#2024 performance management trends

[pucksandpower]

Eurovisionaries

Charles Leclerc x Monegasque singer!Reader

Summary: the “Charles Leclerc competes in Eurovision” fic no one asked for but I wrote anyway

Warnings: none that I can think of

“Why is Charles Leclerc trending in the music section?” You wonder aloud, eyes narrowing as you see the pop-up notification on your Twitter.

Opening the app, you’re met with a tweet from an official Eurovision updates account: “🇲🇨 #Monaco: Eligible to Compete in the #Eurovision Song Contest 2024.” Below it, Charles Leclerc, Monaco’s pride and F1 sensation extraordinaire, has replied to the tweet with a sly “I’m ready 🎤.”

You can’t help but laugh. The thought of Charles taking the Eurovision stage is hilarious. You respond to the tweet, “Ever considered a duet? Though I would advise keeping your day job for now 🏎️😉.” Notifications instantly start pouring in, a flurry of likes and retweets.

Your phone buzzes, a call from your manager, Rosa. “Did you see the Leclerc tweet?” She starts without preamble.

“Of course. The entire principality probably has by now,” you chuckle, imagining the reactions of Monegasque citizens.

Silence. A beat too long.

“What?” You probe, sensing her hesitance.

Rosa exhales deeply, “The Monegasque Eurovision committee called me.”

You sit up, “About the tweet?”

“More than that. They’re seriously considering him.”

“For Eurovision?” You're incredulous, “He’s a racer, not a singer.”

She hesitates, “That’s where you come in.”

A long pause ensues. The weight of her words settles around you. Rosa is never one for jokes, especially when it comes to your career.

“They want you to team up with him,” she continues, breaking the silence, “He can compose and play but they need a voice. Your voice.”

The gravity of the situation dawns on you. Representing Monaco in Eurovision is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but with Charles? Someone you’ve only admired from afar on the circuit?

“What if it doesn’t work out?” You voice your concerns. “Our styles, our personalities ... they could clash.”

“It’s a risk, yes. But it’s also an opportunity. Both for your career and for Monaco,” Rosa reasons.

You look out of the window, the streets of Monaco stretching below. The pride of representing your nation battles with the uncertainty of this potentially bizarre partnership.

“I need some time, Rosa,” you whisper.

She understands. “Take all the time you need. But remember, some of the best things in life come from taking the most unexpected turns.”

As you hang up, Charles’ tweet flashes on your screen again, the confident smile in his profile picture making you wonder if this journey is one you should embark on.

***

“Are you sitting down?” Rosa’s voice is tense, filled with an urgency you rarely hear from her.

You shuffle around in your apartment, finding a chair by the window. “I am now. What’s up?”

She takes a deep breath, her exhale echoing over the line. “The committee’s made their decision. They want Charles Leclerc for Eurovision.”

You almost drop your phone. “You’re joking.”

“I wish I was,” she replies, her tone betraying her surprise as much as yours. “And they want you to partner with him.”

The world seems to blur around you. Images of the grand Eurovision stage, the cheering crowds, and a sea of flags swirl through your mind, and the idea of standing there, alongside someone like Charles, is surreal.

“This is ...” you trail off, searching for words.

“Insane? Unprecedented? A media goldmine?” Rosa supplies, ever the pragmatist.

“All of the above.” The weight of the offer hangs between you, punctuated by the distant sounds of Monaco outside your window.

“What did you tell them?” You ask, after a moment of heavy silence.

“I told them we’d think about it,” Rosa says. “But darling, this is huge. For your career, for Charles, for Monaco!”

You sigh, pressing a hand to your forehead. “I’ve never even met him. What if we don’t click? What if we can’t perform together? What if—”

“What if you soar?” Rosa interrupts gently. “What if this is the push both of you need?”

You consider her words, the promise they hold. But the fear remains. “What if I fall?”

Rosa’s voice softens. “Then you get back up, just as you always have. But you won’t be doing it alone. You’ll have all of Monaco behind you.”

The conversation weighs on you long after you’ve hung up. Charles Leclerc, Monaco’s golden boy, and you? It feels like a dream, one you’re not sure you want to wake up from.

That night, as Monaco’s lights twinkle beneath your apartment, a notification lights up your phone. An email with an official Monegasque Eurovision committee letterhead:

We are pleased to extend to you an official invitation to represent Monaco at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in an act alongside Charles Leclerc. Details to follow.

The reality sets in. And it terrifies and thrills you in equal measure.

***

“Are you the singer?” The voice unmistakably belongs to Charles, though softer than the confident tone you’ve heard in his interviews.

You turn, your heart doing a tiny flip. He’s leaning against a grand piano in the center of the room, looking more perfect in casual jeans and a t-shirt than he has any right to. You have to remind yourself to breathe for a moment.

“Are you the racer?” You shoot back, attempting to mask your nervousness with humor.

He laughs, “Touche.”

Both of you approach the piano, the room filled with an almost tangible tension. He extends a hand. “Charles.”

You shake it, feeling the calloused fingertips, likely from handling the wheel so often. “I know. And you probably don’t know me, but ... it’s Y/N.”

“I’ve heard your songs on YouTube,” he admits, releasing your hand. “You have an incredible voice.”

“Thanks,” you murmur, surprised and flattered. “You … drive really fast?”

He laughs again, easing some of the tension. “I try.”

The two of you start the rehearsal, with Charles taking the lead on the piano. The notes are hauntingly beautiful, full of emotion. You find yourself getting lost in the music, your voice blending seamlessly with the tune.

But suddenly, Charles stops playing. “Sorry,” he says, a hint of frustration in his voice. “I’m not used to this. Playing in front of someone.”

You blink, taken aback. “You’re not used to performing?”

“Not like this. Racing, I get. This is … different,” he confesses, running a hand through his hair.

You nod, understanding his fear. “Let’s take it slow. We have time.”

He looks up, his eyes searching yours. “Do we? Eurovision is just around the corner and I will be away a lot of the time for races.”

You take a deep breath. “Every journey starts with a single step. Let’s just focus on today.”

You play and sing for hours, taking breaks when needed. The connection, while still tentative, starts to form. By the end of the session, a shaky version of your Eurovision song emerges.

“I think … I think we could actually pull this off,” Charles admits as you pack up.

“With a lot more practice,” you reply, smiling.

He grins, the confidence you expected from him back in full form. “Challenge accepted.”

Walking out of the studio, you can’t help but feel a tiny flutter of excitement. This partnership, as unlikely as it seemed, might just work.

***

“I’ve never been to this bistro,” Charles admits, looking around the quaint little place you’ve chosen.

“It’s a hidden gem. My little escape in Monaco,” you reply, sipping your tea. “Sometimes the noise of the city gets too much.”

He nods, fidgeting slightly. “I get that. For me, it’s the track. I love racing but our world can become ... suffocating sometimes.”

The vulnerability in his words surprises you. You’d always seen Charles as a fearless driver, not a man who needed an escape.

“You know,” you start, “I always thought you loved the thrill, the fame.”

