BTS

BTS

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All The Ways BTS Won Our Hearts At The 2019 GRAMMYs

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From hinting at new music to dancing in the audience to presenting their first award, everyone's favorite K-pop septet lived it up at their first-ever GRAMMY Awards
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Feb 11, 2019 - 4:30 pm

The seven members of K-pop phenomenon BTS—J-Hope, Jin, V, Jungkook, Jimin, Suga and RM—were clearly as excited as their fans were for their first appearance at the 61st GRAMMY Awards. From arriving in style to dancing in their seats to more firsts as they took the stage, let's countdown the top five ways the boys of BTS stole the show—and our hearts.

5. Looking Dapper In Tuxes

The South Korean group always has a strong style game, but their understated pizazz in matching black-and-white tuxedos really elevated their look on their first GRAMMYs red carpet. Their excitement to be a part of Music's Biggest Night was palpable as they exited the SUV, posed for their first photos of the evening and made their way to the carpet.

4. Coyly Teasing New Music On The Red Carpet

Once they were on the carpet, the Recording Academy shared a special moment with the boys by asking few burning questions. When we asked when we could expect a new album, they teased with just enough info to get fans buzzing.

"It's gonna be real soon," RM said.

When asked if it would be a collab album, RM gave a coy answer, while Jimin looked straight into the camera and said: "There could be a collaboration song and some joint songs, we don't know, we're working on it."

They also shared their excitement about seeing H.E.R., Lady Gaga and Travis Scott perform at the GRAMMYs. (Back in September, during their visit to the GRAMMY Museum, BTS shared that they'd been listening to a lot of Scott's "Sicko Mode," so the boys were definitely ready to dance.)

More BTS: "Fans Gave Us The Wings That Allowed Us To Be Where We Are"

3. Dropping Even More Collab Hints

BTS & H.E.R.

BTS & H.E.R. | Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

In addition to being ready to watch some of their favorite U.S.-based artists live for the first time, BTS name-dropped H.E.R., Scott and Gaga all as their dream collaborators. As they told Variety in another playful red carpet interview, they would love to work with the aforementioned artists, along with Camila Cabello. 

2. Singing & Dancing To "Jolene"

The boys seemed to be having the most fun of pretty much everyone when Dolly Parton took the stage for a big medley with some very special guests to celebrate her being the 2019 MusiCares Person Of The Year. As the cameras cut to the audience during Parton and goddaughter Miley Cyrus' "Jolene" duet, BTS could be seen dancing and singing along enthusiastically. Clearly anyone sitting near them had the best seats in the house, and the BTS army was quick to make the joyful moment viral.

Related: BTS On The Creative Process, Breaking Records, Their Responsibility As Artists & More

1. Becoming The First K-Pop Group To Present A GRAMMY

In addition to having a blast at their first GRAMMYs, the boys made history as the first K-pop group to present an award in the show's 61 years. They took the stage at STAPLES Center for the first time to present H.E.R.—one of the artist's they were stoked to see—with Best R&B Album.

As they told Variety on the carpet, it was their first time ever presenting an award, so it was quite a monumental day of highs and big firsts for the boys.

From Dolly To H.E.R.: 10 Unforgettable 2019 GRAMMYs Moments

Photo: Alison Buck/Getty Images

TLC 

Photo: Alison Buck/Getty Images

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Relive GRAMMY Week 2019 In Pictures

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The days leading up to the 61st GRAMMY Awards were filled with star-studded events around Los Angeles honoring some of music's greats—let's take a look at the highlights
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Feb 12, 2019 - 5:51 pm

The 61st GRAMMY Awards on Feb. 10 really lived up to its name as Music's Biggest Night, with tons of show-stopping performances, powerful speeches and big wins throughout the night.

Yet the big show was just one piece of the excitement for a celebratory and star-studded GRAMMY Week. Let's take a look at pictures capturing the big moments from some of the other events you may have missed last week.

Kacey Musgraves & Willie Nelson
GRAMMY Week 2019 In Photos

GRAMMY Week was in full-force midweek, with the Producers & Engineers Wing Celebration honoring GRAMMY-winning country legend Willie Nelson on Feb. 6. Artists including fellow GRAMMY winner Dave Matthews paid tribute to the icon.

