This week was a particularly big one for K-pop, as Monsta X announced a virtual concert, Blackpink dropped their highly-anticipated single “How You Like That,” and BTS unveiled the music video for “Stay Gold.” Plus, Big Hit Entertainment announced a series of BTS “Graphic Lyrics” books!
In other pop news, Halsey announced a book of poetry, Doja Cat dropped her vibrant “Like That” video, Selena Gomez joined a Trevor Daniel remix, and much more.
Take a look at some of the week’s biggest music happenings below.
Stars celebrated Father’s Day
While many Father’s Day celebrations looked a lot different this year, especially for those unable to see their loved ones in person, musicians still paid tribute to dads everywhere. Check out a roundup of celebs who posted here, see Drake’s shout-outs to other fathers here and watch Camila Cabello’s special “First Man” video here.
Major artists have been announced as “Global Goal: Unite for Our Future” concert performers
Musicians will lend their voices to another important cause, as Global Citizen and the European Commission have announced the “Global Goal: Unite for Our Future” Concert to take place on Saturday, June 27. The event will shine a light on how the global coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately impacted marginalized communities, and will feature performances by Miley Cyrus, Shakira, J Balvin, Justin Bieber and Quavo, Jennifer Hudson, Coldplay, Usher, Christine and the Queens, Chloe x Halle, and Yemi Alade. Learn more here.
Monsta X will take the stage for their one and only live-streamed concert later this summer
Another day, another virtual concert event, but this is one you definitely won’t want to miss. Presented by LiveXLive, the virtual MonstaX Live From Seoul With Luv event will take place on July 25. Fans can look forward to the K-pop boy band performing a mix of English-language tracks (from their 2020 album All About Luv) and Korean-language hits. Get more info here.
Artist managers, attorneys, agents and other industry professionals have launched the Black Music Action Coalition
The Black Music Action Coalition, working in alliance with #TheShowMustBePaused, pledges to “not only advance racial justice in the music industry but also in society at large in keeping with the mission of Black Lives Matter,” as Billboard’s Gail Mitchell reports.
More than 30 prominent artist managers, attorneys, business managers, agents and other industry professionals have united as the BMAC, and are calling on the music industry to “put a plan for change in place…within the next 30 days.” Cardi B, Travis Scott and Billie Eilish are among those endorsing the advocacy organization’s open letter calling for immediate action toward lasting change. Learn more here.
Billboard dove deep into the (music) business of TikTok
How does one turn their influencer status on TikTok into $$$? Billboard staffer Tatiana Cirisano investigated, and if you have even the slightest interest in what TikTok is (and how it creates music stars), you’ll want to check this one out. “Like plenty of teens, Charli D’Amelio and Addison Rae first saw TikTok as a fun distraction,” Cirisano writes. “Now two of its top influencers, they’re powering Hot 100 hits and eyeing an entirely new kind of celebrity — while proving just how much artists and labels need them.”
Want more? Dig in to this story on musicians who want to be known as more than just “TikTok artists” despite breaking out on the app, and here are 10 TikTok music influencers you need to know.
Big Hit Entertainment announced a series of BTS “Graphic Lyrics” books
The A.R.M.Y. has a new way to dive into their favorite music by BTS, as their label announced “Graphic Lyrics,” a series of graphic books depicting five songs by the K-pop boy band. (The books quickly sold out on Weverse.)
“With ‘Graphic Lyrics,’ we are introducing a new way of enjoying music for the first time with BTS songs and are planning to continue the series with Big Hit’s multi-label artists as well,” Big Hit Entertainment said in a statement. “We expect the ‘Graphic Lyrics’ series, which captures the sensitivity of paper books by translating music in writing and painting, to be a unique experience not only for BTS fans but also for the public audience.” Learn more here.
Another day, another talented kid on America’s Got Talent
12-year-old Annie Jones took to the AGT stage to audition with Tones and I’s “Dance Monkey,” and totally nailed it. By the end of her performance, the crowd at Pasadena’s Civic Auditorium was on its feet, and Jones earned standing ovations from judges Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel. Watch the show-stopping performance here.
Kelly Clarkson covered a TLC classic
In other cover songs news, Clarkson took on TLC’s 1999 hit “Unpretty” for the latest edition of Kellyoke, which airs along with The Kelly Clarkson Show. With Clarkson’s bandmates joining her remotely, the talented multi-hyphenate put her own bouncy spin on the track. So good! Watch the cover here.
Halsey announced she has a book coming
A book of original poetry from feels queen Halsey? Yes, please. The singer’s next project, titled I Would Leave Me If I Could, is due out this November. “Poetry infuses everything Halsey does — from music to painting and performing — so it’s hardly a surprise she’s so gifted with verse,” said Stephanie Frerich, executive editor at Simon & Schuster in a statement about the 144-page book. “We were immediately captivated by her poems the way millions are by her music.” Learn more here.
Doja Cat unleashed her intergalactic “Like That” video
With some help from featured artist Gucci Mane, Doja got down in the colorful video for her latest single. Of course, it follows her first No. 1 single, “Say So,” and it’s clear that Doja shows no signs of slowing down in terms of extending the excitement around her Hot Pink album. Watch the new video here.
Artists didn’t hold back during Billboard Live At Home performances
Neon Trees, Nelson and Hayley Kiyoko were the artists on the lineup for this week’s Billboard Live At-Home series, and as always, they performed intimate sets for fans while raising money for great causes. In case you missed any of them, revisit all of the sets here.
Blackpink, Selena Gomez and more released new music
Blackpink’s back in our area, as the K-pop quartet returned with their highly-anticipated “How You Like That” single! Plus, Selena Gomez hopped on the remix of Trevor Daniel’s “Past Life,” Cheat Codes took fans to “Heaven” with their new song, UK singer-songwriter Claudia Valentina released her stunning debut track “Seven” and much more. Here’s all the new music you need to know about!
The Stonewall Day Stream lineup includes President Obama and Taylor Swift
Obama, Swift, Demi Lovato, Cynthia Erivo, Kesha, Hayley Kiyoko, Katy Perry, Christian Siriano, George Takei, Donatella Versace, Chelsea Clinton and many more will appear or perform during the virtual event later today (June 26) to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. Pride Live’s special Stonewall Day streaming event will stream live on Logo’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Learn more about how to tune in here.