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.
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Keep a close eye on the competition, and watch their 12 contestants’ cover performances in the second challenge below!
Amir Brandon, “Misery Business”
@amirbrandon##ad For round 2 of the @billboardnxt contest, I turned “Misery Business” into a slow jam. What do you think? Special thanks to @samsungus ♬ original sound – Amir Brandon
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”
@bettyreed.musicThe @billboardnxt + @samsungus 2nd Challenge is “Genre Swap!” #ad Check out my reimagined cover + like/comment to show that I should be #BillboardNXT♬ original sound – Betty Reed
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”
@bronzeavery##ad complicated” but make it dreamy ☁️this is my submission for this weeks @billboardnxt challenge ✦ @SamsungUS ##BillboardNXT♬ original sound – BRONZE
Showcasing his powerful vocals, Bronze Avery transforms “Complicated” into a dreamy pop track that effectively upends expectations.
Celia Inside, “Complicated”
@celiainside##ad headphones ON! here’s my @billboardnxt (from @billboard + @samsungus) submission for Challenge 2! we had to cover songs in a different style!♬ original sound – celiaINside
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”
@jamestheseventh#ad Here’s my submission for the @billboardnxt Genre Swap Challenge @SamsungUS #ad #BillboardNXT♬ original sound – James the Seventh
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”
@jaynerio#ad My submission for week two of @BillboardNXT is a ballad flip of Turn The Beat Around. @samsungus @billboard #BillboardNXT #ad♬ original sound – Jayne Rio
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”
@jordanoccasionally#ad #ad, what if Fireflies was a disco/soul song? @billboardnxt @SamsungUS #billboardnxt♬ original sound – jordan_occasionally
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”
@mackenziemusic26##ad It’s week 2 of @billboardnxt! Here’s my submission for the Genre Swap Challenge @samsungus @billboard ##BillboardNXT♬ original sound – MackenzieMusic
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”
@mreensRound 2 for @billboardnxt ! @samsungus ##ad here’s my R&B take on the song Misery Business ♬ original sound – mreens
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”
@serpentamusic#ad Here’s my entry for challenge 2 @billboardnxt pop punk goes electrodance pop @samsungus♬ original sound – serpentamusic
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”
@sophiemarksmusic#ad here is my @billboardnxt challenge 2 genre swap submission of “complicated” !! @SamsungUS #ad #billboardnxt♬ original sound – sophiemarks
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”
@soukhyaa##ad my @billboardnxt + @samsungus submission for the Genre Swap Challenge ! ✨ Like & Comment to show that I’m ##BillboardNXT♬ original sound – SOUKHYA
For her rendition of “Fireflies,” Soukhya blends ‘80s-inspired piano with her powerhouse pop vocals to land on a unique flavor.