The week continued with engaging programs and events from the GRAMMY Museum, most of which were geared towards aspiring musicians. This included a Mississippi Songwriting Workshop for local students on Feb. 7, followed by an evening event celebrating the blues with performances from PJ Morton and more. Also on Feb. 7, GRAMMY In The Schools Live! celebrated music educators like honoree Jeffery Redding and rocked The Montalbán with performances from alumni of GRAMMY Camp, one of the museum's student-focused offerings.

Related: See Post Malone, Bebe Rexha And More In The Audience At The 2019 GRAMMYs

There were also handfuls of great sponsored parties, like the Delta Airline's event on Feb. 7 featuring Ella Mai and the Bulova Brunch on Feb. 9 featuring GRAMMY-winning great Chaka Khan.

On Feb. 8, the MusiCares Person Of The Year Celebration celebrated their 2019 honoree, the GRAMMY-winning queen of country Dolly Parton. Her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, along with Katy Perry, Shawn Mendes and more celebrated the legend with dazzling Dolly-inspired looks and tribute performances.

More Pics: The Hottest 2019 GRAMMYs Red Carpet Looks In Photos

Less than 24 hours before the big night, many of the stars that would be onstage and in the audience, including Travis Scott, Brandi Carlile, Chloe x Halle and H.E.R., gave a killer show and practiced their red carpet poses at the Pre-GRAMMY Gala. The insanely star-studded event hosted by industry legend Clive Davis celebrated fellow industry greats, including the evening special honoree Clarence Avant.

Check It Out: BTS To Maren Morris: Backstage At The 2019 GRAMMYs

Immediately following the 61st GRAMMY Awards, TLC and En Vogue kept the party going at the GRAMMY Celebration. Check out the photo gallery above to get an insider's look at all these events and visit the links for more photo galleries, including backstage and on the red carpet at the show.

From Dolly To H.E.R.: 10 Unforgettable 2019 GRAMMYs Moments

H.E.R.

H.E.R.

Photo: Sue Kwon

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Meet The First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: H.E.R. On Being Born Into Music & Why R&B Is "At The Core Of Everything"

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"It feels like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be," the R&B singer/songwriter, who is up for five GRAMMYs, told us
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Feb 7, 2019 - 2:17 pm

California native singer/songwriter H.E.R. may just be 21, but her honest and thoughtful approach to R&B, with personal lyrics and '90s throwback slow-jam beats, reveal an old soul. Her smooth yet powerful voice offers insights on love and identity with vulnerability and plenty of straight-up feelings.

While her music is communicative, and even her moniker is an acronym for "Having Everything Revealed," the rising star still operates with an air of mystery. She has chosen to reveal minimal details about herself and, always pictured behind large sunglasses, seems to ask us to focus on her music first.

We recently caught up with the talented multi-instrumentalist, who, as a first-time nominee, is up for five awards at the 61st GRAMMY Awards. (In addition to being nominated for the all-genre Best New Artist and Album Of The Year categories, she is also up for Best R&B Song, Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Album. H.E.R., the album in consideration, is a release combining her two EPs plus B-sides—she has yet to release a debut LP.)

During our conversation, H.E.R. told us how grateful she is for all she's achieved thus far, growing up in a musical household, the importance of keeping "real people" around you and what we can expect to hear on her forthcoming debut album. 

"I didn't think I would get this far so soon, so I'm focusing on elevation and really dreaming bigger." 

How did you first learn about your first GRAMMY nomination? When you found out you were up for five awards, what was your initial reaction?

Oh my god! There were a lot of tears. I was with my tour squad; we had all just woken up early after a show. I was actually really sick, and kind of sad and down the day before. My manager gave us the news and it changed my entire mood and attitude. It made my day. I immediately called my mom, dad and sister. I was on cloud nine.

Your five nominations include Best New Artist, along with Album of the Year and Best R&B Album. What does that recognition mean to you?

It feels like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. It's so easy to question your art, even to question what you're doing, to question the path that you're on. But this is such confirmation for me; "you're exactly where you need to be, you're doing all the right things." It just feels amazing, it feels like I found my objective and I'm fulfilling it. I'm so blessed.