He chuckles, but there’s a shadow in his eyes. “I love racing. The fame, not so much. I love the fans. I love Ferrari. But it’s overwhelming at times. Especially when the car is underperforming.”

You feel a connection in that moment, the shared weight of expectations. “Music is my escape. But sometimes, the pressure to always be on, to always perform ... it’s draining.”

He looks at you, a new understanding dawning in his eyes. “I never thought about it that way. We’re really quite similar, aren’t we?”

The conversation flows naturally after that, moving from work to personal interests. You discover shared hobbies, like a love for old movies, and differing opinions, like his disdain for pineapple on pizza which you adore.

“Pineapple on pizza is a crime,” he declares, feigning outrage.

“You have no taste!” You retort, laughing.

The afternoon slips away, the two of you lost in conversation. It feels like two old friends catching up, not two professionals thrown together by fate.

As you leave the bistro, Charles hesitates. “Would you like to come to a race sometime? See the action up close?”

You smile, touched by the offer. “Only if you come to one of my performances.”

He grins, “Deal.”

In the days that follow, your rehearsals gain a new depth. The newfound friendship seeps into your music, turning the notes and lyrics into pure emotion. The song evolves, reflecting the story of two individuals finding harmony in the most unexpected place.

Rosa notices the change too. “There’s a spark,” she comments one day, after a particularly moving session. “Both in the music and between you two.”

You blush, dismissing her with a wave. “It’s just the music.”

But as the days blur into nights and rehearsals become more intense, you can’t help but wonder if there’s truth in Rosa’s words.

***

“Is it always this chaotic?” Charles whispers, leaning close so only you can hear as you both step backstage of a popular talk show. Bright lights, cameras, and a bustling crew create a vibrant atmosphere of controlled chaos.

“Welcome to my world,” you reply with a smirk, feeling the familiar adrenaline of a live performance. “A bit different from the paddock, isn’t it?”

His eyes sparkle with mischief. “Just a tad.”

A producer approaches, positioning you and Charles for the interview. As you settle onto the couch, Charles’ arm grazes yours, sending an unexpected jolt of warmth up your arm.

The host, a vivacious woman named Martina, begins, “We have Monaco’s sensational Eurovision duo with us today! Charles Leclerc and Y/N Y/L/N. Tell us, how has this partnership been?”

Charles shoots you a glance. “Unexpected at first, certainly. But every moment has been an adventure. We’ve learned from each other and it is reflected in our music.”

You nod, adding, “It’s been a blend of two worlds. And the result is something neither of us anticipated but we have come to love.”

Martina’s gaze flits between both of you, sensing the underlying tension. “There’s undeniable chemistry between you two. It’s clear to me even now. Is there something you’re not telling us?”

Your heart races and you see Charles shift uncomfortably. The question, though posed in jest, holds an element of truth that neither of you has addressed.

“We’re focused on our music and representing Monaco to the best of our abilities,” Charles replies smoothly but the tips of his ears redden.

Martina, sensing a scoop, presses on, “But off the stage? Any sparks?”

You force a laugh, trying to diffuse the situation. “We’re just getting to know each other. Our priority is Eurovision.”

Once off the set, Charles runs a hand through his hair, a gesture you’ve come to recognize as his way of dealing with stress. “That was intense.”

“It’s just the beginning. The closer we get to Eurovision, the more questions like that we’ll get.”

He stops, turning to face you, his eyes intense. “What if there is some truth to their questions?”

The air grows thick, the world narrowing to just the two of you. “Charles ...”

He takes a step closer, his voice dropping. “I can’t ignore it anymore. Every time we’re together, there is this pull.”

Your breath catches, the confession echoing your own feelings. “I feel it too. But right now, everything is so complicated.”

He nods, looking defeated. “I know. Let’s just ... focus on the music for now.”

***

“Are these feathers?” Charles asks, a touch of panic evident as he examines the ornate costume handed to him.

“Welcome to Eurovision,” you say with a wry smile, adjusting the shimmering fabric of your own dress which seems to be a riot of sequins and colors, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the competition.

He chuckles, running a hand through his hair. “This is a bit different from my usual race suit.”

You laugh, playfully nudging him. “Just wait till you see the pyrotechnics.”

The two of you stand backstage as acts from different countries, each more extravagant than the last, parade before you. The dazzling array of costumes, the eccentric set designs, and the sheer scale of the event are overwhelming.

Charles, sensing your nervousness, takes your hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We’ve got this.”

You nod, leaning into his touch. The tension between the two of you has only grown, making moments like these all the more intense.

Suddenly, a voice announces, “Next up, representing Monaco, please welcome Charles Leclerc and Y/N Y/L/N!”

Your heart rate spikes. Charles leads you to the stage, the grand piano at its center surrounded by a sea of lights creating an ethereal atmosphere.

He starts playing, the haunting melody echoing in the cavernous venue. As you join in with your vocals, the world seems to fade away. It’s just the two of you, lost in the music.

The song builds to its climax. You move closer to Charles, the emotional depth of the lyrics pulling you in. The final note lingers and you find yourself drawn to him, your faces mere inches apart.

The audience, sensing the electricity between the two of you, erupts in a frenzy of cheers, pulling you back to reality. You share a charged glance with Charles, the applause deafening.

The performance, though only a few minutes, feels like a lifetime. As you walk off stage, Charles wraps an arm around you, pulling you into a tight embrace. “We did it.”

You bury your face in his chest, the heady mix of adrenaline and emotions making everything feel surreal. “We really did.”

***

“And the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is ...” The host’s voice draws out, adding to the tension in the room, “Monaco!”

The words hit you like a tidal wave. The arena explodes in applause and cheers, bright lights flashing everywhere. Confetti starts to fall and the air is pure magic.

Charles, equally stunned, turns to you, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Is this real?” He breathes, pulling you into a tight embrace.

Overwhelmed, you cling to him, the weight of your accomplishment settling in. You won Eurovision.

Breaking the hug, Charles lifts you in sheer joy, spinning you around, the world blurring past. Both of you are laughing, tears of joy mingling with the glitter on your face.

As the celebrations continue, you spot the Italian competitors cheering raucously. Somehow, they’ve managed to pull out a Ferrari flag, waving it as proudly as if they had won.

Charles notices too, laughing. “They really do love their racing.”

You smirk, nudging him playfully. “Or maybe they just love their racer.”

The moment is interrupted as you’re whisked away for the winner’s interview and your encore. But the mania doesn’t stop the two of you from sharing stolen glances and smiles.

Later that night, as the euphoria begins to die down, Charles finds you on a balcony overlooking the city. “It’s a lot, isn’t it?” He murmurs, joining you by the railing.

You nod, taking a deep breath. “Winning was the dream. I didn’t think about what would come after.”

He chuckles, “You and me both.”

The night stretches before you, the city lights twinkling like stars. You lean into Charles, drawing comfort from his presence. “What now?”

He takes a moment to think. “Now, we take on the world together.”

***

“I wrote something last night,” Charles says hesitantly. The two of you sit in his apartment, the aftermath of your Eurovision win still a fresh memory.

