Dijon made his Saturday Night Live debut with a trio of songs from his latest album.
The singer-songwriter and producer served as the musical guest on the Dec. 6 episode of the iconic sketch comedy series, which was hosted by two-time Oscar nominee Melissa McCarthy.
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For his first appearance on SNL, Dijon delivered performances from his second album, Baby, released in August. The 33-year-old opened with a powerful rendition of “HIGHER!” backed by a massive ensemble that included Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, along with the musicians who have been joining him on tour. He later returned to the stage for a medley of “Baby!” and “Another Baby!”
After the episode aired, Dijon celebrated the milestone on Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes rehearsal photos from Studio 8H.
“tour has been gorgeous and we just got to rock on live tv snl style for those out there in da wild,” he captioned the post. “Grateful true and couldn’t do it without the most divine squad ever. Grateful and buzzin and everyone who has bought a ticket is a light.”
Dijon, who is currently on tour, recently collaborated with Justin Bieber on the pop star’s new albums Swag and Swag II. He is nominated for producer of the year at the 2026 Grammy Awards for his work on Bieber’s projects.
SNL returns on Dec. 6 with actor Josh O’Connor as host and Lily Allen as musical guest. The British pop star, who last performed on the show in 2007, is promoting her latest album, West End Girl.
Watch Dijon’s SNL performances below and find all the ways to stream the full episode here.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-12-07 18:05:442025-12-07 18:05:44Dijon Makes ‘SNL’ Debut With a Massive Band Featuring Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon: Watch
Sean Combs’ mother, Janice Combs, is pushing back against claims made in the Netflix docuseries Sean Combs: The Reckoning, calling the series “intentionally misleading” and “offensive.”
In a statement provided exclusively to Deadline (Dec. 6), Janice said the program contains “falsehoods” about her relationship with her son and his upbringing.
“I am writing this statement to correct some of the lies presented in the Netflix Sean Combs: The Reckoning,” she said. “These inaccuracies regarding my son Sean’s upbringing and family life [are] intentionally done to mislead viewers and further harm our reputation.”
Among the claims disputed by Janice is a moment in the docuseries where former Bad Boy Records executive Kirk Burrowes alleges that Sean Combs slapped his mother after the tragic City College event in 1991 — an incident that resulted in nine deaths. Janice calls that allegation “patently false” and “outrageous.”
“That was a very sad day for all of us,” she said. “For [Burrowes] to use this tragedy and incorporate fake narratives to further his prior failed and current attempt to gain what was never his — Bad Boy Records — is wrong.”
Janice Combs also addressed the portrayal of her parenting in the series, denying accusations of abuse. “In the documentary, I am portrayed as an abusive parent. This is untrue,” she wrote. “I raised Sean with love and hard work, not abuse… Sean has always been an industrious, goal-oriented, overachiever.”
Sean Combs: The Reckoning premiered Dec. 2 on Netflix and was executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
The four-part docuseries chronicles the rise and downfall of the music mogul, who was sentenced in October to four years in prison after being found guilty on two charges related to transportation for prostitution. Combs, 56, is currently incarcerated at Fort Dix FCI in New Jersey.
Netflix has defended the production, telling Deadline earlier this week: “This is not a hit piece or an act of retribution. Curtis Jackson is an executive producer but does not have creative control. No one was paid to participate.”
Janice Combs concluded her statement with a demand for accountability: “I am requesting that these distortions, falsehoods, and misleading statements be publicly retracted.”
President Donald Trump on Saturday (Dec. 6) presented the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees with their medals during a ceremony in the Oval Office, hailing the slate of artists he was deeply involved in choosing as “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class” ever assembled.
This year’s recipients are actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band KISS and actor-singer Michael Crawford.
Trump said they are a group of “incredible people” who represent the “very best in American arts and culture” and that “I know most of them and I’ve been a fan of all of them.”
“This is a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans,” said a tuxedo-clad Trump. “This is perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center Honorees ever assembled.”
Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center
Trump ignored the Kennedy Center and its premier awards program during his first term as president. But the Republican has instituted a series of changes since returning to office in January, most notably ousting its board of trustees and replacing them with GOP supporters who voted him in as chairman of the board.
