BamBam’s name comes from the character Bamm-Bamm Rubble in the animated series The Flintstones, a baby with superhuman strength. “I’m the third of four siblings,” he explains. “I’m not sure, but maybe my mom named me that hoping her third son would be strong. In Thailand, it’s actually a pretty common name. It’s used more often for girls than boys, though,” he laughs.

When BamBam left Bangkok for Seoul in 2010, he was just 14 years old. He began his trainee life at JYP Entertainment, the company that produced 2PM, home to Nichkhun — the first Thai-born K-pop idol. After years of rigorous training, BamBam debuted in 2014 as part of GOT7.

The seven-member GOT7 is a truly multinational group, featuring BamBam, Jackson Wang from Hong Kong and Mark Tuan, who is Taiwanese-American. Perhaps because of this diversity, GOT7 quickly built a global fandom, holding world tours that reached beyond Asia to North and South America, Australia and Europe — faster than most K-pop groups that debuted around the same time. Their 2018 Eyes on You Tour even earned a spot at No. 9 on Billboard’s monthly top 10 Hot Tours list. Since January 2021, all the members of GOT7 have left JYP Entertainment. Yet, even while focusing on their individual careers, they’ve never forgotten to come together for the fans who continue to support them.

BamBam, in particular, has been extremely active. He launched his solo journey with the EP riBBon in summer 2021, followed by two more EPs and a full-length album. He has completed a solo world tour spanning 14 countries, though unfortunately, a North American tour planned for six cities was canceled due to an ankle injury. But BamBam’s impact goes far beyond music.

He became the first K-pop artist to be appointed as a global ambassador for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors and also earned recognition as a House Ambassador for Louis Vuitton. In recent years, he’s made his mark on Korean variety shows. His own online variety show, Bam’s House, ran for two seasons through 2024 and consistently drew impressive viewership — episodes surpassing 2 million views are not hard to find.

Now, BamBam is about to release his first album entirely in his native language. Titled HOMETOWN, the album features five tracks, all of which he participated in writing and composing. The pre-released highlight medley video evokes Thailand’s stunning landscapes through the lens of an old-school analog TV screen. From the skyline and rooftop bar that define Bangkok’s nightscape, to tuk-tuks navigating narrow backstreets, roaming cats, the sparkling sea, vibrant flowers and foliage under the warm sun, bustling night markets, crowded streets, and the Chao Phraya River flowing past Wat Arun temple — every frame feels like a love letter to his homeland. As one fan commented, it’s “so beautiful it could easily serve as a promotional video for the Tourism Authority of Thailand.”

But when we met BamBam, it wasn’t the skyline of Bangkok that stretched outside the window, but Seoul’s night view, visible from an office in the heart of Gangnam. This is the space of ‘HALO’, the new label just founded in April of this year. “There were both good and not-so-good times during my years in Korea — as there are anywhere,” he reflects. “I could have started my solo career in Thailand or even the U.S., but I’m a K-pop artist. I have a sense of ‘Jeong’ — the warm feeling of attachment between people — and respect for this place.”

As you can see, BamBam never forgets his beginnings. Just as the starting point of his music is rooted in Seoul, the starting point of his story — Bangkok — remains in his heart. He was once a small, lean boy with a bright, innocent face, who loved to dance and boarded a plane to a foreign country without knowing what the future would hold. Never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined that one day he would become one of the most famous names representing Thailand. 

HOMETOWN is BamBam’s most honest and intimate story, shared with all of us.

Your new album, HOMETOWN is released on October 10. You’ve previously worked on the OST for the Thai film ‘The Con-Heartist’,  but this is your first time releasing a full Thai-language record in 11 years since your debut in 2014. When did you decide to do it?

That’s right. The only Thai song I’ve released before was that OST years ago — I never officially released anything else in Thai. Last year, on my way to Rajamangala Stadium for the encore show of my solo tour ‘AREA 52’, I happened to pass by the area where I was born. It’s actually the only route to the venue, but I hadn’t taken that road in years, so I never realized it. That moment felt so meaningful — it was like everything suddenly clicked. I knew what I wanted to do next. And from that moment on, I already knew the album would be called HOMETOWN.

Many global fans will probably feel closer to Thai culture through this album

I think a lot of people are already familiar with Thailand’s cities, atmosphere, and culture — it’s such a well-known travel destination. But rather than showing Thailand from an outsider’s perspective, I wanted to express the life of real Thai people, and how we see our own country. That’s something only Thais can truly convey.

The title track “WONDERING” stands out with its warm tone and dreamy synths. Compared to “LAST PARADE,” the title track from your 2024 EP BAEMSIS, it feels much more relaxed and at ease. Do you think that’s thanks to returning to your ‘hometown’?