You tilt your head, intrigued. “For the piano?”

He nods. “But it’s more personal than anything else I’ve composed. I was thinking ... maybe you could add lyrics to it?”

Curious, you watch as he moves to the piano he has against the wall, his fingers delicately dancing on the keys. The melody is raw, filled with emotion. It speaks of longing, of new beginnings, of unspoken feelings.

It’s beautiful.

“That’s incredible,” you breathe once he finishes.

He looks up, vulnerability evident in his eyes. “It's how I feel. About all of this. About you.”

The confession hangs in the air, a delicate thread connecting the two of you.

“I’ve been feeling the same,” you admit, your heart racing. “I wrote some lyrics too. But I didn’t have the melody for them. Maybe ...”

You share the words you penned down, the emotions you felt towards Charles clear as day. Together, the two of you create a song, a musical odyssey of the path you’ve walked together and the deepening connection between you.

Hours pass, the world outside forgotten. The song takes shape, evolving with every note and word.

Charles breaks the silence, his voice soft, “This is special.”

You nod, feeling the weight of the moment. “It is.”

He moves closer, the space between you disappearing. “Every moment with you is.”

Your heart flutters, the intensity of his gaze making you breathless. “Charles ...”

But he silences you with a gentle touch, his fingers brushing your cheek. The world seems to stand still as he leans in, capturing your lips in a soft, lingering kiss.

It’s a new beginning, a promise of what’s to come.

***

“I’m so nervous,” you confess, wringing your hands. The roar of the crowd outside, waiting for the Monaco Grand Prix to begin, is deafening.

Charles pulls you into a comforting hug. “It’s just singing the national anthem. You’ve performed on much bigger stages.”

“But not in front of the entire racing community and Monegasque royalty,” you counter. The idea of serenading the beginning of Monaco’s most prestigious race, especially with Charles being one of the contenders, fills you with anxiety.

He smirks. “You’re worrying about a three-minute song when I have to race for nearly two hours?”

You punch his arm playfully, “Oh, hush. You love it too much to complain.”

His expression turns serious and he takes your hands in his. “It’s just like any other performance but this time, for our people. Focus on that.”

His words sink in. You’re not just singing for the crowd. You’re singing for Monaco. For Charles.

As you step out, the sun glints off the polished cars lined up for the race. The noise is deafening but one look at Charles, his eyes filled with pride, grounds you.

Drawing a deep breath, you begin. Your voice, clear and strong, rises above the commotion, capturing the spirit of Monaco. The crowd falls silent, lost in the beauty of the moment.

When you finish, the applause is thunderous. Charles rushes over, lifting you off the ground in a bear hug. “That was incredible,” he whispers in your ear.

You laugh, the tension from before dissipating. “Now go win the race.”

He winks. “Only if you promise to sing for me every time.”

***

“Do you ever think about what would’ve happened if I hadn’t tweeted that day?” Charles muses, lying next to you on a grassy hill overlooking the city. The stars twinkle above, the night air filled with the scent of blooming flowers.

You chuckle softly, turning to face him. “I would probably be preparing for another solo concert but not much would change for you. You’d still be busy reveling in your racing glory.”

He grins, playfully nudging you. “So you admit I brought excitement to your life?”

You roll your eyes. “Excitement, chaos, media frenzy ... take your pick.”

Silence settles between you two, comfortable yet filled with words unspoken. The city lights below seem distant, the world reduced to just this moment.

Charles breaks the silence. “I can’t imagine my life without you now.”

The vulnerability in his voice tugs at your heart. “Neither can I. It’s been a wild ride.”

He chuckles, pulling you closer. “A ride I would relive in a heartbeat.”

“Charles,” you begin, gathering your thoughts, “we’ve been through so much together and I cherish every moment. But we also need to think about our future. The media attention, the expectations ... it’s a lot.”

He nods, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. “I know. But we'll face it together. Like we have from the start.”

The promise in his voice fills you with warmth. “Together,” you echo, sealing the commitment.

***

“You’re not serious,” Silvia’s voice cuts through the room. “It’s the biggest sponsorship event of the season. For Ferrari! You can’t miss it.”

Charles looks torn, running a hand through his hair. “It’s Y/N’s first major solo concert. She’s been there for me, every step of the way. I need to be there for her.”

You feel a pang of guilt. “Charles, I understand the importance. If you can’t make it—”

He interrupts, looking you straight in the eyes. “This isn’t just about the concert. It’s about us. About our priorities.”

The room is thick with tension. On your side, Rosa, always the mediator, attempts to defuse the situation. “There must be a way to do both.”

Charles shakes his head resolutely. “I’ve made up my mind.”

Silvia looks at him, her eyes pleading. “You know the implications of this, right?”

He nods, swallowing hard. “I do. However mad the sponsor may be will be worth it.”

Later, the two of you find a quiet corner.

“You didn’t have to,” you whisper.

He pulls you close, his touch reassuring. “But I wanted to. More than anything.”

You look up, eyes glassy. “Why?”

“Because,” he starts, searching for the right words, “these races, these events ... they will always be there. But moments like your concert, they are once in a lifetime. And I don’t want to miss a single second of our journey together.”

The emotion of his words takes your breath away. “Charles ...”

He places a finger on your lips, silencing you. “I love you.”

The words hang in the air. Voice choked with emotion, you reply. “I love you too.”

***

“Do you ever think how surreal all of this is?” Charles murmurs, both of you backstage at the 2025 Eurovision finals, invited back as guest performers. The arena pulsates with excitement, the memories of your victorious performance still fresh in many minds.

You laugh, adjusting your dress. “Every single day. Especially today, coming full circle.”

He takes your hand, the spark between you as electric as ever. “It feels like just yesterday we were thrown into this wild ride.”

A stagehand signals that it’s almost time. The two of you take your positions, the familiar chords of your winning song filling the air. The audience roars in approval, their cheers echoing the joy of that fateful night.

As the final note lingers, you turn to Charles, preparing for the bows. But he isn’t sitting behind the piano. Instead, he’s down on one knee, a small velvet box in hand.

The realization hits you like a tidal wave, your hand flying to your mouth in shock.

Charles speaks loud enough for the world to hear, “From the moment we met, I knew my life had changed forever. I can’t imagine a day without you by my side. Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?”

Tears stream down your face, every emotion amplified. “Yes. I want that more than anything,” you manage to whisper.

He slips the ring onto your finger and the world fades away as his lips find yours. You see the Italian delegation cheering wildly out of the corner of your eye and can’t help but laugh. The hosts may have changed. The competitors may have changed. But the love of Italians for il Predestinato will always live on. They’ll have to get in line, though. You just officially claimed the title of his biggest fan.

[hollyoongs]

#LETENHYPENREST

I've being real quiet bc one, I need to re-write this bc it got so long and two, I needed to find the write words.

