OPM’s Rising Stars The Vowels We Orbit Unveil Their Most Personal EP Yet

 

the vowels we orbit wrap their sound in a nostalgic, melancholic haze, effortlessly channeling the spirit of ’90s rock. Listening to them feels like discovering Kitchie Nadal all over again, times two, with her distinctive influence clearly present in their sound. Their music is deep, contemplative, and wistful.

 

While comparisons may occur, the vowels we orbit, or simply VTO, have worked diligently to establish their distinct sound. With two EPs to their name, the band—comprising Nikka Melchor (guitar and vocals), Hannah dela Cruz (keyboard and vocals), Gene Santiago (guitar), and Patch Javier (drums)—has maintained their musical integrity throughout their careers, starting with Ang Unang Ikot in 2021, and tuloy tuloy tuloy in 2023.

 

These two EPs spawned hits for the band like Selos in 2019, already under Sony Music, and Kiliti a year after. Tuloy Tuloy Tuloy on the other hand, cemented VTO even more into familiarity with hits like Una, Sandali, Bangungot, and If You Come Back to Me, to name a few.

 

Moreover, their experience in the lull during the pandemic motivated them to create an even more uplifting and confident lineup of compositions, reflecting their ongoing personal growth and creativity. Introspection made releasing another EP feel destined. Yet, it took a full year before Soupstar Promotions finally recognized their efforts.

 

Perfect timing nonetheless propelled them even further as they dropped their third EP, fueled by the mentorship and wisdom of Eheads legends Buddy Zabala and Raymund Marasigan.

 

At a recent exclusive listening session, the band treated select members of the music press to an early taste of their latest EP,  gusto ko lang maalala. Introducing the foursome is Josh Villena, husband to VTO’s lead vocalist, who also performed two songs, namely Hello and Minsan.

 

As the group readied themselves and took the stage, a hush fell over the room, as everyone quietly soaked in the music and rediscovered the familiar singles that defined their sound from 2021 to 2023.

 

VTO performed two new singles for their third and latest EP called Para Bago and Miss Na Kita.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; OPM BAND

Feel the Flutter: FIFTY FIFTY’s ‘Too Much Part 1’ Makes Love Playful Again

 

Listen Here

 

K-pop sensation FIFTY FIFTY makes a bold return with their latest album, “Too Much Part 1,” now available on all streaming platforms. The project marks a new chapter in the group’s musical journey, capturing the modern sentiment of embracing love’s beginnings with fearless yet playful curiosity.

 

The new body of work brings to life the flutter, tension, and unpredictable energy that comes with overwhelming emotions. Inspired by motifs such as “a psychological game of confessing love as a playful challenge” and “the moment emotions burst into color,” the single perfectly balances raw intensity with FIFTY FIFTY’s signature vibrancy and playful charm. This release continues to pioneer “Fifty Pop,” a genre defined by honesty, energetic expression, and emotional nuance. “Too Much Part 1” invites fans to experience the excitement of love’s early moments, transforming vulnerability into a lively, colorful musical journey.

 

The main track being “Eeny Meeny Miny Moe,” is a thrill of a first crush turned into pop perfection. With a chanty hook, fluttering “Ba ba ba Badam” beats, and bright synths, the quintet makes the nervous excitement of young love irresistibly catchy. Skittlez makes emotions explode like a rainbow of candy in this playful, sensual track. Minimalist hip-hop vibes meet glossy vocals, making every lyric pop with color and energy. “Eeny meeny miny moe” (Eng. ver)” is a global version of the hit that retains its cute, lively charm while adding a confident, universal pop flair.  FIFTY FIFTY proves once again they’re masters of turning love, playfulness, and emotion into infectious music. The beloved girl group has been making significant strides in the global music scene. Their breakout hit, “Cupid,” not only became the longest-charting K-pop song in Billboard Hot 100 history at 25 consecutive weeks but also made them the first female K-pop act to reach the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number eight. The group further solidified their rising star status by winning the K-Pop Song of the Year for “Cupid (Twin Version)” at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Further solidifying their position as a global force in the music industry, they captivated audiences with shows during their U.S. tour last year and an album release earlier this year.

