Ever wondered what happens when music legends Lionel Richie and Megan Thee Stallion team up with K-pop sensations? Get ready for ‘KPOPPED’ on Apple TV+! This isn’t just a show; it’s a vibrant cultural conversation through electrifying performances. What iconic track would you love to hear reimagined in this epic crossover?
Apple TV+ is set to launch an ambitious new music competition series, “KPOPPED,” a groundbreaking cross-cultural spectacle designed to bridge the vibrant worlds of K-pop and Western music. This innovative show promises electrifying, high-stakes battles as established K-pop idols and legendary Western artists converge on the same stage, fostering an unprecedented dialogue through song.
Executive produced by two titans of the music industry, Lionel Richie and Megan Thee Stallion, “KPOPPED” pairs iconic acts such as Charlie Puth and Chloe Bailey with some of today’s biggest K-pop groups. These unique collaborations face the challenge of limited rehearsal time, diverse languages, and contrasting musical styles and generations, all judged live in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. The series reimagines classic hits with a distinct K-pop twist, from the soulful “Lady Marmalade” to the infectious “Can’t Get You Out of My Head.”
The genesis of “KPOPPED” stems from the undeniable global explosion of K-pop, which has already captivated audiences worldwide. Lionel Richie articulated the show’s core mission: to introduce Western audiences more deeply to K-pop culture, which, conversely, is intimately familiar with Western musical heritage. This cultural exchange aims to take the rich history of American music back to its eager audience in Korea, fostering mutual appreciation and understanding.
Richie’s vision for “KPOPPED” extended to finding the perfect co-pilot, and Megan Thee Stallion proved to be the ideal choice. Her immediate and enthusiastic “Yes, I’m in” signaled the start of a magical collaboration. Their combined star power and genuine curiosity laid the groundwork for a truly unique and compelling blend of musical talent and cultural exploration, creating what Richie describes as a “magical gumbo of music.”
Megan Thee Stallion’s involvement was a natural fit, fueled by her long-standing admiration for K-pop as a self-proclaimed “weeb” and “stan.” For her, the project was “right up my alley,” requiring no persuasion. Her time filming in Korea was less like work and more like “living my best life,” filled with enjoyment and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Lionel Richie on such a significant project.
During filming, both executive producers gained new insights into K-pop’s intricate artistry. Richie was captivated by the genre’s ability to blend individual talent into a unified, flowing performance, sparking his curiosity about successfully merging diverse musical styles, languages, and generations. Megan, a devoted fan of K-pop girl groups, deeply resonated with their synchronized and powerful dance routines, recognizing the intense dedication and performance ethos that mirrored her own artistic philosophy.
A critical aspect of “KPOPPED” is ensuring the authenticity of its cross-cultural collaborations. Megan Thee Stallion emphasized her commitment to genuine artistry, refusing to participate in anything that didn’t feel true to her identity. Her approach involved actively learning from her K-pop counterparts, like BILLLIE, and working to integrate both her distinct “Megan Thee Stallion” essence and the K-pop group’s core identity, without diluting either.
This authenticity blossomed through personal, behind-the-scenes conversations, forging real chemistry between the artists. As Megan noted, once these bonds were established, their stage performances became “too easy” and organic, allowing them to freely improvise and express their true selves. Lionel Richie praised Megan’s exceptional ability to draw out the authentic personalities from everyone involved, underscoring the show’s commitment to genuine human connection through music.
Looking ahead, both artists shared their dream K-pop collaborations. Megan Thee Stallion expressed an exciting desire to hear ATEEZ remix her track “Cognac Queen,” envisioning a bold fusion of their dynamic style with her Southern Megan Thee Stallion sound—a collaboration she believes would thrill fans.