I'm beyond concerned for the boys. It’s heartbreaking to see ENHYPEN being pushed to their limits without a proper break. Jay had to sit out their recent Japan concerts due to the flu (plus the knee pain), and it’s not the first time we’ve seen the members struggling with their health this year. Ni-Ki, too, has been performing despite being visibly unwell. Watching them continue through exhaustion is just… painful. Heeseung, who loves to give his all in the perfomance, it's getting "lazy" allegations when it's him being so tired to the point that can't even jump properly in their choreos. Jake missing, the guys collective flu...

As much as we love the content, it’s time to admit that their schedule is simply too much. Back-to-back comebacks, tours that seem never-ending, and barely any time to breathe. Even they’ve expressed a desire to have a meal or sleep without cameras on them—simple things they’re missing out on because they’re always "on." It’s clear they need rest. Real rest.

What it fucks me up, is k-engenes. BOY THEY HAVE THE ENERGY TO SENT FUCKING TRUCKS FOR TAKING AWAY THE DANCERS IN THE "BITE ME" CHOREO BUT NOT TO SEND TRUCKS TELLING THEM TO MAKE ENHA REST.

If you're using your phone and aleeping in the fucking concert, do a faver and don't spend money one that, you have a home where you can do that. There are people that would kill foe your ticket.

Now, back to the main topic.

THIS SHIT HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE 2023

This is a list of the thing that I remember them doing since 2023:

2023:

Fate World Tour announcement (June 2023)

Comeback with "DARK BLOOD" (May 2023)

Collaborations and special performances (KCON, festivals)

Endorsements and brand collaborations

Japan events

2024:

Continuation of Fate World Tour (2024)

Comeback with "MEMORABILIA" (May 2024)

Comeback with "ROMANCE UNTOLD" (July 2024)

Additional tour dates announced for October 2024

This company has been nothing but a pain in my ass since the very beginning, I will never forget how they photoshopped Jay's face in the trash, never. Also, they couldn't defend themselves with the only girl group they have. If you can even manage your first sources of fucking income, then why did you even decide to put a company in the first place? AND WHY IS HYBE ANDD BANG PD ALLOWING THIS!?

Oh yeah, they got money hungry. I forgot.

We don’t need more tour dates. We don’t need more comebacks right now. We need to see the boys healthy, happy, and well-rested. Engenes, I know we love seeing them, but we also have to stand together and demand that Belift Lab prioritizes their well-being. The fact that #LETENHYPENREST is trending speaks volumes. Let’s keep raising our voices for them because their health matters more than any performance. Let’s support them in getting the break they deserve 💔

tagging a few moots for this: @glitterjay @kwiwin @dollyyun @kissofhoon @taeghi @alvojake @intromortal @karinasbaby @heeslomll @yeonzzzn @sunkittie

[magiagrrl]

⋆｡°✩ https.www.MAGIAGRRL.web

MAGIA is a 10 member fictional girl group formed and managed under newbie entertainment label AQUAVISION ENT. aquavision began the MAGIA project in late 2017, with the vision of their first girl group to be a nostalgia-based group, profiting off the image of the quirky trends and designs of early 2010’s k-pop. the ten girls would come to the stage with their debut extended-play “APRIL FOOLS” on april 1st, 2018. with inspiration from the tackier retro concept, the group performed in fun and colorful styled pieces, grooming their image as a new and fun girl group! it was unfortunate that the group was overshadowed in the blooming scene of k-pop’s new and biggest hits of the 4th generation, after their “nugu” debut, the girls found themselves releasing another extended play, reviving underwhelming attention they reproaching their concept, rebranding as a more matured version. while this opened the door to more fans, the girls didn’t reach a proper level of success until 2021, with the release of their first album and the “MAGIAGRRL PROJECT” the magiagrrl project promoted a website similarly styled to the popular website of the 2000s, MySpace, and encouraged fans to make profiles and interact with one another. alongside their popular site, the group split off into two sub-units, promoting sub-unit comebacks every so often. the smaller amount of members and difference in sounds brought in new and curious fans! with their releases of “DIARY OF A RISING STAR” “POP PRINCESS” and “MAGIC.COM” the girls had reached a plethora of new fans and fame! while the general korean public enjoyed their fun music, they internationally grew to be known as one of the most popular girl groups in the korean pop scene.

♫⋆·˚ ༘ * MEMBERS

1997, Nam Dajeong !

1998, Goo Aeri !

1999, Kim Daeun !

1999, Han Jiyoo !

2000, Mary Louise “Lou” Kang !

2000, Nora Song !

2000, Ena Hayakawa !

2001, Lee Yuna !

2001, Baek “Bailey” Goeun !

2002, Heaven Ahn !

♫⋆·˚ ༘ * DISCOGRAPHY

April Fools ꩜ EP - 2018

Venus Mncflytrap ꩜ Mini Album - 2018

Clueless ꩜ EP - 2019

Sunny Honey ꩜ EP - 2019

PinkHaus ꩜ EP - 2020

Dance On! ꩜ Single - 2020

It’s Magic ꩜ Album - 2021

Diary of a Rising Star ꩜ EP - 2021

Pop Princess ꩜ Mini Album - 2022

Magic.com ꩜ Mini Album - 2022

I♡ME ꩜ Album - 2023

Burn It Down ꩜ Single - 2023

BEEEP! ꩜ EP - 2024

[iww-gnv]

In August of last year, Ascendant Studios developer Aaron (name changed for anonymity) was ready to take a well-deserved victory lap. He had crunched hard with many of his colleagues in the final sprint to complete Ascendant’s debut game, Immortals of Aveum, but the team had finally done it. He attended a launch party in the Bay Area where he celebrated with his colleagues, some of whom he said had to pay partially out of pocket to make the trip. But while the event was supposed to be jubilant, there was an uneasy atmosphere: it seemed like Immortals of Aveum wasn’t performing especially well. At the party, developers kept asking leadership how the game was doing, only to be met with non-committal answers. A few weeks later, almost half of the studio – Aaron included – had been laid off, with managers citing Immortals of Aveum’s underperformance. Ascendant Studios was just one of numerous studios that has laid off a chunk of its workforce in the last year and a half as part of an ongoing trend of mass layoffs impacting studios large and small. There have been many attempts to answer the question of why exactly this is happening, with analysts, CEOs, and other industry experts weighing in on discussions trying to explain it. The commonly-cited villain was fairly straightforward: COVID-19. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick actually put it quite effectively to us when we asked him about layoffs last November: "With regard to the industry, I do think people got a little fat and happy during the pandemic," he said. "I think there was a perception on the part of many that the music would never stop." Zelnick was stating a refrain we've heard elsewhere: the big surge in spending during the pandemic effectively tricked a lot of companies into overspending, overhiring, overestimating. Then, when games revenues leveled back out in 2022 or so as gamers left the house again, cuts had to be made. The ESA has touted this explanation, as has the IGDA. A Tencent business development director told NPR the same thing. It's a likely and understandable explanation given the havoc the pandemic wreaked everywhere. But it isn’t the entire story. Layoffs like the ones at Ascendant don’t fit in with the pandemic narrative. And with over 10,000 layoffs in 2023, and over 6,000 more in 2024, simply saying that companies got a little too eager during a global pandemic is starting to sound overly trite. Even executives are starting to sense they can’t rely on this explanation. In Riot Games’ public statement explaining the reasoning behind layoffs affecting 530 individuals, or 11% of all of Riot Games, Riot admitted that the decisions that led to these cuts were made long before the pandemic began.