Trump also has criticized the center’s programming and its physical appearance, and has vowed to overhaul both.
The president placed around each honoree’s neck a new medal that was designed, created and donated by jeweler Tiffany & Co., according to the Kennedy Center and Trump.
It’s a gold disc etched on one side with the Kennedy Center’s image and rainbow colors. The honoree’s name appears on the reverse side with the date of the ceremony. The medallion hangs from a navy blue ribbon and replaces a large rainbow ribbon decorated with three gold plates that rested on the honoree’s shoulders and chest.
Trump honors the honorees
Strait, wearing a cowboy hat, was first to receive his medal. When the country singer started to take off the hat, Trump said, “If you want to leave it on, you can. I think we can get it through.” But Strait took it off.
The president said Crawford was a “great star of Broadway” for his lead role in the long-running Phantom of the Opera. Of Gaynor, he said, “We have the disco queen, and she was indeed, and nobody did it like Gloria Gaynor.”
Trump was effusive about his friend Stallone, calling him a “wonderful” and “spectacular” person and “one of the true, great movie stars” and “one of the great legends.”
KISS is an “incredible rock band,” he said.
Songs by honorees Gaynor and KISS played in the Rose Garden just outside the Oval Office as members of the White House press corps waited nearby for Trump to begin the ceremony.
The president said in August that he was “about 98% involved” in choosing the 2025 honorees when he personally announced them at the Kennedy Center, the first slate chosen under his leadership. The honorees traditionally had been announced by press release.
It was unclear how they were chosen. Before Trump, it fell to a bipartisan selection committee.
“These are among the greatest artists, actors and performers of their generation. The greatest that we’ve seen,” Trump said. “We can hardly imagine the country music phenomena without its king of country, or American disco without its first lady, or Broadway without its phantom — and that was a phantom, let me tell you — or rock and roll without its hottest band in the world, and that’s what they are, or Hollywood without one of its greatest visionaries.”
“Each of you has made an indelible mark on American life and together you have defined entire genres and set new standards for the performing arts,” Trump said.
Trump was also attending an annual State Department dinner for the honorees on Saturday. In years past, the honorees received their medallions there but Trump moved the ceremony to the White House.
Trump to host the Kennedy Center Honors
Meanwhile, the glitzy Kennedy Center Honors program and its series of tribute speeches and performances for each recipient is set to be taped on Sunday at the performing arts center for broadcast later in December on CBS and Paramount+. Trump is to attend the program for the first time as president, accompanied by his wife, first lady Melania Trump.
The president said in August that he had agreed to host the show, and he seemed to confirm on Saturday that he would do so, predicting that the broadcast would garner its highest ratings ever as a result. Presidents traditionally attend the program and sit with the honorees in the audience. None has ever served as host.
He said he looked forward to Sunday’s celebration.
“It’s going to be something that I believe, and I’m going to make a prediction: this will be the highest-rated show that they’ve ever done and they’ve gotten some pretty good ratings, but there’s nothing like what’s going to happen tomorrow night,” Trump said.
See a video from Saturday night uploaded by the White House below.
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Phil Upchurch, an iconic guitarist and session musician who collaborated with Donny Hathaway, Michael Jackson and countless other music legends, has died. He was 84.
Upchurch passed away on Nov. 23 in Los Angeles, according to his wife, Sonya Maddox-Upchurch. A cause of death was not revealed.
“Phil Upchurch was my personal gift from God, he was my best friend, my music partner, my life, and my hero,” she said in a statement. “Our love was supernatural, endless, timeless and as true as his favorite color blue. He was a master of chords and emotions. Anything that he placed his mind to complete — he did it. Well done my love. I love you more than words can say and the heart can hold.”
Over a remarkable career, Upchurch recorded nearly 30 albums and appeared on more than 1,000 recordings. Notable contributions include Chaka Khan’s 1978 hit “I’m Every Woman,” which topped Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for three weeks, and Michael Jackson’s “Workin’ Day and Night,” from his 1979 solo album, Off the Wall.
Upchurch was also featured on all of Donny Hathaway’s solo studio and live albums, as well as Curtis Mayfield’s soundtracks for the films Superfly, Claudine, Let’s Do It Again and Sparkle, the latter featuring Aretha Franklin.