 

The five-piece collective continues to expand their artistic horizons while staying true to the heartfelt storytelling that defines their music. With a variety of ongoing music projects in the upcoming months, the group aspires to demonstrate their versatility as artists and work hard to build upon their growing success.

 

About FIFTY FIFTY

FIFTY FIFTY debuted in Nov 2022 and experienced a commercial breakthrough with their song “Cupid,” which became the longest-charting K-pop song in Billboard Hot 100 history at 25 consecutive weeks (peaking at #17) and reached #2 on the Billboard Global 200. The song became popular on TikTok due to a dance trend launched by the group, with over 2 million video creations on the ‘twin’ version and more on sped-up audios. Rather than most K-pop groups, which focus initially on the local market and Korean-language repertoire, FIFTY FIFTY’s songs leaned more heavily into Western pop sounds and English-language hooks, as seen in other tracks like “SOS” and “Gravity.” Just last year, they inked a U.S. record deal with Arista Records and released their comeback EP Love Tune. So far, the group has released two EPs—The FIFTY and Love Tune—along with one LP, The Beginning. They also contributed a song to the soundtrack of the blockbuster Barbie movie.

 

FOLLOW FIFTY FIFTY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok

Any Name’s Okay Celebrates 8 Years With Show and New Single, ‘Sungit’

The beloved alternative-pop group, Any Name’s Okay, is celebrating their 8th anniversary together with ‘BEL8TED! 8 Years of Any Name’s Okay at 123 Block Mandala Park, Mandaluyong, on November 22, 2025 (Saturday), with their friends Lola Amour, Over October, Johnoy Danao, The Ridleys, and Munimuni.

Alongside the festivities, the band is set to release their upcoming single, ‘Sungit,’ on November 19, 2025. The track is a lighthearted reminder that no amount of petty spats, teasing, and bickering can stop you from returning home to the person you love.

Following a string of sold-out self-produced shows, the band has set their sights on making this their most special and ambitious live show to date. Audiences can not only expect a longer set by the band, accompanied by a horn section, percussion, keys, and additional instrumentation, but also brand-new merchandise and a preview of unreleased songs by the quintet.

Tickets are priced at Php 800 (pre-sale) and Php 1000 (walk-ins, subject to availability). To make the celebration even more memorable, all ticket holders get an exclusive freebie. Tickets are available via bit.ly/Bel8tedANO

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the band’s birthday on November 22, 2025, at 123 Block Mandala Park, Mandaluyong!

‘BELATED! 8 Years of Any Name’s Okay’ is produced in partnership with SYQL Productions

#AnyNamesOkay #ANOBel8ted #ANO8Years

 

Any Name’s Okay – Band Description

Any Name’s Okay, a 5-piece group under the Sony Music Philippines banner, has been creating alternative pop tunes that are equal parts heart, wonder, and the chaotic in-betweens that have been soundtracking your youth since 2017.

From headlining their own sold-out shows, playing big stages across the country, and even repping the Philippines in the Taiwan Pasiwali Music Festival, the group has turned every performance into their own personal playground.

They’re not just crowd favorites; they’re also 9-time Awit Award nominees, with nods for ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ and ‘Best Group Performance.’

They have since released fan-favorite singles ‘Clouds,’ ‘Yugto,’ and ‘Vivid,’ as well as two compilation albums, ‘All I Feel and See’ and ‘Leaving Home.’

The band is composed of Sofia Abrogar on vocals, Renzo Lumanog on rhythm guitar and vocals, Juan Lada on bass, Arvin Olete on drums, and Anton Atienza on lead guitar.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; OPM

Korean stars Kim Myung Soo and Choi Bo Min are returning to the Philippines this December!

Korean stars Kim Myung Soo and Choi Bo Min are returning to the Philippines this December!

 

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines is enlisting the star power of the two popular Korean celebrities to entice Korean travelers to discover the Philippines’ inviting weather during Korea’s winter season.