[yuzurujenn]

[2024.07.03] Figure Skating Magazine 2023-2024 (BBMOOK 1649) - PHOTO STORY

SKATE & JOURNEY

Depicting the "joy" and "pain" of the heart

Feb 19, 2024, Kanagawa - Pia Arena MM Text/Ryosuke Menju

Photographers were saying that "Ashura-chan" was great, but I was immersed in "Chicken, Snake, and Pig". Every expression and every muscle movement could be conveyed to the audience more deeply than during the competition.

For me, this was the first time I have photographed an ice show again after a long time. The last time I saw Yuzuru Hanyu perform was about 9 months ago. I came to the venue and met several figure skating photographers after a long absence. I often met Kogaito when shooting football games, but this was the first time I have seen Yaguchi since last year's FaOI. "Menju-san! I miss you so much!" He couldn't help but gave me a big hug (laughs).

I cleared all my thoughts and went to watch the performance without any prior preparation, but I saw Yuzuru Hanyu's "inner world", and the overall composition was also quite good. Integrating the game world he loves into the whole performance, the word "PLAY" became "PRAY". This was probably one of the points he wanted to express.

The performance lasted two and a half hours and included 12 programs. I was shocked again! God... two and a half hours... this is unthinkable in common sense. But Yuzuru Hanyu managed to do it all by himself. Seeing that scene with my own eyes, I was at a loss for words and could only say "It's really amazing".

I focused on every move of Yuzuru Hanyu and was deeply attracted by him. The flexibility and expressiveness of his body. He was restricted in his movements during competitions, but he was completely freed after becoming a professional skater. The “free Yuzuru Hanyu" is so amazing! Yuzuru Hanyu is constantly improving and getting better and better.

In terms of physique, he has become stronger or more solid, especially his abdominal muscles which are well trained. Speaking of the "atmosphere" at the scene, I think this atmosphere has already been formed in the venue. Fans' expectations for Yuzuru Hanyu remained unabated, whether in competitions or ice performances. This was reflected in the six-minute practice for "The Messenger of Destruction".

There were more young people in the venue, and it seemed that many were from China and South Korea. It goes without saying that everyone came just to see Yuzuru Hanyu. Indeed, this atmosphere must have been comfortable for Hanyu himself. In previous performances, there seemed to be strict requirements for "wearing masks", but this trend has waned now. Although many people still wore masks, many people took off their masks and sat in the audience. Seeing the expressions of the audience, Hanyu must have felt that the emotional transmission was more direct.

After the main performance, Hanyu returned to the backstage. After a while, he came out again for the encore, "Let Me Entertain You" followed by "SEIMEI" and "Introduction and Rondo", which was a time of great happiness for fans.

Hanyu was just like an artist performing a "live performance"! At concerts, singers usually perform songs from their latest albums, and for the encore, they sing popular songs at the moment. "I was like that when this song was popular." Fans must have such memories. On this day in Yokohama, these memories and emotions with these “songs” gushed out like a spring.

Seeing the enthusiastic atmosphere of the audience during the encore, I thought, "Maybe Hanyu can keep skating like this."

But looking at him, I also worry about whether he will continue to communicate with his "heart" to create works in the future? Hanyu is almost 30 years old, and I understand his desire to portray the delicate parts of the human "heart", but it is undoubtedly a "tough" job. Can Hanyu perform with a more relaxed mindset? This thought suddenly occurred to me when I looked at the audience seats where the fans were still lingering around.

2. The Starry Sky of Rifu in March

Mar 8, 2024, Sekisui Heim Super Arena Text/Ryosuke Menju

Although indoors, it feels like being under the "starry sky". In the eyes of Hanyu, he clearly sees one star after another.

The Notte Stellata venue is located in Sendai Rifu Town, Sendai, just like last year. It is a bit far from the center of Sendai, and most of the fans who came to see the ice show took the shuttle bus. I flew from Osaka to Sendai Airport, then took the train and then a taxi to the venue. From the flight to Sendai Airport, you can see the scene of "Oh, those are fans going to notte stellata" everywhere.

Last year's collaboration with gymnast Kohei Uchimura caused a lot of discussion. I thought, "What kind of ice show is notte stellata?" "What kind of program will Hanyu present?" These were unknown before arriving at the ice rink. This year is the second time it has been held, and the audience has a deeper understanding of Hanyu's thoughts. This time, he worked with Ms. Daichi Mao, but the performance of "notte stellata" was the most impressive in my heart. Hanyu's posture was soft and smooth, and every movement made people think of the "starry sky". His eyes were mostly upwards. After becoming a professional, people tend to be attracted by new things, but the "notte stellata" on this day was particularly attractive. In

March 2011, an earthquake occurred, and as a victim, Hanyu experienced many difficult times. Everyone who suffered from the earthquake was full of anxiety about the future life, "What will life become from now on?" This anxiety has never dissipated. Despite this, from the spring of 2011 to today in 2024, the "starry sky" has always protected everyone. Notte stellata first conveyed this emotion, and created an atmosphere of "the performance is about to begin" with "notte stellata" as the opening. As the feeling gradually deepened in the quiet venue, the audience naturally immersed themselves in the performance more easily.

Last year was the first time it was held, and people might have wondered "What kind of performance is this", and it was also the first year of Hanyu's professional career change. Everyone is busy following his footsteps, but he decided to hold notte stellata again because it has a "special meaning" in his heart. Think about it, notte stellata is the only event held two years in a row. As a witness to the earthquake, it is for this reason that Hanyu feels that "there is something he can do" and then takes action to do it. I think this event will continue in the future. Compared to Sendai, it takes more "spirit" to go to Rifu. But holding an event here itself has a profound meaning. On the way back, Rifu in March was shrouded in the night sky, and those who came to the scene will surely deeply understand its meaning.

3. Awakening as a performer

May 24, 2024, Chiba - Makuhari Text/Ryosuke Menju

Everyone present was attracted by "Danny Boy". Hanyu's emotions on the ice were clearly visible. 

In late May, as usual, I took the Shinkansen to Tokyo, then transferred to the Keiyo Line and arrived at Kaihimmakuhari, sighing in my mind, “This year’s summer has begun again.” The shooting location at FaOI this time was particularly good, and the shooting position on the short side in front was unexpectedly vacant. Thanks to this, I was able to take some very stunning photos.

After Hanyu's magnificent opening, he performed the first program at the end of the first half. This was the second time I have seen him perform "Danny Boy", after the last time at Notte Stellata in March. It's a gentle melody and a familiar tune often used in television commercials.