It actually reminds me a bit of my first solo song, “riBBon”, which was released in 2021, in that it’s a track that just makes people feel good when they listen to it. Come to think of it, my solo work kept getting darker over time — even my makeup got heavier. By the time I did “LAST PARADE,” I’d practically turned into a devil. [Laughs]

Watching the “LAST PARADE” music video reminded me of Hieronymus Bosch’s paintings of hell,  actually.

HOMETOWN comes after my first solo world tour anyway, so it really feels like the beginning of a new chapter. I realized there was no need to go for something overly conceptual this time. I just wanted people to see ‘the real BamBam’. That’s why in the “WONDERING” music video, we went for scenes that feel like they could’ve been shot at an actual Thai night market.

The album includes five tracks in total. Aside from “Angel in Disguise (Prod. Pharrell Williams)” and the title track “WONDERING,” the other three songs all feature Thai artists. Tell us about the process

I personally chose every artist I worked with on this album. I wanted to collaborate with people who share a similar mindset with me. TIMETHAI, who’s featured on the pre-release single “Dancing by myself(feat. TIMETHAI), is just really good. He can sing, he can dance — he’s got it all. Jeff Satur, who joined me on “More Than Friend(Feat.Jeff Satur)”, is often called the ‘gifted’ in Thailand. He can handle so many different genres, and from what I know, he even does his own mixing and mastering — plus, he acts too. And he’s just really handsome. [Laughs] INK WARUNTORN, who’s featured on “Greenlight,” is one of the most beloved female singers in Thailand. She has that pure Thai-pop charm that I really wanted to capture on this album. Since I’ve never written lyrics in Thai before, I got a lot of help from others as well. TYTAN and SMEW worked on every track, and Jeaniich helped out with “Greenlight (Feat. INK WARUNTORN).”

For someone who left hometown at 14 to debut as a K-pop idol — now releasing a full album in your native language more than 11 years later feels like a full-circle moment. What does this milestone mean to you, both personally and for the industry?

There was a time when I really wanted to be accepted by people in Korea, so I appeared on a lot of variety shows. I think I’ve achieved that goal to some extent now, and I even completed a world tour as a solo artist. So releasing a Thai-language album just felt like the natural next step. Thai people have always supported me simply because I’m one of them. For example, if I perform in Brazil, even people who aren’t necessarily my fans will say things like, “I’m proud that you’re Thai,” or “I hope you keep doing well.” That kind of support really means a lot to me.

It really feels like cheering for a national athlete. Kind of like how Koreans support Korean baseball players in the MLB or soccer players in overseas leagues.

Exactly. It’s not just me — Lisa, Minnie, Nichkhun, all of us are like national representatives in the music world. And naturally, that makes me want to showcase Thai culture in a way that’s worthy of that title. I wanted to create something that the people supporting me can feel proud of, and I also want to continue being someone worth supporting.

What does the passionate support from Thai fans mean to you? Have you ever felt pressured by it?

I know that any mistake I make could potentially affect Thailand’s reputation. But there’s one thing I’m absolutely certain about — I’m not a bad person. So the support I get from people back home never feels like a burden. What makes me happiest is simply living each day as I am, with my cats by my side.

Honestly, the most exciting thing I do these days is go bowling. [Laughs]

You’ve performed on countless stages throughout your career. Which one stands out to you the most?

The 2022 NBA Halftime Show was definitely one of the best moments. It was during the Golden State Warriors vs. LA Lakers game, and the energy was unreal. Another unforgettable moment was performing solo for the encore of my “AREA 52” tour at Rajamangala Stadium. It was something I had always dreamed about, but honestly, I wasn’t sure if it could really happen. And then it did.

More recently, the ‘Grace for the World’ concert at the Vatican was another truly special experience. It’s such a sacred place where performances rarely happen, so I felt deeply honored. Sharing the stage with artists like John Legend, Andrea Bocelli, and Karol G — everyone was just there to enjoy the moment, no matter how famous they were. Pharrell was there too, and it was so different from his usual cool, stylish vibe at Louis Vuitton shows — that day, he took off his sunglasses and was just having fun. I even went up during rehearsal and said, “You look kinda cute today.” [Laughs] And of course, meeting and shaking hands with Pope Leo XIV — I mean, when would I ever get to experience something like that again?

How do you personally define K-pop? Many people still question why it’s called K-pop when the artist isn’t Korean or the lyrics aren’t in Korean.