Was there a moment when you were younger that made you want to make music? Were there other artists you admired that made you want to make R&B?

Music was something that was a given for me, like out of the womb. At parties I was always the center of attention, singing and dancing and playing instruments. I never made that decision of "I'm going to do music." My dad had a band that would rehearse in our living room, so all the instruments were in there and I gravitated towards them at a super-young age.

My mom would try to find talent shows and festivals for me to be in around the Bay Area, even when I was only seven or eight years old, because she knew I loved to do it. It was never a career goal or what I was planning on doing as soon as I graduated high school. I just did it. It came super naturally to me.

One artist I really respect is Alicia Keys. Because she plays piano and sings, and because I love instruments so much, she definitely paved the way for a young black musician and young black woman like me who wants to play instruments and find my voice in the industry. She played a big role.

Related: 2019 GRAMMYs Host Alicia Keys: GRAMMY Rewind

I never really thought about the idea of being an R&B artist. R&B is kind of the core of everything, rhythm and blues. I grew up listening to a lot of soul and blues, so those influences shine through me. When I started making my first project, H.E.R. Vol. 1, it was so honest. It has a '90s R&B influence, but you could feel the soul reflecting my background and where I came from.

"Focus" is one of your songs up for a GRAMMY; the lyrics feel very personal and are really relatable. Can you talk about what that song means to you and how you think the honesty in your music helps you connect with fans?

My music is my diary. When I'm writing a song it's what I feel in that moment. With "Focus," I was afraid to leave it on my first project because it was so personal for me, it's so vulnerable. I was really young when I wrote it and was just feeling like, "put your phone down, pay attention to me." It's crazy how it's gone deeper and resonated with so many women; women who are even five and ten years into marriage, and able to relate that small feeling I felt then.

What's your favorite part of being an artist?

I don't know if I have a favorite part of being an artist. I do love being onstage and performing with my band. I also love rehearsing with them and creating the show, that's always a fun part. But there's also nothing like being in the studio and being able to get back to myself and get back to my feelings. The studio is the place for me to really confront my feelings and get it all out. I love being in that space and creating, doing what I love, making art.

Outside of music, how do you feel the success you've experienced in this past year has influenced or changed who you are?

I've learned a lot about myself through my music and the way people perceive it, and the goal is for the success not to change me. I feel like the same person I was when I released it, I've just grown. The success has definitely taught me a lot about keeping real people around you, and about purpose. It's taught me about the people and the things that you really need you to ensure success, and how important it is to keep those things around you and block out anything else, and about being positive.

Also, seeing the world has given me a better perspective on life. The fact that I can travel around the world doing what I love is such a blessing. I've learned that traveling is such an important thing; there's so many beautiful things out there and we get worried about such little things.

MAJORRRRR. UP IN TIMES SQUARE!!!!!!!! #mtvpush @mtv

A post shared by H.E.R. (@hermusicofficial) on

What are you most looking forward to about the GRAMMYs? How will you celebrate if you win?

It's going to be like a movie. The fact that I'm nominated for five [awards] is just, wow. And the fact that people are going to really see me, because as you know I haven't revealed too much of myself. It's going to be my first red carpet!

After the GRAMMYs, I just want be with the ones I love and to reminisce. I love to think about memories and all the things that got me up to this point, so that would be celebratory, looking at old videos and old pictures of where I came from.

Read More: Something About Her: The Mystery Of H.E.R.

What's on the horizon for H.E.R.—can we expect new music this year?

Absolutely. I'm going to release a debut album, which I'm excited about. It's crazy because my project that's nominated for Album Of The Year is the combination of my two EPs. So there will be the new album and I'll be touring more. Also, I'm starting a foundation called Bringing The Noise to help bring music back into schools that have lost their music programs. I'm really excited that I'm now in a position to be able to help people.

There's so much happening this year, I couldn't even tell you. Like performing at Coachella! I didn't think I would get this far so soon, so I'm focusing on elevation and really dreaming bigger.