He also performed or recorded with other music legends, including George Benson, Bob Dylan, Quincy Jones, Luther Vandross, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, John Lee Hooker and Stan Getz.
Born on July 19, 1941, in Chicago, Upchurch began making music at a young age, starting with the ukulele at 13 before quickly mastering guitar, bass and drums. Influenced by jazz greats Oscar Peterson and Jimmy Smith, he began his professional career touring with the singing group the Spaniels after graduating high school in 1958. In 1961, he scored a hit under his own name with “You Can’t Sit Down.” Two years later, he was part of a studio band that backed Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) on the spoken-word/comedy album I Am the Greatest!
In the mid-1960s, Upchurch served two years in the U.S. Army in Germany. Upon returning, he became a regular session musician at Chicago’s Chess Records, collaborating with legends such as Ramsey Lewis, John Klemmer, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, the Dells and Etta James.
Beyond performing, Upchurch authored two instructional music books and completed an autobiography, which is set to be released posthumously.
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The 33-year-old pop star spoke about her godmother’s recent health challenges while attending the Avatar: Fire and Ash premiere in Los Angeles on Monday (Dec. 1).
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“She’s always gonna keep the show going,” Cyrus told Entertainment Tonight. “The show must go on. She’s just excited to get back to work.”
In late September, the 79-year-old country music icon announced she was postponing her Las Vegas concert residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace due to undisclosed medical procedures. The residency, originally set to start in December, is now scheduled to begin in 2026.
The following month, Parton addressed her health publicly after rumors about her condition began circulating online.
“I don’t think God is through with me and I ain’t done workin’,” the Country Music Hall of Famer Dolly Parton said in a video on Oct. 8.
“I wanted you to know that I’m not dying,” she added. “There’s just a lot of rumors flyin’ around and I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was OK.”
Parton and Cyrus share a long-standing bond as both friends and collaborators. In 2024, genealogy-tracking website Ancestry.com revealed they are distantly related. Parton also appeared as “Aunt Dolly” on Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, and the duo collaborated on a reimagined duet of Cyrus’ hit “Wrecking Ball” for Parton’s 2023 album, Rockstar.
Meanwhile, Cyrus — who recently confirmed her engagement to musician Maxx Morando — contributed the song “Dream as One” to the Avatar sequel. At Monday’s premiere, she attended with her fiancé, showing off a sparkling gold band on her left ring finger.
The couple’s engagement comes four years after they started dating in 2021. The former Hannah Montana star was previously married to Liam Hemsworth.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-12-06 20:21:172025-12-06 20:21:17Miley Cyrus Opens Up About Godmother Dolly Parton’s Health at ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Premiere
Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau just went Instagram official.
On Saturday (Dec. 6), the 41-year-old pop star shared a series of photos and videos from her trip to Japan, including several cameos by former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, 53.
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“tokyo times on tour and more,” Perry captioned the Instagram gallery.
In one snapshot, the former American Idol judge and Trudeau pose cheek-to-cheek outdoors, while another shows the pair sharing sushi in a black-and-white clip. A third image captures them admiring what appears to be a sparkly art installation.
The Instagram carousel arrives amid Perry’s travels to Japan, where she has been performing dates on her ongoing Lifetimes Tour. During her visit, the “Dark Horse” singer joined Trudeau as he met with former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko, following a formal lunch.
Earlier in the week, Kishida shared a photo of the two couples smiling together in front of a colorful Christmas tree in an ornately decorated room.
“Former Canadian Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau visited Japan with his partner and joined my wife and me for lunch,” Kishida, who now serves in the House of Representatives of Japan, wrote on X. “During [Trudeau’s] time as [Canadian] prime minister, we met multiple times as fellow leaders. “I am delighted that we continue to maintain this friendship in this way.”
Trudeau replied in the comments, “Katy and I were so glad to have the chance to sit down with you and Yuko. Thank you, Fumio, for your friendship and your continued commitment to both the international rules-based order and to a better future for everyone.”
Speculation about Perry and Trudeau’s relationship arose earlier this year. They were publicly seen together in Paris in late October, marking one of their first widely reported appearances together.