 

Signed with Universal Records and GLXY Talent Management, Myung Soo and Bo Min will be putting the spotlight on the Philippines—particularly Clark, Pampanga—as a premier tourist destination for Korean visitors, highlighting its relaxing atmosphere, scenic landscapes, and mild climate. As part of this promotion, the Runrio PUMA Clark Half Marathon will take place. If you’d like to run alongside our oppas, join us on December 14, 2025, for the half marathon.

 

Register for the PUMA Clark Half Marathon here:

https://raceroster.com/events/2025/109838/puma-clark-half-marathon

 

Myung Soo, known as “L” from the popular K-Pop group Infinite, is also an award-winning actor who has starred in K-Dramas like Angel’s Last Mission: Love and Royal Secret Agent. On the other hand, Bo Min is a former member of the idol group Golden Child and a former host of Music Bank. He also appeared in the GMA and Viu series Beauty Empire and is the endorser of BlueWater Day Spa and Ever Bilena.

 

Kim Myung Soo and Choi Bo Min’s involvement underscores the growing cultural ties between Korea and the Philippines, encouraging fans and travelers alike to experience Clark’s serene landscapes and mild climate. This collaboration not only boosts tourism but also fosters stronger bilateral connections through shared entertainment and travel experiences.

 

 

Follow Universal Records on social media!

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@universalrecph

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/universalrecordsph

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@universalrecph

Instagram – http://instagram.com/universalrecordsph/

X – https://x.com/universalrec_ph

 

Follow Kim Myung Soo on social media!

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kim_msl/

 

Follow Choi Bo Min on social media!

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bomin._c/

Ponti Entertainment Productions hosts a concert for Isha Ponti and Andrea Gutierrez at the Music Museum on December 13, 2025

In the entertainment industry, rising stars seldom have an opportunity to perform in a once-in-a-lifetime concert spectacular until much later in their careers, much less a show that is mainly dedicated to them. In any event, the two acts we have recently witnessed had to have possessed something very special for the legendary Rey Valera to take them under his wing and mentor them.

 

At Aromata, we were recently entertained by the pop princess on the rise, Isha Ponti, and the future bossa nova heir, Andrea Gutierrez. Up close, these two ladies might give you that unassuming air, but buried within their personas are the fire and thirst to prove their mettle. And as the proceedings progressed and the press asked questions, Isha and Andrea showed their fiery desire to succeed in their craft and carve a career path toward stardom.

 

Like, seriously, how could they not? This is literally a once-in-a-lifetime chance that they don’t want to miss out on!

 

Dubbed The Next Ones, the concert will be held at the Music Museum on December 13, 2025, at 8 pm. It will be a Rey Valera legacy as he passes on the baton to Isha and Andrea, as well as to the other acts supporting the duo, to carry on the music. Isha and Andrea expressed their admiration for the legend, recalling Rey’s counsel to embrace their individuality, both in music and in their personal lives.

 

Going forward, the duo performed several numbers, captivating the crowd. At just 19, Isha impressed the press with her versatile artistry. She has already developed significant production skills. Additionally, she is an accomplished dancer and deeply admires pop star Sarah Geronimo, whose energetic sing-and-dance style inspires her own performance.

 

Andrea, on the other hand, despite being dubbed as the Bossa Nova heir apparent, is no slouch herself, as she often channels Lani Misalucha early on in her singing career. In short, Andrea Gutierrez is not a one-trick pony. Expect some more from this lady on December 13.

 

Rounding off the December concert extravaganza are Director Calvin Neria and Music Director Adonis Tabanda.

For more information, contact Mr. Jemuel Salterio.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; OPM-CONCERT

Shakira joins Spotify Anniversary Series to celebrate two of her most iconic albums: Pies Descalzos and Fijación Oral (Vol. 1 and 2)

 

 

 

Watch the Spotify Anniversaries special here

Listen to the EP here

Global superstar Shakira celebrates the anniversary of two of her most influential albums this year with Spotify—albums that left an indelible mark on her career and continue to impact new generations.

