Olivia Rodrigo has earned her fourth U.K. No. 1 single as “Drop Dead” hits the top spot in its opening week (April 25).

The song dethrones Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s “Rein Me In,” which had been at the top spot for the past five weeks, and eight non-consecutive weeks in total.

“Drop Dead” is the first track from her upcoming third album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, which is due for release on June 12. The song got its live debut at Coachella last weekend where she appeared on stage with Addison Rae.

The song now joins “drivers license” (2021), “good 4 u” (2021) and “vampire” (2023) as U.K. chart-toppers. Her first two studio albums, SOUR and GUTS, hit the top spot of the Official Albums Chart.

“Rein Me In” falls just one spot to No. 2, though Dean is celebrating the start of her global The Art of Loving tour, which kicked off in Glasgow, Scotland, on Wednesday (April 23). 

Following his Coachella takeover, Justin Bieber continues to see a number of hits spiking in the U.K. “Beauty and a Beat” is up to No. 3 to give the 2012 song a new all-time peak, while 2025’s “Daises” is up 10 places to No. 5; the latter hit No. 1 upon its original release. There’s also appearances for “Baby” (No. 17) and Bieber’s Sean Kingston collaboration “Eenie Meenie” (No. 32) inside the top 40.

Tame Impala’s “Dracula” falls two places to No. 4 and there’s top 10 appearances for Alex Warren (“Fever Dream,” No. 5) and Sombr (“Homewrecker,” No. 7).

On the U.K’s Official Albums Chart, Skindred pipped Jessie Ware to the No. 1 spot with their ninth studio album, You Got This, their first to reach the summit. After a close battle throughout the week, Ware’s Superbloom finishes at No. 2 while Zayn’s Konnakol closes at No. 4.


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“Live from London, it’s Saturday Night!” After more than 50 seasons of TV, Saturday Night Live officially expands outside of the United States to the United Kingdom with Saturday Night Live UK. The new sketch comedy show has tapped Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan to host, while Foo Fighters is set to perform as musical guest.

Although SNL UK broadcasts live on Saturday, April 25 at 10 p.m. BST on British broadcaster Sky UK, it drops in the U.S. the following day on Sunday, April 26 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Peacock.

Peacock

Peacock on Walmart+


Want to watch SNL UK online for free? Your easiest bet is a clever workaround to sign up a 30-day free trial to Walmart+, which features access to Peacock as one of its member’s perks, to stream the sketch comedy show online without needing a pay for a subscription service. Learn more about Walmart+ here.

Alternatively, you can subscribe to Peacock directly, which is the official NBCUniversal streamer, starting at $10.99 per month. Peacock gives you access to NBC, Bravo, USA Network, CNBC, NBC Sports and Peacock Originals, like SNL UK.

In addition, if you’d like to watch SNL UK live — which airs in the U.S. at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT — you can livestream the sketch comedy show if you’re a Sky Stream subscriber and paired with ExpressVPN in the U.S. The virtual private network starts at just $2.79 per month with an annual plan. There’s even a 30-day money back guarantee for first time subscribers too. Learn more about ExpressVPN here.

Meanwhile, Nicola Coughlan is promoting season two of the British dark comedy Big Mood, which premiered on Sunday, Apr. 19, on UK’s Channel 4 and Tubi. Earlier this year, she appeared as Penelope Bridgerton in season four of Bridgerton on Netflix.

As for Foo Fighters, the band just released their twelfth studio album Your Favorite Toy on Friday, Apr. 24. After appearing on SNL UK, Foo Fighters hits the road with a summer tour throughout North America and Europe starting at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, CT on Tuesday, Apr. 28.

SNL UK features a cast of British comedy actors and comedians, including:

  • Hammed Animashaun
  • Ayoade Bamgboye
  • Larry Dean
  • Celeste Dring
  • George Fouracres
  • Ania Magliano
  • Annabel Marlow
  • Al Nash
  • Jack Shep
  • Emma Sidi
  • Paddy Young

In the meantime, watch a promo reel for this weekend’s episode below:

Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox dealsstudio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.