I can’t speak for every K-pop artist, but in my view, nationality doesn’t really matter when it comes to calling something K-pop. Still, the “K” stands for “Korea,” and that’s something we should always take pride in. I believe anyone who’s part of this industry should respect the Korean entertainment scene and truly understand the culture and the people behind it.

You debuted with GOT7 at 17 in 2014. While you started your solo career in 2021, releasing your first full-length album Sour & Sweet in 2023 and completing your first solo world tour ‘AREA 52’ really cemented you as a solo artist. Looking back on this journey, when did you feel your musical direction became the clearest?

I’d say it was during the ‘AREA 52’ tour. I’ve experimented with many different styles over the years, but no matter the genre, my own style was always there. Even earlier this year, before it was revealed that I wrote GOT7’s comeback title track “PYTHON,” many people who heard it said, “This sounds like a BamBam song.” It felt rewarding to realize that my style was being recognized. I think it was in that confidence that I started to find the direction I wanted to go musically.

How do you describe ‘hometown’  at this point in your life?

There was a time when I was confused — I was born in Thailand, yet sometimes Korea feels like home. I guess that’s because I’ve now spent more years in Korea than I did in Thailand since I came here at fourteen. Still, every time I go back to Thailand, there’s a certain energy and a sense of comfort that can’t be compared to anything else. Even if I return after a long time, that feeling never changes. If Thailand is my hometown, then Korea is the place that raised me.

It’s impressive and heartwarming to see how much you still value Korea as the starting point of your career. Was it a natural decision to continue building your career based in Seoul?

I think it was the obvious choice. Some Korean fans might worry that I’m slowly “returning home” now that I’m releasing a Thai-language album, but my home, my company are all in Korea. And my cats, of course! [Laughs] The word that just came to mind is that, to me, K-pop represents the ‘beginner’s mindset’ — staying true to your beginnings. The moment you lose that, you can’t really call it K-pop anymore. And my beginner’s mindset? That’s Korea and GOT7.  Staying true to your beginnings and holding your position over time is what really matters.

‘Thai K-pop idols’ are known to have a strong sense of connection and camaraderie — like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, i-dle’s Minnie, CLC’s Sorn, NCT’s Ten, and Kiss of Life’s Natty. When you meet, what do you usually talk about?

We don’t really talk about work. Honestly, we’re all working all the time anyway, so when we meet as friends, no one really wants to talk about it. If anything, it’s more like, “Hey, I just shot a music video — want to take a look?” or asking for opinions. When we hang out, it doesn’t matter who’s in BLACKPINK or i-dle — none of that really comes into play.

You can see Thailand’s growing influence in the entertainment industry just by looking at Netflix or fashion weeks. Do you feel this change yourself?

I’ve only recently started looking more closely at the industry, but yes, I can definitely feel it. Back in 2014, when I debuted, there weren’t many cases of Thai artists or the industry trying to expand internationally. Someone once told me that the spread and popularity of K-pop has given Thai artists and fans more confidence. From styling to performance approach, we’ve picked up a lot from K-pop culture. Overall, I think the industry itself has become bolder and more confident in taking on new challenges.

You’re only 28. After achieving so much at a young age, what’s next for you? 

I have many goals, but now I want to approach them differently. Rather than sacrificing myself to reach them, I want to live my life and gradually move toward those goals at my own pace. Coming to Korea as a trainee meant leaving my life in Thailand behind. Now, I’m learning to move forward gently, sharing each moment with my fans. I’ve shared so many moments already — voice break, silly mistakes — because I started my trainee life so early. But I want to give more. As I get older, I hope my relationship with fans becomes something deeper than just artist and audience, like we’re contributing parts of life together. Maybe one day I’ll even say, “Let’s go out for dinner together!” [Laughs]

Listening to HOMETOWN, what do you hope people take away?

I hope they can feel my beginning — BamBam before I achieved my current success and circumstances, when I had nothing at all. I want them to experience that pure version of me.

Sia’s estranged husband says he’s owed more than $260,000 per month in spousal support amid his divorce from the pop singer-songwriter.

Dan Bernad married Sia in 2022, and they share one 17-month-old child named Somersault. Sia filed for divorce in March due to “irreconcilable differences” — and Bernad now wants her to pay up.

A Friday (Oct. 10) spousal support petition says Sia has a hefty net worth, though the exact numbers are redacted from public view. Bernad claims he and the singer lived a “luxurious and upper-class lifestyle,” and that they spent more $400,000 a month on extravagances like private jet travel, fine dining and full-time staffers.

“I request that the court order Sia to pay me temporary spousal support in the sum of $250,856 per month,” writes Bernad. “Orders are necessary at this time because I am financially dependent on Sia, the breadwinner in our marriage… Sia has the ability to pay me spousal support to maintain our financial status quo.”

