all know, so much engagement takes place on social media platforms, especially on mobile devices, now more than ever. As a result, we thought that there’s no better way to find the next social music star than to partner with Samsung and empower creators with tools that can help them in every step of their process.”

After contenders relied upon devices like Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip4 and Buds2 Pro to compete over multiple challenges, the Samsung NXT 2.0 grand finale took place on Feb. 17 at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles in front of both a packed crowd as well as celebrity judges Natti Natasha, Eric Nam and Tinashe. Seeing the talent of the three finalists – Nyla XO, Julian King and Kyn Rose – onstage during the finale, Van says, crystallized “a perfect partnership between Billboard and Samsung to bring this platform to life.”

Following her victory, Nyla XO said that she felt “so seen in this moment,” especially as a long-aspiring artist. “I’ve walked away with the validation that people see me, the hard work I’ve put in over the years, my heart when I perform, and how my music makes them feel,” Nyla said in a statement. “To be recognized in this way as an artist is incredible!”

Nyla XO joins Bronze Avery, who emerged the champion of the original Samsung NXT competition and was on-hand at the NXT 2.0 finale – with more unsigned artists hopefully joining the winners’ circle in the future.

“It’s something that we also wanted to make sure would be continuous,” says Van. “This is something that both partners are going to continue to support, hopefully for years to come.”

The Samsung Galaxy Creator Collective is set for Dallas this week, and Billboard will be on-site to unique panels, performances, and programming that’ll highlight how Samsung tools help content creators elevate their work to the next level. 

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Taking place over the course of two days (March 21 to March 22), the Samsung Galaxy Creator Collective aims to elevate and aid creators who are especially passionate and career-minded when it comes to producing content and want to turn their passion into a career. The collective’s goal is to foster a learning environment where both newcomers and more established acts can further grow their followings across all platforms. 

By using products like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Book3 Ultra, and Galaxy Flip4, creators can heighten the quality of their content, potentially appealing to an even wider audience and working with their ideal brands.

Billboard will kick things off with an opening party featuring performances from the respective winners of Samsung and Billboard’s NXT 1.0 and 2.0 Bronze Avery and Nyla XO, and TikTok artist DJ Habi Beats.

Moderated by Tetris Kelly, Billboard will also host a panel on March 21 featuring a wide range of media and licensing experts including Billboard’s Chief Brand Officer Dana Droppo, Music Licensing Consultant Greg Cahn, VP of Creative Marketing at Sony Music Publishing James Armstrong, and Latin Creative Music & Commercial Licensing at TikTok Leslie Arredondo-Cordero. The segment — titled the Do’s and Dont’s of Music Licensing — will inform creators about the logistics behind music inclusion in their content and arm them with the knowledge to avoid challenges and pitfalls involved in licensing music across different social media platforms. 

TikTok creator Tefi, who first went viral for her no-holds-barred advice and thoughtful takes on pop culture goings on is set to appear as a special Keynote Speaker. She will deliver a speech about her journey as a creator and the integral part Samsung can play in helping to achieve goals.

Additionally, Billboard will host a segment called Making the Hit, where Toronto-based YouTuber Andrew Huang will get at the heart of song construction. Aided by a Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra, the musician and video producer will effectively deconstruct a song live, offering viewers an in-depth look into his unique creation process.  

Finally, Billboard asked several major player creators to collaborate on a playlist that will serve as the soundtrack during the final morning of the Samsung Galaxy Creative Collective. Creators from every industry were enlisted to contribute, ensuring an expansive and varied set of songs that’ll encompass the diversity of the attendees themselves. Fans can visit Billboard.com to check out the full playlist.

The Samsung Galaxy Creator Collective will be available via livestream beginning on March 21 at 9 a.m. CT/10 a.m. EST on Samsung’s Twitch and YouTube channels.