Tributes from across Australia’s music and media sectors continue to emerge following the death of James Valentine, with artists including Jimmy Barnes and Iva Davies reflecting on his wide-ranging impact.

Valentine, a saxophonist best known for his work with Models before becoming a longtime broadcaster with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, died at age 64 using voluntary assisted dying at home two years after a cancer diagnosis, according to ABC.

Barnes shared a tribute on social media, writing, “James and I have known each other a long time. He loved music and I heard him play the saxophone many times with the Models. He was a funny and insightful interviewer, and I will miss hearing his gentle voice on ABC radio every afternoon. RIP James. You will be missed.”

Davies, frontman of Icehouse, also shared a detailed statement reflecting on their decades-long connection. “The ICEHOUSE team and I were very saddened to hear of the passing of James Valentine yesterday,” he wrote. “We’d known James since the early ‘80s when we met him on the road with Models. He was a great musician and I asked him to play saxophone on our Code Blue album, which he did with his renowned sense of skill and joy.”

He continued, “His move to be an innovative and much loved broadcaster at Australia’s ABC radio network meant we’d cross paths regularly – he was always engaged and fun to be around with a story or anecdote to share. James will be missed by many tens of thousands, by our ICEHOUSE team and by me. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”

Members of INXS also paid tribute, recalling their shared history on the Australian Made tour in the mid-1980s. “We are very much saddened to hear of the passing of our old mate James Valentine,” the band wrote. “James was an incredible musician and an amazing human. Always smiling, always positive, caring and involved.”

The statement continued, “Our lives crossed paths during the ’80s and we all became mates with James on the Australian Made tour in ’86-87 when he was a member of the Models. He of course then became a member of Absent Friends with Garry for an album and live performances.”

They added, “James later had an amazing career in TV and radio and as a writer — his wit and warmth was loved by everyone. Our sincere condolences to Joanne, Ruby and Roy. Travel safe mate — we miss you.”

The responses highlight the dual nature of Valentine’s career, which spanned both music and broadcasting. As previously reported, he performed on Models’ Out of Mind, Out of Sight, which peaked at No. 84 on the Billboard 200 and produced the single “Out of Mind, Out of Sight,” a Billboard Hot 100 entry in 1986. His work as a session and touring musician extended across multiple Australian acts throughout the decade.

In later years, Valentine became a defining voice on ABC radio, hosting programs for more than three decades, including a long-running tenure on 702 ABC Sydney’s Afternoons show. His conversational style and curiosity-driven interviews helped him build a broad national audience, expanding his influence well beyond the music industry.

Additional tributes from across the industry have emphasized that crossover impact. Valentine’s ability to move between performance and broadcasting roles positioned him as a rare figure within Australia’s creative landscape — equally at home onstage and behind the microphone.

His passing also comes amid renewed recognition of his contributions. Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn recently confirmed that Valentine had been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), acknowledging his service to both music and media.

For industry figures, the response to his death reflects not only his legacy as a musician, but also the enduring reach of his broadcasting career, which brought his voice into the daily lives of listeners for decades.

Valentine is survived by his wife and two children.

xaviersobased is heading to Australia for the first time, with the New York rapper-producer announcing a three-date run this June as part of his Riverside Tour.

The dates kick off at The Princess Theatre in Brisbane on June 3, followed by Melbourne’s Northcote Theatre on June 4, before wrapping at Sydney’s Metro Theatre on June 7 as part of Vivid LIVE. Tickets went on sale April 24.

The shows mark a milestone moment for the rapper, who has built a fast-growing audience online before translating that momentum into touring. Over the past few years, xaviersobased has emerged as part of a new wave of internet-led rap acts, with his music gaining traction across platforms like SoundCloud and TikTok.

That momentum accelerated with the release of his debut album Xavier earlier this year. The project earned Best New Music from Pitchfork, which described it as “a cult rap record with big ambition,” pointing to the artist’s evolving sound and approach.

