P-pop boy band SB19 will make history as the first Filipino act to perform at this year’s Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago.
Lollapalooza shared the announcement on Instagram with a video featuring members Justin, Stell, Pablo, Josh and Ken inviting fans to their upcoming performance.
“We are working on a very special performance for you all,” Justin said, while Stell added, “And we hope you support us as we bring Filipino music to the global stage.”
Since debuting in 2018, SB19 has gradually expanded its presence on the international stage. In 2021, the group became the first Filipino and Southeast Asian act nominated for Top Social Artist at the Billboard Music Awards.
Their song “Bazinga” also made history as the first track by a Filipino artist to debut on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart, where it stayed at No. 1 for seven weeks, surpassing BTS’ “Butter.”
SB19 is scheduled to perform in July alongside global acts such as Charli XCX, Lorde, Tate McRae, and Jennie.
Ken invited fans to watch them live, saying, “We hope to see you in Chicago this summer!”
New album ahead of Lollapalooza
SB19 on Friday dropped their latest album “Wakas at Simula (end and beginning)” ahead of their highly anticipated US performance at Lollapalooza.
The 24-track album features six new songs, along with selected tracks from the group’s trilogy of EPs released between 2021 and 2025.
“This album shows that we’ve been preparing for this moment (Lollapalooza) our entire life,” said Joshua.
“Through this album, we want to tell that — we are not afraid of anything, we are more confident in presenting the Filipino talent and of course, P-pop.”
Pablo added that the album also marks a significant milestone for the group, which is celebrating eight years together.
“The album is a celebration for everything that we have achieved together,” he said.
Pablo noted that while some may wonder if the album signals a new chapter or an ending, for the group it represents a milestone, showing that they are still together and stronger than ever.
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Collaboration with international artists
Apart from performing on the global stage, SB19 is expanding its international presence through collaborations with artists from around the world.
Their latest single, “Emoji” from the album Wakas at Simula, features Taiwanese pop star Jolin Tsai, blending P‑pop with global sounds to reach new audiences.
Stell said the collaboration cements their achievement that they have “really” made it as artists.
“The track is not just about showing the skills of SB19, but also to showcase the collaboration of cultures together,” he added.
SB19 has also teamed up with Japanese group BE:FIRST on the dance-pop single “Toyfriend,” further highlighting their commitment to crossing borders and introducing P-pop to a global audience.
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