Bernad, for his part, says he has almost nothing in his bank account and no income coming in. The 47-year-old was a radiation oncologist when he met Sia, but he claims she convinced him to stop working because she disliked his long hours at the hospital.

According to the court filing, Bernad officially gave up his oncology career when he and Sia opened up a ketamine clinic together in Los Angeles in 2021. He says Sia has now cut off funding for the clinic, and he’s unable to go back to work at the hospital because his license has expired.

“I will need to complete several years of training and pass several rigorous exams before I can renew my certification and practice radiation oncology again,” explains Bernad in the court filing.

In addition to requesting nearly $251,000 in monthly spousal support, Bernad also asks in the filing that Sia contribute at least $500,000 for his legal fees during the divorce proceedings. Such funds would “level the playing field,” he says.

Sia’s reps did not immediately return a request for comment on Friday (Oct. 10).

Social media was flooded Friday (Oct. 10) with messages of joy and congratulations for Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who was announced in the morning as the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize — including posts by several Venezuelan singers in exile.

“What a source of pride, my GOD. Waking up to this news today is something historic,” wrote singer-songwriter Danny Ocean, who has spoken openly (and even sung) about Venezuela’s political crisis, in a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter). “Today, peace has the face of a woman, and nothing is more inspiring than waking up to news like this,” expressed singer-songwriter Elena Rose on her Instagram Stories, calling the honoree a “warrior of the light.”

María Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize “for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” according to the announcement on the official social media accounts of the prestigious award. “As the leader of the democracy movement in Venezuela, Maria Corina Machado is one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times.”

“Ms. Machado has been a key and unifying figure in a previously deeply divided political opposition, an opposition that found common ground in the demand for free elections and representative government,” continued the statement about the former presidential candidate, who has been forced to live in hiding in the past year. “This is precisely what lies at the heart of democracy: our shared willingness to defend the principles of popular rule, even though we disagree. At a time when democracy is under threat, it is more important than ever to defend this common ground.”

Machado was set to challenge President Nicolás Maduro in the July 28, 2024, presidential elections, but the government disqualified her, and opposition candidate Edmundo González took her place. Venezuela’s electoral authority declared Maduro the winner with 51.2% of the vote (without presenting supporting evidence), while the opposition denounced irregularities in the vote count and asserted that their candidate had received nearly 70% of the votes. The protests that followed turned violent due to the repression of the Armed Forces and police. An arrest warrant for González forced him to seek asylum in Spain, while Machado was compelled to go into hiding.

The issue was addressed last year in a historic Billboard Español cover story with multiple Venezuelan artists speaking out from exile for democracy in their country.

Below, read some reactions from Venezuelan musicians to the news of María Corina Machado’s 2025 Nobel Peace Prize (listed alphabetically by name).

Carlos Baute, on X: “Today, the world recognizes what Venezuela already knows: María Corina Machado is a symbol of freedom, democracy, and hope.”

Danny Ocean, on X: “What a source of pride, my GOD. You know… as a child, I had the great opportunity to live in a country very close to South Africa. I lived there during Mandela’s presidency. Seeing how my friends and classmates adored Madiba had a huge impact on my life. Waking up to this news today is historic — not just the fact that María Corina is ours, not just the fact that she is a Venezuelan woman, not just because of her bravery and her struggle… but because of the impact this will have on the future. I know that, like me, many children will have María Corina as their role model, and some of them will sing about the pain and longing of many, while others will continue to defend, fight, and push the horizons of freedom. What an immense joy. Congratulations on such an admirable recognition, Mother.”

Elena Rose, on her Instagram Stories: “Today, peace has the face of a woman, and nothing is more inspiring than waking up to news like this. María Corina Machado, woman, Venezuelan, mother, warrior; I honor your courage and resilience, which you defend with love and which is echoing around the world and in the hearts of many. The true beauty of Venezuelan women lies in her two well-placed ovaries. I embrace your soul, warrior of the light; this news embraces all of us. A Nobel Peace Prize for Venezuela and all Venezuelans. What a powerful signal.”

Ella Bric, in a video shared on her Instagram Stories: “This is a moment of celebration. Venezuela has a Nobel Prize. This has been a beautiful day for the country, and we must all celebrate it together, above any differences or disagreements. Bravo. Bravo, bravo, bravo.”

Franco De Vita, on Instagram: “What a great example you have set for the entire world. Venezuelans could not feel prouder of you, María Corina Machado. You are the greatest thing this country has ever produced.”