Before that release, he had already built a steady catalog through a run of mixtapes, including Keep It Goin Xav and with 2, helping establish his presence within underground rap circles. His work blends elements of trap, rage and experimental hip-hop, often shifting styles from track to track.

Touring has also played a role in that rise. In 2025, xaviersobased completed a national run and appeared alongside artists including Yung Lean and Bladee, expanding his reach beyond the U.S. market.

The upcoming Australian dates will feature support from ksuuvi and Backend and arrive as part of the wider Riverside Tour 2.0. His inclusion on the Vivid LIVE lineup also places him alongside a broader mix of international and local acts appearing across the Sydney program.

xaviersobased Australia Tour Dates:

June 3 — Brisbane, The Princess Theatre
June 4 — Melbourne, Northcote Theatre
June 7 — Sydney, Metro Theatre (Vivid LIVE)

The Otis Redding Foundation is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Otis Redding Center for the Arts (ORCA) this month. The momentous occasion was formally recognized with an open house (April 11), attended by Redding’s widow Zelma Redding and R.E.M. bassist/composer Mike Mills, 2025’s recipient of the Otis Redding Spirit of Community Award. In tandem with the celebration, registration for upcoming summer sessions of Otis Music Camp (June 1-20) and Camp Dream (July 20-31) was announced.

Named after the soul icon behind classics such as “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” and “Respect,” ORCA offers music and arts programs to students ages 5-18. In addition to the aforementioned camps, the multipurpose space provides private lessons and workshops. Its curriculum covers the creative and business sides of the music industry through content creation, performance, entertainment law, engineering, graphic design and touring. The 15,000 square-foot facility also houses the O3 Recording studio and the Zelma Redding Amphitheater.

In comments emailed to Billboard, Ms. Redding explained why it’s so vital to continue paying it forward to the next generation of industry creatives and executives:

There’s something different about walking into a space that carries your family’s name — your family’s work, your family’s spirit. At the Otis Redding Center for the Arts, that feeling is everywhere. It’s not just pride — it’s responsibility. The kind you feel in your chest.

Otis Redding Center for the Arts.

Leah Yetter

Maintaining a center like this, especially as part of the Otis Redding Foundation, is deeply personal. This isn’t just about programs or schedules. It’s about legacy. It’s about honoring the life and vision of Otis Redding — not only the music the world knows, but the man who believed in giving back, in lifting others up, and in creating opportunity where it didn’t always exist.

For our family, the arts have never been just entertainment. They’ve been a pathway to confidence, expression and possibility. So when we talk about maintaining this space, we’re really talking about protecting that pathway. Making sure a young person can walk through these doors and feel like they belong here, whether they’ve grown up around music or are just discovering it for the first time. Students finding their voice. Families finding community. Artists pouring into the next generation. That’s what turns a building into something meaningful. That’s what makes it feel alive.

Legacy doesn’t take care of itself. It requires intention, care and a willingness to keep growing. What Otis started, and what the foundation continues to build, is bigger than any one moment. For me, this work is about making sure that legacy keeps reaching forward. That it stays open, accessible and real. Because if we’re doing it right, the Otis Redding Center for the Arts won’t just reflect where we’ve been … It will help shape where we’re going.

More information about the Otis Redding Center for the Arts and its programs is available here.

Tetris Kelly caught up with LE SSERAFIM in Seoul, South Korea, and the girls have a “CELEBRATION” that launches them into a new era. They tease what to expect from their upcoming studio album, their experience of their first VR concert, the surprise they felt when “SPAGHETTI” popped off, working with BTS’ J-HOPE on the song, reveal where they love to go shopping, and what their next goals are!

What do you think of “CELEBRATION?” Let us know in the comments!

LE SSERAFIM:

I don’t know how much we’re allowed to say.

Tetris Kelly:

You’ve got to tease a little bit, I came all the way here, so you can tell me something.

You came all the way from LA to Seoul, so we feel like we should share something, even if it’s just a little. 

Well it’s a celebration apparently. I’m hanging out with the girls of LE SSERAFIM, how are you doing today?