Check out Perry and Trudeau’s first Instagram photo together here.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-12-06 19:11:032025-12-06 19:11:03Katy Perry Goes Instagram Official With Justin Trudeau While Sharing Japan Trip Photos
She sang the most legendary Mexican bolero, rocked alongside one of the most recognized frontmen of Latin rock, and on her last night at the GNP Seguros Stadium, she danced to the rhythm of “Amor Prohibido” to honor the Queen of Tex-Mex, Selena Quintanilla. That’s how Dua Lipa wrapped up her successful Radical Optimism Tour on Friday (Dec. 5) in Mexico City, where she performed three sold-out shows this week at the iconic venue.
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Watch All of Dua Lipa’s Classic Spanish & Portuguese Covers From Her Latin America & Spain Tour
In an atmosphere filled with nostalgia and emotion after completing 92 shows around the world, according to Lipa herself, the British star chose to sing her version of the classic song by the iconic Mexican-American singer, with whom she said she feels “a very special connection” due to their shared dual nationality.
“I chose this song because I feel a very special connection with this artist and with her feeling of belonging to two places at the same time,” Lipa told in Spanish to the 65,000 attendees (according to figures from promoter Ocesa) gathered at the stadium. “It’s something I deeply identify with, as I feel I am both Albanian and English, just as she was Mexican and American.” (Watch the moment here).
Lipa was born in London to Albanian-Kosovar parents in 1995, the same year of Selena’s death. In 2022, she reinforced her family roots by obtaining Albanian citizenship. Meanwhile, the Queen of Tejano Music was born in the U.S. with Mexican heritage.
Although she didn’t have special guests like on Tuesday, when Fher Olvera from Maná joined her on stage to sing the band’s classic “Oye Mi Amor” as a duet, Lipa shook the Mexico City stadium to the rhythm of Selena. “¡Dua, hermana, ya eres mexicana!” (“Dua, sister, you’re already Mexican!”), some attendees shouted, thanking her tribute to the country.
On Monday (Dec. 1), during her first night back in Mexico, the singer surprised the audience with the classic “Bésame Mucho” by Consuelo Velázquez, in the version recorded by Luis Miguel in 1997. The gesture was reciprocated two days later by the famous Mexican superstar on social media with an image of both their faces but no accompanying message.
Also on Friday, after the World Cup draw held in Washington D.C., where Mexico learned two of its three upcoming opponents, a fan gifted Lipa a jersey of the Mexican National Team when the artist approached her fans. The Mexican team reacted with a message on X: “One beauty with another beauty! Dua Lipa posed with our new jersey and gifted us this spectacular snapshot. The British singer and us are levitating with World Cup excitement.”
Lipa’s return to Mexico also offered a series of unforgettable experiences to her fans. At the initiative of her record label, a temporary themed taqueria was opened in a tourist-friendly neighborhood of the capital. She also held the first Latin American session of Service 95, a digital newsletter where the singer shares book recommendations and interviews with authors, at a local bookstore. Additionally, she enjoyed the city and its cuisine with friends and family, as she shared on her social media.
“Thank you so much for welcoming us with open arms and for this energy that I will carry with me until next time,” Lipa expressed in Spanish during the last of her three shows in Mexico City, which gathered a total of 195,000 people, according to Ocesa.
Lipa began her Radical Optimism Tour in Singapore in November 2024, continuing through 2025 in Australia, Europe, North America, and Latin America, where the euphoria for the artist was overwhelming. The British singer explored each city marked by the tour and performed surprise covers of local artists that captivated and connected in a special way with her fans. To see all the songs in Spanish and Portuguese she performed throughout the world tour, click here.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-12-06 17:31:202025-12-06 17:31:20Dua Lipa Closes Wold Tour in Mexico With Selena Tribute: ‘I Feel a Very Special Connection’
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Mon Laferte, Lunay & More Dazzle at Fashion Awards with Willy Chavarría
The Fashion Awards, often referred to as the U.K.’s Met Gala, brought together global stars on Monday (Dec. 1) in London. Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarría’s brought a dynamic group of Latin artists including Mon Laferte and Lunay, as well as Mahmood and Ellie Goulding. Chavarría, who was nominated for designer of the year, used the prestigious event and his brand’s mission to promote human dignity.