Thirty years ago, Shakira released Pies Descalzos, an album that opened doors across Latin America with tracks like “Estoy aquí,” “¿Dónde estás corazón?” and the beloved worldwide hit “Antología.”

A decade later, the iconic Colombian artist released Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 and Oral Fixation Vol. 2, two albums that solidified her international presence—one in Spanish and one in English—showcasing the singer’s universal appeal and global reach. These productions spawned hits like “La Tortura” featuring Alejandro Sanz, “Día de Enero,” “Las de la Intuición,” and “Hips Don’t Lie.”

Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 earned Shakira the third GRAMMY® Award of her career in the Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album category. At the Latin GRAMMYs®, the album received four awards: Album of the Year, Song and Record of the Year for “La Tortura,” and Best Female Pop Vocal Album.

For the Spotify Anniversaries series, Shakira shares never-before-told stories about her work while reflecting on the impact of these albums that, each in their own time, catapulted her to become one of the most beloved artists from her native Colombia and throughout Latin America. Watch the first episode here.

The episodes feature special performances where Shakira performs some of her fans’ most beloved hits. In the first installment, Shakira invited her fellow Colombian Beéle and British superstar Ed Sheeran to perform a new version of the iconic “Hips Don’t Lie.” EPs of these new versions will be available exclusively on Spotify.

Pies Descalzos and Fijación Oral (Vol. 1 and 2) have surpassed 6.1 billion global streams (including more than 955 million in the United States) and continue to resonate across generations—with Gen Z listeners driving more than half of Fijación Oral’s streams.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; FOREIGN ACT

 

Globally Renowned Pop Group Westlife Announce UK & European Tour Dates for Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour

Tickets On Sale Friday 31st October At 10am At Livenation.Co.Uk

Announce New Album 25 – The Ultimate Collection out 13th February 2026

Pre-order here

Globally renowned pop group Westlife today unveil the UK and European leg of their 25th anniversary celebrations – Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour. The news follows two sold-out nights at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall next week, with additional dates already added in Dublin and Belfast at pre-sale due to overwhelming demandArtist presale takes place on Wednesday 29th October at 10am local before tickets go on general sale on Friday 31st October at 10am at LiveNation.co.uk.

 

Access to Preferred Tickets is available to Mastercard cardholders in the UK on Friday 31st October at 10am. Visit www.priceless.com/music to find out more.

 

Running from September 2026, the tour will see the band deliver a euphoric, hit-filled set spanning their extraordinary 25-year career from timeless ballads to global chart-toppers. The UK leg includes shows in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, London, Brighton, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Manchester, before returning to Belfast and onto Europe for their first headline continental run in two decades, with concerts in France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. More international dates will be announced soon.

 

Westlife also release “Chariot”, a brand-new single written by Ed SheeranJohnny McDaid and Will Reynolds and co-written and produced by Steve Mac. Arriving as a special release for fans to mark 25 years of music and memories, “Chariot” is a powerful, life-affirming anthem that celebrates love, family and the moments that truly matter. It received its world exclusive first play on BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills Breakfast Show this morning. Listen HERE.

 

The single will feature on Westlife’s forthcoming album 25 – The Ultimate Collection, out 13th February 2026, a celebration of their record-breaking 25-year journey, combining 21 fan favourites including “You Raise Me Up,” “Uptown Girl,” and “Flying Without Wings” with brand-new material recorded by all four members of Westlife: Shane, Nicky, Kian and Mark25 – The Ultimate Collection is available to pre-order on 1CD, 2CD deluxe, 1LP, Amazon Exclusive 1LP picture disc and cassetteFans can access an exclusive artist pre-sale by ordering any format from the D2C store before 1pm BST on Monday 27th OctoberPre-order HERE.

 

Westlife said: “This year marks 25 years since we started this incredible journey together and it still feels like only the beginning. The support from our fans has been unbelievable, and to celebrate with this world tour, new music, and a brand-new album feels truly special. We can’t wait to see you all on the road and share this next chapter together.”