We’re good! It’s so good to see you, I think it’s been a couple of years.

It has been a while, and now I have to come to Seoul to see you, how about that? Well, we’re excited about the new song, obviously, but just in general when you’re making a comeback and starting kind of like a new era, what is different this time around for you ladies?

For this era, one of the key themes that we wanted to kind of go back to are our roots and we started with a message surrounding being fearless, and so we kind of delved back into that sentiment and really thought about what fear means to us now. And that’s kind of where we started with this era. I think it’s really autobiographical in a lot of ways and I think it’s a lot more personal than what we’ve done in the past and a lot of our actual personal experiences went into the album. So, I think it’s really special. I don’t know, it feels different. 

Well I mean, I love that you said how personal it is because it feels like such a celebration in a way because the song is so confident, it’s so big. So talk to me about the inspiration behind that song specifically. 

Keep watching for more!

Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has named industry veteran Allison Jones as executive vp of A&R. Jones will lead all A&R efforts across the roster, which includes Riley Green, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, Aaron Lewis, Cole Goodwin, The Jack Wharff Band and Greylan James.

Related

Jones joined Big Machine in 2008 and has played a key role in signing artists including Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, Riley Green, Carly Pearce and Midland, and contributing to the success of artists including Tim McGraw, Lady A, Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift.

“I’ve worked with Scott [Borchetta] since 1997, when we opened DreamWorks Nashville together, and have spent the past 18 years at Big Machine in the trenches making history (with lots of celebrations and core memories made!),” Jones said in a statement. “I’m incredibly proud of the music we’ve created. It’s been an honor to be part of building one of the most impactful and successful labels in the history of the music business. Scott is a true visionary who never settles for anything less than winning. I’m incredibly excited and proud to do it all over again as we rebuild the new Big Machine!”

“Allison is the consummate A&R executive,” said Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment founder, chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta. “She knows every artist, every song, and every publisher, and is obsessed with being on the sharp end of pop culture. Big Machine simply would not be what it is today without Allison by my side, and I’m so thrilled that we get to continue together in this new season.”


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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

When they’re not busy releasing music, fan-favorite K-pop superstars BTS are keeping themselves busy by venturing into the world of snacks and beverages.

With a world tour underway and the release of their latest album, the Billboard 200-topping ARIRANG, BTS are now shaking up the culinary world with ARIH, a food and beverage brand available nationwide at Walmart. The brand was developed with help from your favorite idols and aims to bring traditional South Korean flavors to a Western audience. The new line includes soup-less noodles called Modern Noodles in packages and cups for on-the-go slurping, along with uniquely flavored dual-biotic sodas and postbiotic energy drinks.

The members’ input was incorporated into the brand name, flavors and package design, culminating in a line that we’re sure ARMY will love. In a press release sent to ShopBillboard, the members of BTS shared their favorite flavors from the line. There are seven flavors of the Modern Noodles, and they are priced at $8.77 for a four-pack and $3.32 in a singular pack. RM is said to like the Gochujang Butter flavor, which is a mix of dairy and the savory-sweet tang of gochujang, which is fermented pepper paste used in lots of traditional South Korean dishes.

Jimin likes the Vongole style, a riff on a classic Italian dish that features clams steamed with garlic and olive oil, while V enjoys the Truffle Bulgogi and Soy Sauce Butter flavors. If you didn’t know, bulgogi is a thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. These noodles can be prepared in a microwave for convenience or boiled in a pot. The choice is yours.

The postbiotic energy drink is said to be a zero-sugar option packed with 100mg of natural caffeine. These drinks are said to provide steady focus without a caffeine crash. They are lightly carbonated and supposedly good for your gut health, hence the postbiotic claim. In simple terms, these post- and prebiotics are fibers that help feed your gut’s bacteria, aiding in digestion. You can buy a four-pack for $8.77 or a single can for $2.28. Suga and J-Hope are fans of the Orange Hour flavor, while Jung Kook likes tangy Lemon Crest. Jin favors the Tropical Wave flavor, which is supposed to taste like tropical fruit. There are seven flavors available as of now.