Jerry Di, on his Instagram Stories: “Wow, aunt Cori, what an incredible piece of news to start the day. You deserve it so much.”

José Luis Rodríguez “El Puma”, on his Instagram Stories: “María Corina Machado: Our warrior who has what some men lack. Those of us inside and outside Venezuela pray for you so that you never give up and so we can reclaim our country in freedom and recover it spiritually, economically, and with the patriotic values that should never have been lost. Long live a free Venezuela.”

Ricardo Montaner, on X: “María Corina, you’ve just given me a hopeful awakening. Congratulations, you represent the feelings of millions… May God bless you to the very end.”

Billboard Canada is celebrating the next generation of music industry leaders.

Billboard’s prestigious 40 Under 40 has long recognized the young executives and innovators shaping the global music business. Now, for the first time, Billboard Canada is bringing this recognition north of the border — highlighting the next wave of leaders driving the country’s evolving music industry.

Billboard’s 40 Under 40 list is coming to Canada. The inaugural edition will be unveiled in a special editorial package and exclusive launch event on November 20, 2025 at Soho House Toronto.

This evening will gather honourees, artists and key figures from across the industry for an evening dedicated to honouring achievements and fostering connection throughout Canada’s music ecosystem.

40 Under 40 will spotlight a cross-section of young executives, visionaries and leaders making an impact across the Canadian music industry — across labels, management, live music, streaming, radio and other sectors.

Nominations are open now. The deadline to submit is Friday, October 24, 2025. 

Read more and submit a nomination here. – Billboard Canada

Vancouver Eras Tour Audience Featured on Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ 

Vancouver makes an unexpected cameo on Taylor Swift‘s new album.

Last December, the mega pop star wrapped up The Eras Tour, after performing 149 shows over the course of 20 months — including Canadian stops in Toronto and Vancouver, where the tour concluded.

Now, those fans can hear themselves on her new album, The Life of a Showgirl.

The title track of Swift’s latest blockbuster project ends with her final address to the cheering crowd at the sold-out B.C. Place show.

In an introduction to the track on streaming services, Swift says she gets emotional hearing the crowd roar back, because being on the Eras Tour stage for the last time is a core memory for her.

“That always chokes me up because it transports me right back to that actual memory of standing on that stage for the last time on that tour that was so important to me and the tour that really inspired the album,” she shares.

The Sabrina Carpenter-featuring song tells the story of a fictional showgirl named Kitty, portrayed by Carpenter, who offers Swift’s inspired character the harsh truth of being a woman in the entertainment industry.

Swift performed three sold-out shows at the downtown Vancouver stadium after selling out Toronto’s Rogers Centre for six nights in November.

“Tonight, we get to play one last show … and we’re gonna make it count,” Swift told the Vancouver audience, marking the city as the last to witness Swift’s global Eras Tour.

Read more here. – Heather Taylor-Singh

Daniel Caesar Re-Enters the Billboard Canadian Albums Chart Following Surprise Pop-Up Concerts

Daniel Caesar is building momentum ahead of his next album.

The Oshawa-raised R&B star is back on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart this week with two re-entries after a series of viral, short-notice pop-up concerts over the past two weeks.

On the chart dated Oct. 11, 2025, his most recent release, 2023’s Never Enough re-enters at No. 80, while his fan-favourite debut Freudian (2017) lands at No. 99. Both albums initially peaked in the top 20, with Never Enough notching a top 10 position at No. 8.

Caesar has been making waves online with a handful of spontaneous outdoor concerts in promotion of his next album Son of Spergy, which releases Oct. 24.

The first concert was held at a packed Trinity Bellwoods park in his hometown of Toronto on Sept. 27, where Caesar played new songs like “Baby Blue,” “Root of All Evil,” “Who Knows,” and “Moon.” The singer played in other Canadian cities throughout the following week, with sets at Parc des Hirondelles in Montreal (Sept. 28) and John Hendry Park in Vancouver (Oct. 2), before heading south of the border to Montana and California.

Fellow Toronto artist and Son of Spergy’s executive producer Mustafa has been joining Caesar for the unconventional tour. Caesar spoke about playing pop-up shows with Mustafa in a recent Billboard cover story.

“It’s really not even for the fans. It’s for us on the stage,” Caesar revealed. “But this way we get to talk and figure out our ideas in public. It contributes to figuring out who we are and what we want to write about.”

In the same interview, he credits Mustafa as being one of the people who pushed him to collaborate with other artists, leading to a diverse and impressive list of collaborators on Son of Spergy that includes Sampha, Clairo, Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, Rex Orange County, Yebba and more.

Read more on the chart achievement here. – Stefano Rebuli