Later this week, the Samsung Galaxy Creator Collective takes over Dallas for its second iteration. The event, which takes place from March 21 through March 22, aims to serve as an inviting and inclusive learning environment where creators both new and more established can learn trade secrets and tips from some of the best in the business to further grow their followings across all social media platforms. Featuring music-making demonstrations, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and live performances, this year’s Samsung Galaxy Creator Collective puts audio at the forefront showcasing how creators can best utilize music to elevate their offerings. 

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To round out the weekend’s festivities, Billboard asked several major player creators to collaborate on a playlist that will serve as the soundtrack during the final morning of the Samsung Galaxy Creative Collective. Featuring TikTok creator Tefi, the respective winners of Samsung and Billboard’s NXT 1.0 and 2.0 Bronze Avery and Nyla XO, TikTok artist DJ Habi Beats, among others, this Coffee Hour playlist will represent an eclectic mix of the top artists and songs encompassing the diversity of the attendees themselves. 

For those who can’t attend in person, the Samsung Galaxy Creator Collective will be available to watch via livestream beginning on March 21 at 9 a.m. CT/10 a.m. EST on Samsung’s Twitch and YouTube channels. And for those looking for an immediate jolt of musically creative inspiration, check out the full creator-approved playlist below. 

Tefi 

Justin Nozuka – “Nova”

For Tefi’s first pick, TikTok’s best friend opted for the smooth nature of “Nova,” which hears Nozuka express some tender infatuation over a lover and he’s not afraid to shoot his shot. With his silky falsetto, the track shapes up as a go-to soundtrack for all the optimistic romantics and the perfect addition for our coffee hour. 

Kwaku Asante – “Feel Something”

“Feel Something” injects warm R&B into the mix, courtesy of Tefi’s second pick by Kwaku Asante. The cut hears the rising singer/songwriter walk a thin line of old school R&B with elements of neo-soul sprinkles throughout, leaving listeners with nothing but some feel-good energy. And yet, it’s so effortless and versatile that it could fit into the mix of a dancefloor. 

Bronze Avery

Holly Humberstone, “Overkill”

The first of Bronze Avery’s picks is “Overkill” by Grantham, England-bred sing-songwriter Holly Humberstone. Much like Avery’s highly emotional output, “Overkill” sees Humberstone singing  about the universal phenomenon of oversharing to a new romantic partner. The track’s video, which was filmed by Holly’s sister Eleri, sees the artist traipsing through the forest outside of her childhood home at dusk, with Holly stating that “it was basically my version of a 5k run.”

Bronze Avery, “SOFTSHELL”

For his second pick, Avery chose to highlight his own track, “Softshell.” Fresh off the artist’s 2022 debut album SOFTMETAL, the penultimate single sees the 28-year-old multihyphenate and inaugural Billboard NXT winner creating lush and longing alternative pop music that makes for a perfect backdrop, whether you’re cruising with the top down at sunset or wistfully staring out a rain-drenched window.

Nyla Xo

Lianne La Havas, “Unstoppable (FKJ Remix)”

For her first pick, NXT 2.0 winner Nyla XO steps up to the plate with the playful and bubbly remix of the Lianne La Havas track “Unstoppable” courtesy of French-multi instrumental and remixer French Kiwi Juice (or FKJ for short). The uplifting and highly danceable tune sees La Havas’s vocals perched above a beautiful melange of sunny piano chords and synth flourishes. 

Nyla XO, “Summer Days”

For her second pick, Nyla XO turns the focus back on herself, celebrating her 2020 single “Summer Days.” The song and its corresponding video – which was shot, edited, and directed by Nyla herself – both serve to celebrate the healing and rejuvenating qualities of nature during a year when many across the world prioritized getting back to the great outdoors for the very first time. 

Marilyn Hue 

PinkPantheress, “Break It Off”

Photographer and creator-at-large Marilyn Hue knows how to set a mood. Take her first pick; “Break It Off” by Kent, England’s PinkPantheress. At under two minutes, the energetic, seductive, and extremely catchy DnB-infused pop banger is the perfect way to inject just a little bit of fun and hyperpop into any day’s shoot schedule. 