The dual biotic sodas are similar to the energy drinks in that they are lightly carbonated and they boast prebiotics and postbiotic benefits that are meant to be healthy for your gut. You can buy these sodas in a pack of four for $8.77. As for flavors, there are seven to choose from. Suga enjoys the Positive Orange flavor, while J-Hope likes Red Ruby Galore, which is a grapefruit flavor. Jungkook likes Clear Lemon and Jin favors Peach Mango Horizon.

All of these BTS-approved snacks and beverages can be purchased below.

Shop BTS’ New ARIH Products Below

Where to buy BTS's co-created snack and drink line ARIH online.

ARIH Modern Noodles

Created by BTS, these ARIH Modern Noodles come in a slew of flavors, including Black Pepper Tteokbokki, Soy Sauce Butter and Spicy Seaweed. Each box comes with four packets of noodles.


Where to buy BTS's co-created snack and drink line ARIH online.

ARIH Modern Soup-Less Noodles in Cup-Form

These are BTS’ ARIH Modern Noodles, but in cup form. These soup-less noodles come in seven flavors.


Where to buy BTS's co-created snack and drink line ARIH online.

ARIH Postbiotic Energy Drink

Need a boost? This ARIH Postbiotic Energy Drink, created by BTS, features 100mg of natural caffeine and comes in seven flavors.


Where to buy BTS's co-created snack and drink line ARIH online.

ARIH Dual Biotic Soda

This is a pack of four 12-oz sodas created by BTS. These Dual Biotic sodas come in seven different flavors.


All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

There’s a long list of music events going on in 2026, from Las Vegas residencies to K-pop groups making worldwide pilgrimages.

Up next on the docket, we’ve got Ariana Grande’s 41-show The Eternal Sunshine Tour, ENHYPEN’s ‘BLOOD SAGA’ world tour, Kid Cudi’s 33-date “Rebel Ragers” North American tour and Foo Fighters’ Take Cover tour, just to name a few. Not to mention the slew of festivals taking place this summer, from the 2026 Governors Ball taking place in June, along with Los Angeles’ Head in the Clouds in Aug. and Lollapalooza in July.

In short. No matter what kind of music you’re into, there is bound to be something upcoming that will fit your vibe. Unfortunately, tickets to said events can be costly, and that doesn’t take into account the stress of getting a presale code (when applicable).

Thankfully, we have resale ticket sites that usually have ongoing deals and promos that give folks the option to score cheap tickets to all those juicy events. Rather than purchase overpriced tickets from scalpers, numerous third-party sites will provide budget-friendly concert tickets, plus, we’ve got Billboard exclusive promo codes just for you that’ll make those ticket prices for upcoming concerts and festivals even sweeter. Keep reading to learn more.

What Are the Best Cheap Ticket Sites?

Whether you’re on the hunt for last-minute BTS Arirang tour tickets or just need some weekend plans, these ticket sites usually come with backed-up, protected sales featuring lower prices than what most scalpers are selling for. Before you make your purchase, check the buyer’s guarantee — which most of these sites feature — to see how your purchases will be protected.

To take the work out of researching where to find reliable resale tickets, ShopBillboard did the work and rounded up the best cheap ticket sites so you can see your favorite artists live while avoiding emptying your wallet.

Keep reading to see where to score affordable tickets to concerts and festivals.

11 Best Cheap Ticket Sites 2026: Shop Concert Seats, Promo Code, Deals

Ticketmaster


Ticketmaster’s deals page is offering four deals you can take advantage of, including up to 50% off select shows, Me+3 4-Packs, 2-for-1 tickets and tickets under $40. Check out the deals page here to see what shows and concerts are eligible for the deals. In addition to concerts, current Ticketmaster deals include cheap seats for Broadway shows and musicals, stand-up comedy, sports and more. Some shows will require a promo code to use at checkout, which will be listed underneath the show name.