The performance was really great. Hanyu was wearing a white outfit that showed the innocence of a boy, and his expressiveness was really amazing as he paid attention to every detail. Hanyu focused on "artistry" in his performance skills. As there was no longer "win or lose" based on scores, he now puts all his energy and thoughts into "performance". Watching the performance, I also deeply felt the enthusiasm and motivation of Hanyu. Each performance had its own theme, and I felt the "awareness" of the performer. The "emotion" in every of his movement. I was so entranced that I forgot to breathe and felt like I was being "carried away".

Finale was also wonderful. He must have done a lot of muscle training for the "arm" under the sleeveless clothes, and there seemed to be nothing superfluous about his body and movements. At the end, they stood in a line to thank the artists. It was rare to see Hanyu looking very tired. He must have exhausted his last bit of strength, and it was really remarkable that he could persist to that extent.

At this point, the second year of Hanyu's career has completed.

Through all these practices, he probably figured out what he “really wants to do” and what “he should try to do next year.” Although it's just speculation, I think he will really start to think about spending two and a half hours or three hours to perform the performance that Yuzuru Hanyu wants to do - I have this feeling. To be honest, I think the goal that Yuzuru Hanyu is pursuing "may be beyond our understanding." My job title is "sports news photographer," but Hanyu seems to want to go in a different direction. I've started to feel this way recently.

So what does editor Mr. Y think?

"Hanyu's path to growth is full of infinite possibilities. If he decides to try new challenges in his only life, shouldn't we, as people who have been following him, support him?" (Editor Y)

I completely agree with this view. I choose to support Hanyu 100%! But frankly speaking, I feel a little lonely. However, I would like to support him with a hundred times more enthusiasm. This is my sincere words. Maybe in half a year, I will still be sitting by the ice rink like before, thinking about "how to start serializing in the magazine". But no one can predict the future, and that's why life is interesting.

A bright future is definitely waiting for Hanyu, and there are fans who will continue to support him. I hope he can firmly believe in the path he has chosen and move forward.

FS Magazine Press Conference Excerpts

Takagi: Notte Stellata was the first performance of Danny Boy at that time, and Kogaito-san, who watched the show in Miyagi at that time, said, "This show can be ranked in my top three." As a result, the music producer of the TV station directly told Hanyu-san, "Kogaito-san said this show is in his top three (favourite shows)" (laughs).

Kogaito: At that time, there were only me, the producer, and Takagi-san present. I never thought that what we said in private would reach Hanyu's ears (laughs). In addition, I have to correct it. Although I said impulsively "they can be ranked in the top three of my favourites", but when it comes down to it, "One of them is Chopin, and the other one...", I really can't decide. So I want to change it to "they can be ranked in the top two of my favourites."

Yamaguchi: What was Hanyu-san's expression when he heard it?

Kogaito: I didn’t see his expression. To be honest, I felt very embarrassed (laughs). And what if he thought I was arrogant and conceited after hearing what I said? I was very anxious about this for a while.

Yoshida: Hahaha (laughs).

Kogaito: Can I also talk about my own personal memories of the PyeongChang Olympics? That was the day when Hanyu won the gold medal. The stadium was very far away from the medal ceremony square. Normally, it would take about 40 minutes to drive there. But since figure skating ended at noon, there was plenty of time. However, when I got in a taxi to the medal ceremony square, there was a huge traffic jam on the highway...

Yamaguchi: Now that you mention it, I remember that day, the wind was particularly strong. I waited and waited, but you still didn’t get to the medal ceremony square. I have this impression.

Kogaito: Then it was almost time. When I got off the highway, I thought, "I might as well run", and I got out of the taxi and ran directly to the medal ceremony square. “I could run over there, probably in this direction”—that was all I knew. At that time, I could see the “Olympic flame” from a distance. From there, I carried a 20kg camera bag and ran towards the Olympic flame while chanting “Hanyu’s gold medal” “Hanyu’s gold medal” …

Takagi & Yoshida: Hahaha (laughing until tears).

Kogaito: I ran as hard as I could for 30 minutes, and I finally caught up!

Takagi: The “picture” of him on the podium is great.

Yoshida: Ah, it’s the picture of Hanyu-san jumping on the podium.

Source: https://weibo.com/2919885090/OnviUnSb6 / https://weibo.com/2919885090/OnSbppc9w / https://weibo.com/2919885090/OnpAnmlws / https://weibo.com/1746783312/OpuSzlec8

Info: https://www.bbm-japan.com/article/detail/52774?page=1

[goldenmusicmoments]

The GRAMMYs 2025 Nominations:

The Grammy nominations were just revealed and like always there were a mixed bunch of choices. Some deserving, others unexpected and some that left you wondering how they made the cut. There were a few snubs that would have been stronger choices than the ones that ended up being picked. The recording academy do the something as always and you can tell that they consider much more than solely the quality of the music. Lets discuss the major categories and some of the other genre specific ones.

Record of the Year:

The Beatles - Now And Then.

Beyoncé - Texas Hold ‘Em.

Billie Eilish - Birds Of A Feather.

Chappell Roan - Good Luck, Babe!.

Charli XCX - 360.

Kendrick Lamar - Not Like Us.

Sabrina Carpenter - Expresso.

Taylor Swift Ft. Post Malone - Fortnight.

Six of the nominations are understandable as they were big moments in music. However The Beatles track ‘Now And Then’ isn’t one that you’d think of when you look over the releases during the consideration period. It managed to chart high after the first week of release, however the song then disappeared. Due to that it is an unexpected appearance in this category. The next one that you wouldn’t really consider as record of the year is Charli XCX’s single ‘360’. She did have a big year with her album Brat which become a huge pop culture movement. However that song isn’t one that again comes to mind when remembering the year. ‘Apple’ would have been the more appropriate choice here as it had virility through a TikTok trend making it memorable and having a greater reception beyond social media hype. 

The rest of the nominees in the category are all understandable picks as they were major moments in music. ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ kickstarted Beyoncé’s dive into country music and gained momentum through TikTok trends eventually finding its way to the top of the charts. Billie Eilish had an interesting start to her new era, as she released ‘Lunch’ as the lead single with a visual and all which allowed for it to debut high. The general public then took charge and made it be known that ‘Birds Of A Feather’ was the song that stood out to them the most. Chappell Roan burst into stardom this year with the release of ‘Good Luck, Babe!’. A live performance of the song drew her attention and people then went out of their way to check out her music. The song was one that quite a few artists decided to cover. A deserving nominee for sure. Kendrick Lamar was a prominent part of pop culture this past year due to his beef with Drake. The dual between the two gave birth to ‘Not Like Us’ which ended up become more than just a moment. As the song became an anthem of sorts and that helped the song have longevity, rather than be a track that just served the purpose of making a momentary statement. Now no one could escape ‘Expresso’ and it surely cemented itself as 2024’s song of the summer. It also propelled Sabrina Carpenter to a new level of stardom, as it become her biggest hit. First to break the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and though it didn’t make it to the pinnacle position, it had greater memorability than a lot of the tracks that did hit the top spot this past year. Taylor Swift’s lead single ‘Fortnight’ which features Post Malone was a memorable release this year and it was a great song, so it comes as no surprise that it received a nomination here.