TV Girl, “Cigarettes Out The Window”

Continuing on her moody streak, Hue chose “Cigarettes Out The Window” by Los Angeles indie rock act TV Girl. The third track off of band’s 2016 album Who Really Cares, “Cigarettes Out The Window” makes use of vintage as well as contemporary samples to create a song that is as timeless as it is evocative.

Drex Lee

Lana Del Rey, “Gangsta’s Paradise x Jealous Girl” (SicKick Remix TikTok)

Smartphone-centric film director Drex Lee knows all about setting a scene and how to contrast disparate elements to come to an end result that is bigger than the sum of its parts. Take, for instance, Lee’s first song choice, the SicKick mashup of Lana Del Rey’s “Jealous Girl” and Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise.” While this pairing may not seem like a fit on paper, in practice, the songs work well to build upon shared themes of longing and violence. 

Steve Lacy, “Bad Habit”

Next up from Drex Lee, the breakout single from Odd Future affiliate and The Internet member Steve Lacy. Off his critically acclaimed sophomore solo album Gemini Rights, “Bad Habit” is a video creator favorite where the SoCal crooner waxes poetically about a failed love interest where slick guitar chords and vocal harmonies, featuring singer-songwriter Fousheé, serve to cushion any fall.

Tetris Kelly

Meghan Tranior, “Mother”

While Billboard News Host Tetris Kelly’s life might look like a dream, it most definitely sounds the part when soundtracked by his first pick, Meghan Tranior latest single “Mother.” With sonic nods to the 1954 track “Mr. Sandman” by girl group The Chordettes, the Kris Jenner-starring video plays with ideas of the fantastical to create the perfect accompaniment to any head in the clouds fantasy you might be trying to conjure. 

Taeyang feat. Jimin “Vibe”

Up next from Kelly, “Vibe” from former Big Bang member Taeyang with an assist from BTS’s Jimin. The song – a dance pop bop with equal nods to K-Pop, R&B, and New Jack Swing – is the perfect soundtrack for anyone with hearts in their eyes, whether it’s for a new crush or even if you are simply just admiring somewhere for their unique aura and vibe.

James Dinh

Taylor Swift, “Lavender Haze”

The first pick from Billboard’s James Dinh is also the first Taylor Swift song to grace the playlist, and it sure does pack a punch. “Lavender Haze” takes the best techniques of pop, ambient house, R&B, and electro and combines them all in an earworm worthy of syncing up with your end of night dance party or, for the more health conscious set, your most triumphant gym routine. 

Catching Flies, “Let Your Hair Down”

Continuing on this moody streak, Dinh’s second pick is the welcome refresh of “Let Your Hair Down” by London-artist Catching Flies. Somewhere between hip hop, trip hop, hip house, and downtempo, “Let Your Hair Down” invites you to do just that, whether you are relaxing after a long day or perhaps even savoring a meditative moment before you embark on your next adventure. 

Sarah Lombard

Niall Horan, “Heaven”

Ahead of his hotly anticipated third studio album entitled The Show, former One Direction-member Niall Horan graces us with its first single, “Heaven.” The first of Billboard staffer Sarah Lombard’s picks, “Heaven” is a crooning pop rock anthem about living life on your own timeline. 

Reneé Rapp, “Bruises”

The second of Lombard’s picks comes in the form of actress and singer Reneé Rapp’s “Bruises.” A song about vulnerability, “Bruises” provides the perfect soundtrack for any content aiming for introspection or deep hearted soul searching.

Quincy Green

Doechii feat. SZA, “Persuasive”

Up first for Billboard’s own Quincy Green, we see Tampa, Florida-bred Doechii’s 2022 banger, “Persuasive.” An uptempo hip house track with a vocal assist from none other than SZA, “Persuasive” will have you feeling yourself within seconds, perfect for any video content that speaks to renewed feeling of self-worth. 