Rather than wait in a virtual line, Vivid Seats gives you access to thousands of events from live sports to concerts and festivals. You can search based on artist, team, venue and more, whether you’ve scored a travel deal or just want to stay local. When looking at tickets, some sales are verified with a checkmark to show they’re from what the site considers a “super seller,” and the brand guarantees instant delivery to your smart device. Bonus offer: You can score $30 off purchases with the code BB30 at checkout.

11 Best Cheap Ticket Sites 2026: Shop Concert Seats, Promo Code, Deals

TicketNetwork


TicketNetwork is a non-primary seller that aims to get tickets in your hands without you having to worry about signing up for a presale. You can take advantage of $150 off orders of $500+ when you enter the code BILLBOARD150 at checkout or get $300 off ticket purchases of $1,000+ with the code BILLBOARD300. The brand does notify shoppers that some tickets may be sold at above face value, but it offers a place that helps minimize the risk of being scammed. You can also see a ranking of the most popular shows based on the genre of music.

SeatGeek categorizes everything based on trending shows, genre and what’s going on in your area. Once you click on your desired show, the site breaks down seat choice by using a scale of 1-10 of how great a deal it is. You can also search for seats using the venue map to make sure you get exactly what you’re looking for. If it’s your first time purchasing through Seat Geek, you can snag $10 off orders of $250+ with the code BILLBOARD10.

Looking for cheap last-minute tickets? Gametime has gained attention for providing last-minute verified tickets at a more budget-friendly cost. Whether you’re waiting for day-of tickets or are looking for something to do on a Friday night, this site will show you what’s going on near you, as well as sort by some of the hottest events of the year. Plus, if it’s your first time using the seller, you can get $20 off purchases of $150+ when you enter the code SAVE20 at checkout.

StubHub is another popular choice that people go to when grabbing resale tickets at a more affordable price. The site allows you to search by artists, genre or even in alphabetical order to see all artists playing this year. It also uses a verified Fan Protect system to help shield you from scammers.

Even More Great Cheap Ticket Sites

Today Tix

Today Tix is the destination to go to if you’re on the hunt for last-minute, wallet-friendly Broadway tickets. The site offers everything from plays, Broadway musicals, off-Broadway shows, comedies and select concerts. The site’s deals and offers page will tell you the “hottest deals,” including offers that can save you up to 40%. When you click on a show, the calendar will also show you the lowest prices for each day to help you plan.

Ticketsmarter

TicketSmarter promises a 100% guarantee when selling tickets and allows you to search based on music genre, venue and VIP packages. Tickets available are rated on a scale of “smartness” with the highest number being the best. The site offers additional discounts for select groups such as 8% off purchases for students, graduate students, teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, active military and veterans, charity workers, parents, low-income and those with disabilities. You’ll just have to verify yourself through Student Beans and Beans iD.

Groupon

Groupon won’t just give you a discount on restaurants or a promo on a manicure, the site also offers deals on concerts, festivals and live performances in your area or places you plan on traveling to. You can narrow your search by the type of performance or search for specific shows.

Ticket City

Since 1990, Ticket City has been providing people with a place to buy and sell tickets to some of the most sought out performances. The brand offers 100% guarantee on tickets bought through the site and if that’s not the case, then Ticket City will provide you with comparable or better tickets than you ordered, or you’ll be offered a refund or a credit.

Ticket Liquidator

Ticket Liquidator is another resale ticket site that aims to provide verified and legit tickets to concerts, sporting events and more. The site vets each seller before listing them and backs purchases through their 100% Money-Back guarantee, which means if you don’t receive legit tickets by the day of your event or if the event is cancelled, you’ll receive a 100% refund.

Viagogo

Viagogo is one of the largest reselling sites and provides a place where sellers can go to resell tickets. For buyers, the brand uses security checks to ensure that transactions go smoothly and tickets being sold are legit.

Note: all the promo codes and discounted savings listed above were live at time of this article’s publication but prices could change at anytime.

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best concert earplugs, venue-approved bags and portable chargers.