Chilean superstar Mon Laferte turned heads in a ruby red leather coat-dress paired with platinum blonde hair, while Puerto Rican artist Lunay donned a zoot suit-inspired metallic, olive-tone trench coat — designed by Chavarría. “Collaborating with Willy is always a thrill,” Lunay told Man About Town. “Being surrounded by creativity and coming as Willy’s guest is such an honor. This is where the best in fashion come together, and I love being inspired […] Every time we work together, I walk away feeling like the strongest, most authentic version of myself.”
The New York-based designer is renowned his sharp tailoring that blends high fashion with street style, oversized silhouettes, and an unmistakable Chicano and Latino flair. His creations are a fixture on red carpets and in pop culture.
Willy Chavarria & Mon Laferte
Diego Bendezu
Becky G’s Premieres Rebbeca in Her Hometown Inglewood
Becky G hosted the premiere of her documentary Rebbeca at the Miracle Theatre in Inglewood on Sunday (Nov. 30). Sponsored by Miracle Theatre and Patrón Tequila, the premiere took place ahead of the film’s nationwide theatrical release on Dec. 10 and 13. Attendees included Wilmer Valderrama, will.i.am, Chiquis Rivera, Dolores Huerta and Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr., along with members of the Inglewood City Council.
“It was never a question for me if the premiere of this documentary would be in the city that raised me because my pride for where I come from is as real as it gets,” Becky said ahead of the screening. “But what I wasn’t prepared for emotionally was seeing this room filled with so many familiar faces. Little me used to buy her school uniform next door, and I don’t think she could’ve imagined days like today.” Tickets for the film are available at beckygisrebbeca.com.
Becky G attends the premiere of “REBBECA” on Nov. 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
JC Olivera/Getty Images for State of the Art
Industry Leaders Share Keys to Música Mexicana’s Global Rise
Industry leaders came together on Tuesday (Dec. 2) for The Rise of Música Mexicana: Lessons for the Global Music Industry, a panel exploring the genre’s exponential growth and its impact on the global music scene. Moderated by Billboard Español‘s Isabela Raygoza, the discussion featured Lorena Cabral (director, A&R, Downtown Artist & Label Services), Daniel Luna (CEO, D Luna Music), Carlos Santos (label manager and co-founder, K Music), and Jorge Navarro (music partnerships manager, MX & CO, YouTube Music).
As part of Music Biz Passport Series — that highlighted global territories such as Brazil, France, and China — the conversation focused on how Mexican music evolved from a regional genre into a global force, highlighting artists like Peso Pluma, Luis R. Conriquez, Netón Vega and more breaking cultural barriers and dominating global streaming. Panelists explored how this genre’s success can serve as a blueprint for other artists to expand their reach and transcend boundaries. Watch the full panel discussion below.
Marc Anthony Lights Up Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center
This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting took place on Wednesday (Dec. 3), marking the start of the holiday season in New York City. Broadcasted live on NBC and Peacock, the centerpiece was a 75-foot Norway Spruce from East Greenbush, New York, adorned with 50,000 LED lights and a Swarovski star. Performers included Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Michael Bublé, Laufey, Halle Bailey, and Marc Anthony. The salsa superstar delivered performances of “Christmas Auld Lang Syne,” “Feliz Navidad,” and his mega hit “Vivir Mi Vida,” delighting the crowd while celebrating the season.
Marc Anthony performs during the annual Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 3, 2025 in NYC.
Ralph Bavaro/NBC/Getty Images
Fuerza Regida Recognized by Harvard University
On Tuesday (Dec. 2), Fuerza Regida was honored with the Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA Trailblazer Award, recognizing their contributions to regional Mexican music and its growing influence on global charts. The award celebrates the band’s role in bringing Mexican music into mainstream audiences. As part of the event, the San Bernardino troupe participated in a Q&A session with Harvard students, co-hosted by Neon16.
Gloria Trevi Announces Show Celebrating Her Birthday
It’s a Gloria Trevi Live Celebration! The legendary Latin pop singer announced a one-night-only concert in Los Angeles on Tuesday (Dec. 2) to celebrate another revolution around the sun. The event will take place on Feb. 28 at BMO Stadium, and tickets go on sale Friday (Dec. 5) via LiveNation.com.
