Steve Aoki, Lauv & Halsey to Join Big Hit’s 2021 New Year’s Eve Live Concert

Last month, Big Hit Entertainment, now known as HYBE, excited fans worldwide when it announced its ambitious plan to host a massive end-of-year concert, featuring artists from all its labels. The announcement created a wave of excitement across fanbases, especially within ARMY, as BTS was among the first names revealed to be performing. This concert promised not just to be a performance, but a celebration, a culminating event that would bring fans together from around the world, especially during a time when live events were largely restricted due to the pandemic.

Initially, the confirmed lineup included BTS, ENHYPEN, BUMZU, TXT (TOMORROW X TOGETHER), Lee Hyun, GFRIEND, and NU’EST, each one a major artist or group under the Big Hit Labels umbrella. Each artist brings a distinct flavor and energy to the table, from GFRIEND’s elegant performance style to ENHYPEN’s explosive debut stage presence. TXT, who has been gaining significant traction globally, promised to add a youthful and fresh tone to the concert. And of course, BTS, the global superstars and arguably the crown jewel of the label, guaranteed an unforgettable performance that fans could eagerly anticipate.

As if the initial lineup wasn’t exciting enough, Big Hit further delighted fans by announcing that international music heavyweights Steve Aoki, Lauv, and Halsey would also be joining the lineup. This addition transformed an already epic concert into a truly global musical celebration, rich with cross-cultural collaboration and star power.

Steve Aoki, a world-renowned DJ and producer, holds a long-standing relationship with BTS. Their collaboration on the remix of “MIC Drop” remains one of the most iconic partnerships between a Western producer and a K-pop group. The “MIC Drop” remix has since amassed over 800 million views on YouTube, a testament to the song’s enduring popularity and the synergy between Aoki’s dynamic production style and BTS’s fierce energy. The duo went on to collaborate again on “Waste It On Me”, a fully English track that further cemented their artistic chemistry. Aoki’s presence at the Big Hit concert not only honors these past collaborations but also represents the kind of global unity and musical fusion that defines this era of BTS and the wider HYBE family.

Lauv, another name added to the roster, has collaborated with BTS on two memorable tracks. The first, “Make It Right”, was a heartfelt piece that saw Lauv lending his vocals to a remix of the original song from BTS’s Map of the Soul: Persona album. Later, the two artists joined forces again for “WHO”, a track featured on Lauv’s album how i’m feeling, which showcased both his smooth vocals and BTS’s emotive delivery. Lauv’s musical style, emotional, synth-infused pop, pairs beautifully with BTS’s more introspective side, making his addition to the end-of-year concert not only musically enriching but also emotionally resonant.

And then there is Halsey, whose relationship with BTS goes beyond just music. Their 2019 collaboration on “Boy With Luv” was more than just a chart-topping hit, it was a moment of pure pop brilliance that bridged cultures and languages. Halsey didn’t just feature on the track; she immersed herself in BTS’s world, participating in the colorful, choreography-heavy performance and even learning Korean phrases for the song. “Boy With Luv” was a global phenomenon. and just recently surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube, a milestone that few artists ever reach. Halsey’s appearance at the Big Hit concert is as symbolic as it is exciting, it’s a reunion of friends and artistic partners who genuinely admire and support each other.

With a lineup like this, featuring not only the best of Big Hit’s roster but also international superstars, this concert is shaping up to be the biggest end-of-year celebration in the company’s history. It represents more than just performances; it symbolizes unity, resilience, and the power of music to bring people together in difficult times. In a year when in-person concerts were largely canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, this digital event stands as a beacon of hope and innovation. It is a celebration not just for the artists, but for the fans who have supported them through thick and thin.

For BTS specifically, the event serves as a triumphant close to a historic year. Despite global disruptions, the group released record-breaking albums like Map of the Soul: 7 and BE, earned their first Grammy nomination, topped the Billboard Hot 100 multiple times, and continued to engage with fans in meaningful ways through platforms like Weverse and VLIVE. Performing alongside their peers and friends at this concert is both a victory lap and a heartfelt thank you to ARMY and the extended HYBE family.

ENHYPEN, the rookie group formed through the survival show I-LAND, is also making their first appearance at a Big Hit end-year concert, making this a milestone event for them. Their debut was one of the most anticipated of 2020, and this performance will introduce them to an even broader international audience. TXT, who are steadily growing into global artists in their own right, will also take the stage, likely showcasing their growth, charisma, and energy that have drawn comparisons to their seniors, BTS.

Lee Hyun and BUMZU, known for their powerful vocals and production skills, respectively, will add a touch of vocal excellence and musical sophistication to the evening. GFRIEND’s performance is expected to bring an ethereal and emotional element, while NU’EST, veterans in the industry, will captivate with their maturity and charm.

Together, this diverse roster highlights the depth and breadth of talent under the Big Hit Labels umbrella and demonstrates the company’s commitment to nurturing artists across genres, backgrounds, and styles. With such a variety of acts, fans can expect everything from hard-hitting hip-hop and EDM to emotional ballads, powerful dance breaks, and collaborative stages that may blur the lines between genres and continents.

In essence, the Big Hit end-of-year concert is not just an event; it’s a statement. A statement that music transcends boundaries. That even in isolation, people can gather. That a label, once known for one boy band, has grown into a global powerhouse of creativity and connection.

As the countdown to the concert continues, fans worldwide are brimming with excitement. Whether it’s the nostalgia of seeing BTS and Halsey share a stage again, or the anticipation of hearing new arrangements of beloved songs, one thing is clear: this is a moment in music history, and everyone’s invited to the party.

Watch the first trailer for the event below