There are snubs that come to mind such as ‘We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)’ by Ariana Grande, ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ by Shaboozey, ‘Beautiful Things’ by Benson Boone, ‘Lose Control’ by Teddy Swims or even ‘Die With A Smile’ by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars to name a few that would have been stronger choices when comparing to the likes of ‘Now And Then’ or ‘360’ in particular.

Now predicting a winner is tough as the recording academy do love to surprise everyone with who they select in the end. I feel that the strongest contenders for the win would be ‘Not Like Us’ or ‘Good Luck, Babe!’.

Album of the Year:

André 3000 - New Blue Sun.

Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter.

Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard And Soft.

Chappell Roan - The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess.

Charli XCX - Brat.

Jacob Collier - Djesse Vol. 4.

Sabrina Carpenter - Short N’ Sweet.

Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department.

This was an interesting bunch of choices as most of the records that made the nominations list were predicted or listed by many music outlets to be chosen. New Blue Sun by André 3000 was one of the unexpected ones, as maybe the reception it received from critics was positive. However it didn’t generate much of a conversation amongst the general public, thus many are only now discovering it due to it receiving a nomination here. Another surprise was Djesse Vol. 4 by Jacob Collier, he is a greatly talented artist who is fully hands on in the creation of his own music and has produced for other known names as well. He also seems to have become a grammy favourite as they seem to find a way of throwing him a nomination. The album didn’t make much of a commercial mark and the critics seemed divided over it. Jacob needs to find a balance where his bold production choices work together seamlessly and come across as creative choices that enhance the record, rather than being in pursuit of showing off his talent. 

Short N’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter and Brat by Charli XCX were two very successful albums of the past year, the former made quite the commercial mark and the latter became a prominent moment in pop culture. However artistically the records aren’t really much more than solid pop records. As they don’t do anything revolutionary, even though many on social media (mostly Stan twitter and Charli herself) who seem to believe that Charli XCX is doing something beyond artistic comprehension. Some of her creative choices may seem fascinating, however they don’t make much of an impact outside of her fanbase. The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift is easily one of the biggest album releases this year. Its commercial impact and the level of reaction it received beyond her fans whether good or bad showcased her scale of stardom. A lot of people ran to criticise it, however in the chase of scurrying for something to pick apart they didn’t bother to actually listen to the album. It actually is a great body of work that continues to highlight Taylor’s talent when it comes to songwriting. The album is sonically and thematically cohesive, though you may find that there are moments that feel familiar which most likely is down to her sticking to the same producers she has been working with for the past couple of albums, this album still manages to feel different. So it is an understandable choice here.

Billie Eilish’s new album Hit Me Hard And Soft was a standout release and a body of work that was executed really well. It also performed well commercially so it being nominated was no surprise. It is one of the stronger contenders on the list as it is one that has longevity to it and feels timeless rather than momentary. Billie proves that she is an artist that is in it for the long run and that she really loves making music. Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé was another one that many expected to show up here. It was a major moment in music as Beyoncé put together an album that was genre bending, though it was pushed as a country album it drew influences from other genres as well. She labeled it as her take on country music and not only that she managed to open the door for other black country artists through having them feature on the record. The album is a full on experience from start to finish with diversity that keeps you focused. Thus it is easily one of the most deserving records to be nominated for album of the year. Last but not least is Chappell Roan’s debut album The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess that was released late last year. There was chatter when it came out, however that didn’t do much for the records reach. However after she gained attention early this year with a live performance of ‘Good Luck, Babe!’, the album finally made its chart appearance. It continued its ascend and managed to peak at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and the top ten worldwide. It was great to see a record have a journey like that, which highlighted that the listeners were actually drawn to it because of the music and nothing else. The album is quite the record and proves that she is an artist that knows herself and her sound. Now this wasn’t entirely an expected choice thus it showing up felt like a surprise still. 

There were albums that should have been on this nomination list and could have very easily replaced some of the ones that did make the cut. The main one being the stunning record that was Deeper Well by Kacey Musgraves. The album was one that many outlets had predicted as a strong contender. Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande and Submarine by The Marías were another two that should have been nominated here.

Djesse Vol. 4 and New Blue Sun though made it this far, do not deserve to win. Cowboy Carter deserves to take home the award. If not then The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess would make for a worthy winner.

Song of the Year:

Beyoncé - Texas Hold ‘Em.

Billie Eilish - Birds Of A Feather.

Chappell Roan - Good Luck, Babe!.

Kendrick Lamar - Not Like Us.

Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars - Die With A Smile.

Sabrina Carpenter - Please Please Please.

Shaboozey - A Bar Song (Tipsy).

Taylor Swift Ft. Post Malone - Fortnight.

Here ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ by Shaboozey and ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ by Beyoncé are interesting choices for a category that is supposed to award songwriting. Though both are catchy and enjoyable tracks that were big hits, but they don’t offer much lyrically. The former would have fit better in the record of the year category. 

The rest are fair enough choices in this category. With ‘Not Like Us’ by Kendrick Lamar, ‘Good Luck, Babe!’ By Chappell Roan or ‘Fortnight’ by Taylor Swift Ft. Post Malone being the strongest choices to take home the award. 

Again there were snubs in this category and one of the main ones that spring to mind is ‘We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)’ by Ariana Grande. ‘Lose Control’ by Teddy Swims, ‘Too Sweet’ by Hozier or even ‘Beautiful Things’ by Benson Boone could have made for better picks here. 

Best New Artist:

Benson Boone

Doechii

Chappell Roan

Khruangbin

Raye

Sabrina Carpenter

Shaboozey

Teddy Swims

Apart from Khruangbin, the rest of the nominees came as no surprise. Benson Boone who had first introduced himself to the world through auditioning for American Idol, who himself ended up withdrawing from the show. However he continued on with pursuing music. He had been releasing music since 2021 and none of it managed to make much impact. He then released ‘Beautiful Things’ at the start of this year and thanks to the power of a trend that took off featuring the song, it went on to become a big hit. That opened him up to a bigger audience and allowed his debut album that he released a couple of months later to have a big opening. So he is deserving of the nomination. 

Doechii has been around for a moment, she released her third mixtape this year and is yet to release a debut album. However this year she managed to create a lot of conversation around herself, which in turn resulted in her being asked by other artists to feature on their singles. So she is an understandable choice here as well. Chappell Roan’s spot here had been cemented and there was no doubt that she’d be nominated for the award. After releasing her debut album last year, she truly broke out this year after a live performance was well received by the general public. That led to her debut album finally charting on the charts and it managed to climb all the way into the top ten. The organic growth of the record was refreshing to witness and she’s been a breathe of fresh air in general. An artist that managed to make quite the impression through both her music and her raising her voice to fight for humanity. 