KAYTRANADA feat. H.E.R., “Intimidated”

Up next from Green is KAYTRANADA’s 2021 track, “Intimidated.” Off the EP of the same name and featuring vocals from H.E.R., “Intimidated” sees Kaytranada effortlessly blending soul, house, and hip hop into pop music perfection that somehow feels both futuristic and like a cherished throwback. 

Steven Levine 

Coi Leray, “Players”

Speaking of throwbacks, next up we have Billboard’s Steven Levine with Coi Leray’s Grandmaster Flash-indebted “Players.” With bars that speak to female bravado and a beat you won’t be afraid to blast at the club or even a family cookout, “Players” is a perfect cherry on top for any good day.

PinkPantheress, Ice Spice, “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2”

Up next from Levine we have “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2” from PinkPantheress and Ice Spice. These two burgeoning superstars pack a song of the summer anthem in under three minutes, proving that good things can truly come in small packages. 

Olive Mannella

Dermot Kennedy, “Something To Someone”

First from Billboard’s Olive Mannella, we have pop country in the form of Dermot Kennedy’s “Something To Someone.” Whether you are embarking on a cross country road trip or simply miss seeing the stars in your big city environment, “Something To Someone” will help you feel a little closer to home. 

Taylor Swift, “Invisible String”

Finally from Mannella, we have a pop folk ballad from the princess of pop Taylor Swift. A mellower, more sentimental side of Swift, “Invisible String” is the perfect soundtrack for mending up any wounds, lacing up your shoes, and continuing charting your own path, wherever your life may be taking you. 

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Five months in the making and the Samsung NXT 2.0 competition came to an end, crowning Nyla XO as the winner of the social media driven singing competition. 
On Friday, February 17, finalists Nyla XO, Julian King and Kyn Rose took to the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles to face off against each other in front of a jam-packed crowd of attendees and celebrity judges Natti Natasha, Eric Nam and Tinashe. Billboard’s Tetris Kelly helped spearhead the evening, which was livestreamed for fans on Billboard.com and Billboard Twitter account.

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Wes and Alex

During the showdown, fans were treated to two rounds from the contestants: the Covers Round and Original Song Round. For the batch of performances, the trio nodded to their challenge creatives by putting their own spin on three Billboard Hot 100 hits: “Golden Hour” by JVKE (Nyla), “Kill Bill” by SZA (King) and “Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy (Rose). Each performance was preceded by the premiere of an intimate mentorship documentary that the contestants filmed with their celebrity mentor: Flo Milli (Nyla), Mariah Angeliq (King) and BIBI (Rose). After a cumulative vote from the judges, in-theater attendees using the Samsung Galazy Z Flip 4 at voting stations and a Twitter poll, Kyn was eliminated from the competition. From there, Nyla and King brought their best as individual acts, performing two original songs, “Perfect View” and “Can We Go Back?” respectively.

Wes and Alex

Wes and Alex

Wes and Alex

To help crown the winner, inaugural Samsung NXT champ Bronze Avery returned to the stage to help our host and the judges crown the NXT 2.0 winner. Using the same voting mechanism, Kelly pulled out Samsung’s newest Galaxy S23 Ultra to reveal Nyla as the victorious champ of the competition. And it wouldn’t be a grand finale event, without a celebratory selfie at the end of the end of the show.

“I feel so seen in this moment,”  Nyla said in a statement about her win. “I’ve walked away with the validation that people see me, the hard work I’ve put in over the years, my heart when I perform, and how my music makes them feel. To be recognized in this way as an artist is incredible!

Wes and Alex

Congratulations to Samsung NXT 2.0 winner Nyla XO, who is going to land on the cover of a special digital issue of Billboard, a meeting with a record label, funding for a music video, and tickets to the 2023 Billboard Music Awards.

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