 

Over the last 25 years, Westlife have become one of the most successful pop groups of all time. Their music has been streamed over 3 billion times globally; they’ve achieved 36 No.1 albums worldwide14 UK No.1 singles (ranking only behind Elvis Presley and The Beatles)sold over 55 million recordssurpassed 1 billion YouTube views, and sold more than 6 million concert tickets around the world. The Wild Dreams Tour sold over 1.2 million tickets alone. The band have performed over 200 shows since their reunion in 2019 across 30 countries. Westlife remain the UK & Ireland’s top-selling album group of the 21st century.

 

UK & IRELAND TOUR DATES

15 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

16 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

18 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

19 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

20 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

22 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

23 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

24 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

25 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

26 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

29 September 2026 – Aberdeen – P&J Live

30 September 2026 – Glasgow – OVO Hydro

3 October 2026 – Newcastle – Utilita Arena

6 October 2026 – Leeds – First Direct Bank Arena

7 October – Sheffield – Utilita Arena

9 October – London – The O2

13 October – Brighton – Centre

14 October – Bournemouth – International Centre

16 October – Birmingham – Utilita Arena

19 October – Cardiff – Utilita Arena

23 October – Manchester – Co-op Live

27 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

28 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

29 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

30 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

31 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

 

EUROPEAN TOUR DATES

15 November – Paris, France – Zenith

17 November – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena

19 November – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena

20 November – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena

21 November – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum

23 November – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome

24 November – Antwerp, Belgium – Lotto Arena

25 November – Cologne, Germany – LanxessArena

26 November – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion

 

Fans can also experience Westlife 25 Live at the Royal Albert Hall in over 400 cinemas from 29th November. Tickets are on sale now at westlifeincinemas.com.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; FOREIGN ACT

FOO FIGHTERS Release new single ‘Asking For a Friend’

 

Listen Here

 

Foo Fighters are back with new single ‘Asking for a Friend’ and the announcement of a 2026 North American Stadium tour. Stay tuned for more dates added soon.

Featuring a decidedly darker melodic approach than the smash hit ‘Today’s Song,’ ‘Asking for a Friend’ ratchets up the energy and intensity of its predecessor in favour of hypnotic opening verses that build and explode into impassioned refrains of “What is real? I’m asking for a friend…” By the time the song’s final breakneck rave-up screeches to a halt with a throat-shredding “Or is this the end?”, FF fans of all ages will find themselves joyfully bludgeoned into submission. Listen to ‘Asking For A Friend’ HERE.

 

Dave Grohl wrote at length about inspiration for the new music and upcoming tour, in a post that read in part:

Since our return to the stage in San Luis Obispo five weeks ago, we have been reminded of why we love and are forever devoted to doing this Foo Fighters thing. From reuniting as a band and staring at a list of 30 years’ worth of songs to brush off, to reimagining versions with the incredible blessing of the one and only Ilan Rubin behind the drums, to reconnecting with our amazing fans and blasting them with everything we’ve got (no matter the size of the venue) because we would not be here without them, we have the most solid core. And the sun is finally rising over the horizon.


What better way to share the view than with close friends?

In 1992 I first saw the legendary Kyuss perform at the Off Ramp in Seattle and met Mr. Josh Homme. The band were friends of a friend, and before long their album Blues for the Red Sun became the soundtrack to that summer. 33 years later and with many miles behind us, I have shared some of my life’s most rewarding musical moments with my dear friend, Josh. A lifelong bond that goes far beyond the sound we’ve made together. So it is with great happiness that we can share this next chapter together with his almighty Queens of the Stone Age.

Take cover.

But none of this would be complete without new music to share from Pat, Nate, Chris, Rami, Ilan and I. ‘Asking for a Friend’ is a song for those who have waited patiently in the cold, relying on hope and faith for their horizon to appear. Searching for ‘proof’ when hanging by a wish until the sun shines again.