Meet The First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: TOKiMONSTA On Authenticity & Why 'Lune Rouge' Is "A Celebration Of Life"

BTS at the 2019 GRAMMYs

BTS at the 2019 GRAMMYs

Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

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K-Pop Phenoms BTS Keep Breaking Records: Here's Why

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There's something special about the Bangtan Boys
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Feb 22, 2019 - 1:48 pm

It's official: The seven stars of BTS—J-Hope, Jin, V, Jungkook, Jimin, Suga and RM—have created an "ARMY" of worldwide fans. As they continue to break records, it's become increasingly clear that the K-pop titans are currently the most visible representatives of where mainstream pop music—American pop music in particular—is headed. 

Now, K-pop itself is certainly nothing new (the genre in its contemporary form has been around since the '90s). So, what is it about BTS that has America in such a frenzy? Here are five major reasons why the seven-piece band stands apart from the pack, and why they're unlikely to slow down any time soon.

1. BTS Defy Expectations…

At first glance, and considering the industry's ebbs and flows, it might be easy to write BTS off as just another musical fad. But that would be underestimating BTS' power to connect with audiences: Not only do their steady stream of albums touch on important topics like self-love and follow a developing story arc, last year BTS packed arenas on their Love Yourself global tour. The North American leg alone, which brought the boys to eight cities, had four sold-out shows at the 21,000 capacity Staples Center in Los Angeles. And their first-ever stadium show in the U.S., at New York City's Citi Field, welcomed 40,000 loyal fans for another sold-out show.

What's more, BTS openly experiment with K-pop and boy-band aesthetics, crossing genres and subverting expectations. They defy gender norms and push aside outdated ideas of pop star masculinity via their fashion and music choices, not unlike other young, modern stars like Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. In their live review, the LA Times noted BTS' "thrillingly evolved presentation of gender," with multiple costume changes, including "frilly white blouses" and "baggy tracksuits," and playful on-stage interactions

"The effect was a welcome disruption of what we expect a male heartthrob to look and sound like—a radical cultural act made only more encouraging by how enthusiastically it was received by the diverse crowd inside Staples Center," Mikael Wood, a pop music critic for the paper, wrote.

2. …And Gracefully Crosses Genres

Additionally, in his review of the NYC show, longtime New York Times pop music critic Jon Caramanica eloquently summarized how BTS' music is more than just airy takes on bubblegum pop. "Those albums [Love Yourself: Tear and Love Yourself: Answer] show how BTS navigates an increasingly variegated and complex sound: Chainsmokers-esque EDM-pop, 1990s R&B, hip-hop from New York and the South, and much more. As singers and rappers, the members are gifted. As dancers and performers, they are nimble. And at this show, their execution was relaxed," Caramanica said.

BTS On What They're Listening To Now & More

3. All Seven Members Offer Unique Talents To The Group

At first glance, seven members may sound like a lot for a group that doesn't actively play instruments. But, as any ARMY member will be surely attest, Jin, V, Jungkook, Jimin, J-Hope, Suga and RM each play an important role in shaping who BTS are. For starters, the band splits duties between rapping and singing. And, unlike boy bands of yesteryear, there are no de facto "leaders" or frontmen. RM, who is fluent in English, often speaks on behalf of the group, but he is not necessarily the lead member. 

More: BTS On The Creative Process, Breaking Records, Their Responsibility As Artists & More

As Caramanica also pointed out in his show review, BTS readily share the spotlight onstage, much to their fans' delight: "Near the end of the show, 'The Truth Untold' showcased the sweet harmonies of the four singers (Jimin, Jin, Jungkook and V), and was immediately followed by 'Outro: Tear,' which displayed the versatility and range of the three rappers (J-Hope, RM and Suga). Each member was given a solo turn as well — V's sensual R&B on 'Singularity' was a high point, and on 'Serendipity,' Jimin pulled off some balletic, Matrix-esque dance maneuvers."

4. Their Music Feels Authentic To Fans

While BTS have clearly mastered how to look and sound good, they do more than just draw people in with catchy hooks and eye-catching clothes and hair. They tackle important issues, like mental health and self-love. The group acknowledges the importance of serving as role models to so many young people around the world. In Korea, K-pop stars are even referred to as "idols"—and BTS don't take that responsibility lightly.