Each year, the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) releases a Global Artist Chart recognizing the world’s best-selling artists of the previous year. This year’s report dropped in February, and Taylor Swift — whose album The Life of a Showgirl debuted with the largest week for an album and spent 12 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — was named the most successful global artist of 2025.

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With globally recognized names like Stray Kids, Drake, The Weeknd and Bad Bunny rounding out the upper tiers of the chart, MGA (outside Japan, Mrs. GREEN APPLE goes by MGA) stood out as the only Japanese act to appear, landing at No. 13.

On the IFPI’s Global Album Chart, which ranks individual releases, Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl took No. 1, while MGA’s 10th-anniversary best-of album 10 landed at No. 10; the album also reached No. 19 on the Global Album Sales Chart and No. 11 on the Global Streaming Album Chart, underscoring the band’s strength across both sales and streaming.

10 is packed with MGA’s recent hits, including “Lilac,” which topped Billboard Japan’s 2025 year-end song chart; “Darling,” which brought the band its third consecutive Grand Prix of Japan’s most famous music prize; and “Dance Hall,” whose music video went viral for its elaborate choreography. It recorded the highest first-week sales for a band in Billboard Japan history and has since surpassed one million copies sold. The group’s total streaming count in Japan has exceeded 16 billion plays, with multiple songs maintaining long runs on the charts.

MGA formed in 2013 and made their major-label debut on Universal Music Japan in 2015. From the beginning, listeners have been drawn to the quality of their songwriting, the power of their live performances, the extraordinary vocal ability of frontman Motoki Ohmori (vocals/guitar), and lyrics that speak directly to the human experience. The band has pushed well beyond the boundaries of conventional rock act, incorporating dance into their performances, staging theatrical concert productions, and pursuing individual careers such as hosting and acting. Alongside this, their dynamic fan club evolved into a massive platform that goes beyond a simple membership service, shaping how they manage scale, scarcity, and communication, while offering fans early access to announcements and a closer connection to the band’s evolving vision. With a primetime television variety program hosted by the band members themselves launched in April, MGA has grown into a pop icon that transcends music fandom — they are now a household name across generations in Japan.

Each of the three members brings a distinct personality to the group. Motoki Ohmori serves as the band’s all-encompassing producer, overseeing songwriting, composition, arrangement, and visual direction, and has topped Billboard Japan’s Top Composers and Lyricists charts for three consecutive years. Widely acclaimed for his exceptional expressive power as a vocalist, he has also expanded into acting. Guitarist Hiloto Wakai brings the technical skill to realize the band’s intricate sound, earning attention for his playing and broader activities across music and media. Keyboardist Ryoka Fujisawa adds a distinct sonic character through his versatile musicianship, occasionally contributing on flute, helping shape the mood and texture of MGA’s music.

2025 was the year MGA sprinted through their 10th anniversary under the banner “MGA MAGICAL 10 YEARS,” with months of releases and live events building into their largest-ever five-dome tour, “BABEL no TOH,” which drew approximately 550,000 attendees across 12 dates. Despite the scale, tickets were nearly impossible to secure, reinforcing their reputation as one of Japan’s most in-demand live acts, with a concert film also announced.

This year, the band opened January with “lulu.,” the opening theme for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2, an anime with a strong following across Asia, North America, and Europe. April brings the start of a six-date stadium tour including four nights at one of Japan’s largest venues, MUFG Stadium in Tokyo. Of these, four shows were exclusive to fan club members, marking a first-ever achievement at the venue.

As their latest release, MGA provides the theme song “Kaze to Machi” for NHK’s new morning drama Kaze, Kaoru, a major national TV slot, following Ohmori’s appearance in last year’s installment Anpan. Written during that time, the track has been described by the show’s chief producer Takehiro Matsuzono as “a song that conveys the things that matter and never change, even as eras shift and relationships and environments evolve.”

New music, stadium shows, and the first original full-length album in roughly three years arriving in the fall — MGA is hitting this next chapter at full speed, and all eyes are on what comes next.

This article by Tomohiro Ogawa and Mariko Ikitake first appeared on Billboard Japan and was edited with the help of Chrissy Borsellino