“Celebrating my birthday on stage is the best way to thank life and my fans for so many years of love and resilience,” said Trevi in a press release. Promoted by Live Nation, Great Talent, and Latino Live, this exclusive performance promises to be a “historic celebration of her music, her legacy, and her fans,” states the release.
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Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson had sharp words for disrespectful behaviour at Good Things Festival, calling out a festivalgoer who repeatedly threw beach balls during the band’s Melbourne set on Dec. 5.
“Big guy with your big f–kin’ beach ball,” Manson said from the stage. “What a f–kin’ douchebag… You’re a f–kin’ middle-aged man in a f–kin’ ridiculous hat, and you’re a f–kin’ f–kface. I want, literally, to ask people to f–kin’ punch you in the f–kin’ face. But you know what? I’m a lady, so I won’t.”
While the comments sparked a wave of viral discussion online, Manson later doubled down on her stance in a statement posted to Threads, where she clarified her long-standing distaste for beach balls at shows and broader frustration with how some fans treat live music spaces.
“I make NO APOLOGIES whatsoever for getting annoyed at beach balls at shows,” she wrote. “I joined a band because I HATED THE F–KING BEACH. I joined a band because I wanted to listen to Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Cure and be dark and beautiful.”
She continued, “I love the musical community and I want to respect their artistry. I am so tired of folks taking music for free and treating us all like circus performers.”
The Scottish alt-rock icon and her bandmates — who last toured Australia in 2016 — are currently performing across the country as part of Good Things Festival, with additional sold-out sideshows in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney.
Their setlist includes fan favourites like “Only Happy When It Rains,” “Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!),” “Stupid Girl” and “When I Grow Up,” alongside material from their 2021 LP No Gods No Masters and 2023’s Let All That We Imagine Be The Light.
The band is scheduled to perform next in Sydney (Dec. 6) and Brisbane (Dec. 7), before kicking off their headline run.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-12-06 09:20:472025-12-06 09:20:47Garbage’s Shirley Manson Defends Rant at Good Things: ‘I Make No Apologies’
XG member Cocona has publicly come out as transmasculine non-binary, sharing a heartfelt letter with fans in honor of their 20th birthday.
The rapper, vocalist, and performer from the Japanese girl group posted an emotional statement on Instagram on Saturday (Dec. 6) reflecting on identity, growth, and self-acceptance.
“Today, I turned 20,” Cocona wrote. “As I reach this new chapter in my life, I want to share something that’s been in my heart for a long time. I am AFAB transmasculine non-binary. Earlier this year, I had top surgery. I was born and perceived as female, but that label never represented who I truly am.”
Cocona continued, “The hardest thing I’ve ever faced was accepting and embracing myself… Now, I can finally say, ‘There’s nothing wrong with who I am inside.’” The performer also expressed gratitude toward their XG bandmates, XGALX founder and producer Simon (Jakops), and their parents, adding that their support helped make the journey possible.
The message quickly drew an outpouring of love and praise from fans, with XG supporters and members of the LGBTQIA+ community celebrating Cocona’s honesty. The post, which included emoji symbols of unity and infinity, ended with the words: “May these words gently light a spark in someone’s heart. And to everyone who needs it — may my love reach all of them.”
Shortly after, XGALX CEO and artistic director Simon (Jakops) shared his own statement on Instagram, expressing respect and support for Cocona. “I am deeply moved and filled with respect as Cocona courageously shared their passion with the world,” he wrote. “I will continue to provide sincere support so that each member can be truly respected not only as a ‘working artist’ but also as a person.”
Simon reflected on the group’s journey together — noting that all members have now reached adulthood — and reaffirmed that XG’s mission goes beyond music and visuals, aiming to share “the pure and essential heart of each member” with fans around the world.
Since debuting under XGALX in 2022, XG has earned international recognition for their polished performance style, multilingual lyrics, and message of female empowerment. Cocona’s coming-out marks a significant and visible moment for LGBTQ+ representation within the global pop landscape — particularly in the Japanese and Korean entertainment industries, where conversations around gender identity continue to evolve.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-12-06 07:50:452025-12-06 07:50:45XG’s Cocona Comes Out as Transmasculine Non-Binary On 20th Birthday