One of many songs to come…”

To read the full statement, go to https://FooFighters.lnk.to/DG-TakeCover

 

Alongside the single comes the call to start training for your local rock and roll marathon as Foo Fighters confirm their first stadium tour since the massive 2023-2024 Everything or Nothing at All run that sold out football and baseball fields the world over. Kicking off August 4 at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, the new tour will see Foo Fighters bringing the maximum volume euphoria of the band’s recent surprise US club gigs and overseas outdoor / arena spectaculars to a total of 12 North American cities, concluding (for now) September 26 at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. Queens of the Stone Age will be direct support on all dates except September 12 in Fargo.

 

2026 North American Stadium Tour Announced

FOO FIGHTERS 2026 Stadium Tour:

August 4 — Toronto ON — Rogers Stadium
August 6 — Detroit MI — Ford Field
August 8 — Chicago IL — Soldier Field
August 10 — Cleveland OH — Huntington Bank Field
August 13 — Philadelphia PA — Lincoln Financial Field
August 15 — Nashville TN — Nissan Stadium
August 17 — Washington DC — Nationals Park
September 12 — Fargo ND — Fargodome
September 15 — Regina SK — Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field
September 17 — Edmonton AB — Commonwealth Stadium
September 20 — Vancouver BC — BC Place
September 26 — Las Vegas NV — Allegiant Stadium

 

Foo Fighters are Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, Rami Jaffee and Ilan Rubin.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; FOREIGN ARTIST

Grammy® Award-Winning Singer, Songwriter & Producer Rosalía Announces New Album Lux out November 7

 

ROSALÍA, the GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, shares the details of her immersive and innovative fourth full-length body of work, LUX, out November 7, 2025, via Columbia Records. The album was recorded with the London Symphonic Orchestra conducted by Daníel Bjarnason and features feminine voices including Björk, Carminho, Estrella Morente, Silvia Pérez Cruz, and the Escolania de Montserrat i Cor Cambra Palau de la Música Catalana, Yahritza, and Yves Tumor.

 

Last night, she introduced this movement with a monumental takeover of Madrid’s Gran Vía in which she turned off the lights across the area, plunged the city into darkness, and reignited it to reveal the official album artwork—all captured via livestream for fans around the world.

 

Watch HERE

 

This stunning global moment left fans in awe. It proved to be an apropos prelude of what’s to come, embodying the record’s exploration of themes of feminine mystique, transformation, and spirituality.

 

As the Executive Producer of LUX, the album traces a widescreen emotional arc of feminine mystique, transformation, and transcendence—moving between intimacy and operatic scale to create a radiant world where sound, language, and culture fuse as one.

 

The CD and vinyl editions of LUX feature three exclusive tracks, inviting listeners to experience the album in its most immersive form.  Pre-save LUX here.

 

Track List

MOV I 

  1. Sexo, Violencia y Llantas
  2. Reliquia
  3. Divinize
  4. Porcelana
  5. Mio Cristo

 

MOV II 

  1. Berghain
  2. La Perla
  3. Mundo Nuevo
  4. De Madrugá

 

MOV III 

  1. Dios Es Un Stalker
  2. La Yugular
  3. Focu ‘ranni [Exclusive]

 

  1. Sauvignon Blanc
  2. Jeanne [Exclusive]

 

MOV IV 

  1. Novia Robot [Exclusive]
  2. La Rumba Del Perdón
  3. Memória
  4. Magnolias

 

MOTOMAMI made history as the first album by a Spanish artist to debut at #1 on Spotify’s Global Album Chart, delivered the strongest Billboard chart debut for any Latin album in 2022, and earned the year’s highest Metacritic score.

 

Beyond music, ROSALÍA has cemented herself as a fashion and cultural icon. She commanded worldwide attention at the 2025 Met Gala in a custom Balmain gown featured across Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and more. She also starred in Calvin Klein’s Fall 2025 campaign and serves as a global ambassador for New Balance. ROSALÍA is set to make her acting debut in the upcoming third season of Euphoria in 2026.