Back in Sept. 2018, the GRAMMY Museum hosted A Conversation With BTS, where 300 fans listened to the group talk about a breadth of topics, including their responsibility as artists.

"That makes us think more about our responsibilities, how we should act, how we should make our music. So it makes us think more deeply about what we do, how responsible we should be about what we're doing, and the music we're making," Jungkook said.

They also discussed their creative process and how they work collaboratively as a team, as well as with Bang Si-hyuk, the head of their label, Big Hit Entertainment. "When we had our conversation with Mr. Bang when we first started out, he always emphasized that we should sing about our own experiences, our own thoughts, our own feelings. So, that has always been at the center of the music that we made," RM explained.

He also emphasized their collaborative process as bandmates. "We try to participate together as much as we can. I think our participation in the process makes the music more sincere, make the songs more sincere, and that changes our attitude about how we approach our songs," RM said.

Even More: BTS: "Fans Gave Us The Wings That Allowed Us To Be Where We Are"

5. BTS Think Of Their ARMY As Family

You can't talk about BTS' record-breaking rise without also highlighting their loyal ARMY, which stands for Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth.

In fact, BTS has two official Twitter accounts: At the time of this writing, @BTS_twt is home to 18.5 million followers. The ARMY is very active on the platform, as evidenced by one unoffical ARMY account having sent out a fervent 116k tweets to date. Additionally, BTS' official YouTube page has over 15.6 million subscribers.

Yet just as fans support BTS, BTS supports their fans. All in their mid-to-early-20s, the members of BTS know how to use social media as a tool to connect with their millions of admirers online, giving fans regular access and updates on their lives. While many social-media users at risk of falling into feelings of isolation the more they "like" and scroll, BTS actively leverage positivity on social media. Fans follow suit, filling BTS' YouTube page with upbeat, supportive chatter. Together with their fans, BTS creates a giant, supportive family.

And the BTS U.S. takeover is only just getting started: Following the announcement of BTS' new 2019 tour dates, fans took to Twitter to share in the excitement, with some wondering if this was how their parents felt when The Beatles toured. Others pointed out the significance of some of the venues: For example, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, where BTS will be performing on May 4, is a football stadium with a capacity of 90,888. Rose Bowl concerts are reserved for the likes of the Rolling Stones and Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who brought their OTR II tour for two nights to the huge venue last September.

The numbers don't lie: Between record and ticket sales, streaming numbers, self-aware lyrics and a fervent fan base, BTS have tapped into a formula for history-making success—in America and all over the world.

All The Ways BTS Won Our Hearts At The 2019 GRAMMYs

Teddy Walton

Teddy Walton

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Behind The Board: Producer Teddy Walton On Working With Kendrick Lamar & What Makes A Great Track

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The Memphis-based producer/songwriter explains his essentials for crafting the perfect song
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Feb 22, 2019 - 10:17 am

Producer/songwriter Teddy Walton, born Travis Walton, has a simple yet clear approach to making a great track, one of the essentials being that everyone is having fun, which Walton says is the most important part of making music.

He has worked with a range of underground and big-name artists, including hip-hop heavy-hitters Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar and Nipsey Hussle. Walton first worked with Kendrick on "LOVE."—from the GRAMMY-winning album DAMN.—and most recently with on "King's Dead," which won Best Rap Performance at the 61st GRAMMY Awards.

Teddy Walton Shares How He Got Behind The Board

Walton also explains how growing up in Memphis, Tenn. has influenced his music and who he is as a person, allowing him to work well with all kinds of artists. He got his start working with his brother, rapper June, and while they didn't really grow up in a musical family, they learned together, releasing an album called EVOL in 2012.

No matter who he works with, Walton keeps the setup simple, working mostly with a laptop out of his home.

He elaborates on how he likes to work organically and connect the dots as he works: "While I'm making the beat I'm thinking up some words. That's just me, really, I can't even finish the beat if I don't really know that at least the hook's gonna be tight."

He also talks about his two biggest musical influences—his brother and Kendrick—and how working with June has shaped who he is today.

Watch an exclusive interview with Walton above to learn more about his craft.

Behind The Board: Harvey Mason Jr. On The Role, Meaning Of Being A Producer