In the second challenge of Billboard NXT – a first-of-its-kind singing competition from Billboard and Samsung Galaxy, designed to discover the next great unsigned artist – the 12 multi-talented contestants’ creativity was put to the test.
Using their Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, a phone that helps users capture moments and express themselves, the artists were tasked with creating an unforgettable moment by picking a popular song and swapping its genre. All 12 contestants brought their A-games to the latest Billboard NXT challenge, letting their technical skills and charisma shine while converting classic pop-punk into soulful R&B and disco into futuristic pop with the help of their Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.
The 12 contestants in Billboard NXT are now being ranked weekly on a custom Billboard chart, and the three top artists will become finalists and be paired with one of three superstar celebrity mentors: Charli XCX, Anitta and Todrick Hall. Each finalist will perform at the competition’s Grand Finale, a livestreamed event on Billboard.com, and the winner will receive a Billboard cover, a music video, studio time to record a first single and tickets to the Billboard Music Awards.
Keep a close eye on the competition, and watch their 12 contestants’ cover performances in the second challenge below!
Amir Brandon, “Misery Business”
Amir Brandon showcases his range as he takes the pop-punk classic “Misery Business” and turns it into a sultry R&B track, complete with breathy harmonies and finger snaps.
Betty Reed, “Misery Business”
Betty Reed opted for a different route with “Misery Business,” morphing the song into a lower, darker blues tune with the help of an acoustic guitar and her charming tone.
Bronze Avery, “Complicated”
Showcasing his powerful vocals, Bronze Avery transforms “Complicated” into a dreamy pop track that effectively upends expectations.
Celia Inside, “Complicated”
For Celia Inside, “Complicated” was meant to be fashioned from a pop-rock hit into a futuristic dark-pop anthem that would rock an arena show.
James The Seventh, “Misery Business”
For her pop rendition of “Misery Business,” James The Seventh creates a unique soundscape with reverb-heavy vocals and an enchanting backing track.
Jayne Rio, “Turn The Beat Around”
Jayne Rio literally turns the beat around with a rendition of the classic disco track, changing the song into a unique R&B ballad with emotionally charged vocals and an impressive piano track.
Jordan Occasionally, “Fireflies”
Adding a jazzy bass line to “Fireflies,” Jordan Occasionally adapts the hit pop track into a groovy number with just a hint of disco flair.
Mackenzie Johnson, “Complicated”
Armed with a ukulele, Mackenzie creates a laid-back rendition of “Complicated,” showing off her dynamic vocal skills while strumming along to the reggae-inspired backing track.
mreens, “Misery Business”
The pop-punk sound of “Misery Business” is swapped for something much more rhythmic in mreens’ cover, a compelling switch-up thanks in part to layered backing harmonies.
Serpenta, “Misery Business”
With a pulsating beat, Serpenta completely transforms “Misery Business” into an electric dance-pop number with edgy vocal effects and a brand new refrain.
Sophie Marks, “Complicated”
Sophie Marks takes “Complicated” and makes it her own, adding smooth, soulful beats and vocal echoes to create a vibe wholly different from the original hit.
Soukhya, “Fireflies”
For her rendition of “Fireflies,” Soukhya blends ‘80s-inspired piano with her powerhouse pop vocals to land on a unique flavor.
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