 

Follow ROSALÍA

Instagram  – Substack – YouTube – Spotify

 

ABOUT ROSALÍA

ROSALÍA is a two-time GRAMMY® and 13-time Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning artist and producer redefining global pop with fearless musical fusion and singular visual language. Her breakthrough El Mal Querer reimagined flamenco for a new era and earned her a GRAMMY plus eight Latin GRAMMYs including Album of the Year, making her the first Spanish-language artist nominated for Best New Artist at the GRAMMYs. In 2022, she released MOTOMAMI, which she wrote, performed, recorded, and produced; it debuted at #1 on Spotify’s Global Album Chart, scored the highest Metacritic rating of the year, and powered her sold-out MOTOMAMI WORLD TOUR.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; FOREIGN ARTIST

MTV History: How the Iconic Music Channel Started and Why It Ended in 2025

Birth and Early Vision

The cable television network MTV — originally standing for Music Television — was officially launched on August 1, 1981 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time in the United States. From the outset, its programming was built entirely around music videos, operating 24 hours a day—an innovation in the entertainment and music industries.

Its first ever broadcast video was Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles — a pointedly symbolic choice, as the lyrics speak to the shift from radio-based music to the video image. Within that very first day, MTV aired a list of pioneering clips: for example, the second video was You Better Run by Pat Benatar.

From its early days, MTV’s format included so-called “VJs” (video jockeys) introducing videos, short interstitials, music news snippets, and a programming rhythm that mirrored radio but with the visual dimension taken as central.

MTV thus helped transform the music industry by making the video clip a major promotional vehicle for artists and labels, and by influencing fashion, youth culture, and the ways that music was discovered.

What It Presented When It Started

In its early years (1981-mid-1980s), MTV’s programming was dominated by new wave, rock, pop, and emerging artists — often British or American acts — and music videos continuously aired in rotation.

Some of the milestones in MTV’s early influence:

  • The clip for Beat It by Michael Jackson premiered on MTV and helped break down barriers for Black artists on the network.
  • MTV’s early slogan “I Want My MTV” became an indicator of youth culture’s demand for the network and the power it wielded.
  • Beyond just videos, MTV would eventually expand into original shows (though this came a bit later), such as interviews, live performances, countdowns, and culturally youth-oriented programming.

 

The End of an Era – Demise in 2025

While MTV as a brand continues (especially in the United States), the era of MTV’s dedicated music‐video channels around the world is coming to an end. In 2025, the parent company announced that five of its dedicated music channels — namely, MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live — will cease broadcasting by December 31, 2025 in the UK, Europe, Asia, Brazil and other markets.

In many of those regions, that marks effectively the end of the traditional MTV “music-video channel” phenomenon. Some commentary frames this as the “demise” of MTV’s original format.
Why? Because viewing habits have shifted, music videos are increasingly consumed on demand via YouTube, TikTok, and streaming services, rather than through a scheduled television channel.

 

The Last Broadcasts – Videos Days Before Shutdown

While I couldn’t locate a definitive public list of the exact final videos aired on those closing MTV channels, several reports note that the shutdown of the music channels by December 31 2025 will be accompanied by retrospective playlists and farewell programming in late December. For example, one blog notes the closure date and implies a final “sign-off” of music video programming.

Hence, it appears in the days before the channels fold, MTV music channels would likely have aired “farewell” or retrospective blocks — playlists of classic videos, final countdowns, and archival footage — honouring the decades of video history. However, no verified public schedule of the “last video ever” was found in my research.

Summary & Reflection
  • Birth: MTV launched 1 Aug 1981, with the first video Video Killed the Radio Star.
  • Purpose & impact: It introduced a 24-hour music-video format, shaped how music was marketed, and influenced youth and pop culture.
  • Firsts: pioneering video plays, first female video artist on promo rotation, first sustained visual-music channel aimed at youth.
  • Demise of the music-channel era: By 31 Dec 2025, five global MTV music channels will close — marking the end of the classic MTV music-video era (though the MTV brand continues in other forms).
  • Emotional response: Fans, artists and former staff express sadness, nostalgia, and a sense of cultural loss.

For many, MTV’s launch symbolised the excitement of a new medium; its winding down of music channels symbolises how much the media landscape has changed.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: MUSIC HISTORY