Raye’s journey as an artist has been inspiring and she has been at it for a moment now. Starting as a songwriter and she still is writing for artists, one of her most recent writing credits are on Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter. Though initially signed, the label was holding back the release of her debut album that she had been working on. When she revealed the news about the label holding her back, she received support from her fellow artists. She eventually parted ways with the label. About two years later she released her debut album as an independent artist in 2023. The album was preceded by her viral hit ‘Escapism’ and since then she’s continued to make news for her talent. Her live performances have made quite the impact resulting in more and more discovering her. So the past year has really been her most prominent year as an artist. She truly deserves the nomination and if she takes home the award it would be well deserved.

Sabrina Carpenter has been around for quite significant amount of time, she’s released a couple of albums over the years. However though her talent has always been spoken of by those who listened to her music, she wasn’t that widely known to the general public. She gained some buzz after she found herself to be the talking point when Olivia Rodrigo released her debut single ‘Driver’s License’. Even then she only achieved a moderate level of success with the album she released soon after. She then become an opener for The Eras Tour and that helped her find even more connection with the general public, her single ‘Feather’ started to gain momentum on the charts due to its controversial music video going viral. When she announced ‘Expresso’ it came as a surprise, however the song took off immediately. Since then she broke into a new realm of stardom. Short N’ Sweet then opened up with strong first week sales and on the Billboard 200 nabbed multiple weeks atop. So since the year has been her breakout moment she was expected to be a contender here. 

Shaboozey has Beyoncé to thank for introducing him to the world. Though he has been about for a moment, none of his releases prior to his feature on Cowboy Carter made any sort of impact. He really best utilised the attention the opportunity brought him and released a new single immediately after. The single was ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ that reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, it has since spent seventeen weeks atop the chart. Then he followed with his third album which opened up in the top ten on the Billboard 200. He has definitely had a standout year so far and so his appearance here is no surprise. Teddy Swims really took off with ‘Loose Control’ this year and the song achieving huge success made him a known name. He released his debut album late last year and had been releasing music for a moment already. Most of which were covers that had gone viral, which is how he built a fanbase. He is talented as a vocalist and his ability to be both a powerhouse and emotive in his delivery is moving. So him being nominated is deserved.

Now Khruangbin were the ones that came as a surprise. It was also the first time I had heard of them, so I looked them up and found out that they have been around since 2010. They’ve released five albums so far, achieving a moderate level of success. However they still haven’t had a breakthrough moment, neither did the album they released this year make much noise. So there nomination is rather questionable as to what exactly put them in contention this time around. I did listen to their latest album and they did surprise me, it wasn’t what I expected. It was however a fascinating body of music that features very little vocal moments. Even then they don’t necessarily seem deserving of this nomination. 

Someone who definitely was snubbed is Tyla, after the success of her single ‘Water’ in 2023, she then released her debut album this year. Which has then created so much buzz around her and has propelled her into every space. So she would have been a great choice. Megan Moroney is someone else who comes to mind that would have made for solid pick.

Producer of the Year (Non-Classical):

Alissia.

Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II.

Ian Fitchuk.

Mustard.

Dan Nigro.

This is quite the mix of choices. Alissia is the only female nominee so props to her for getting the recognition, however her production credits this past year didn’t make much noise. D’Mile and Mustard, had a few big production credits. The former produced ‘Die With A Smile’ and the latter produced ‘Not Like Us’. Beyond those two they’ve had production credit on a handful of releases from known names this year, however those records in particular don’t standout when comparing to the next two producers nominated.

Ian Fitchuk and Dan Nigro are the competing two in this category. As they have produced some of this past year’s most artistic releases. The former produced Kacey Musgraves’s album Deeper Well and Maggie Rogers’s latest Don’t Forget Me. Whilst also producing songs for Beyoncé & Leon Bridges to name a few. Dan Nigro’s prominent production credits are with Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan, as he worked on both their albums and some of their additional single releases. 

So Ian or Dan are the strongest choices here, though Ian Fitchuk would be the ideal pick. In terms of snubs Jack Antonoff not being nominated was a surprise to many. However him not making the cut this time around isn’t a big deal.

Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical):

Jessi Alexander.

Amy Allen.

Édgar Barrera.

Jessie Jo Dillon.

Raye.

This one is quite the flip on the producer of the year list as here we have four female nominees and only one male nominee. Édgar Barrera the only male in this category has songwriting credits predominantly in Latin music, so it is great to see the academy recognise beyond a singular language. The selection here is solid. 

Jessi Alexander and Jessie Jo Dillon have both mainly had songwriting credits on quite a handful of major country releases this past year. Releases from the likes of Megan Moroney, Morgan Wallen, Keith Urban, Post Malone, Kelsea Ballerini & Luke Combs to name a few. So they definitely have had big moments as songwriters during the consideration period and standout ones at that. So if either one took home the award they’d be great choices. 

Amy Allen is one of pops most notable songwriters and from the recent releases she’s been a writer for Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRea, Olivia Rodrigo and Justin Timberlake. So she could end up taking home the award for working on some of the biggest hits of 2024. Raye who’s had a big year due to her own music and artistry, has also had some known writing credits during this past consideration period. She started out as a songwriter initially, however with the desire to become an artist herself. Her biggest songwriting credit has to be on Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter. Though talented she wouldn’t be the front runner here. 

Best Pop Solo Performance:

Beyoncé - Bodyguard.

Sabrina Carpenter - Expresso.

Charli XCX - Apple.

Billie Eilish - Birds Of A Feather.

Chappell Roan - Good Luck, Babe!.

These are strong choices, however Ariana Grande should have been nominated with ‘We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)’ in the place of ‘Apple’ by Charli XCX. As that was one of the years most standout pop performances hands down. 

Billie Eilish with ‘Birds Of A Feather’ and Chappell Roan with ‘Good Luck, Babe!’, are definitely the strongest contenders. Either one taking home the award would be deserved, though the latter is the likely winner.

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:

Gracie Abrams Ft. Taylor Swift - Us.

Beyoncé Ft. Post Malone - Levii’s Jean.

Charli XCX & Billie Eilish - Guess.

Ariana Grande, Brandy & Monica - The Boy Is Mine.

Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars - Die With A Smile.

The choices here are rather interesting. All but ‘Die With A Smile’ were surprising picks. ‘Levii’s Jean’ and ‘The Boy Is Mine’ in particular throw you off. They wouldn’t spring to mind if you were picking for this category. However we aren’t spoilt for choice with picks that could have made for great nominees.

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars will surely take home the award with ‘Die With A Smile’. However ‘Us’ by Gracie Abrams featuring Taylor Swift is actually a great pick here as it is a beautiful track. Personally this would be the track I’d award the win to.

Taylor Swift’s ‘Fortnight’ which features Post Malone could have been a given pick here, however since the two appear as features the academy may have been hesitant for a double feature. Another pop track that springs to mind and would have made for a great nominee is ‘New Woman’ by LISA featuring Rosalía. 

Best Pop Vocal Album:

Sabrina Carpenter - Short N’ Sweet.

Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard And Soft.

Ariana Grande - Eternal Sunshine.

Chappell Roan - The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess.

Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department.

All five come as no surprise. Great choices for sure and finally Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande is recognised. Billie Eilish & Ariana Grande’s albums could both make for worthy winners. However The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess is surely the most deserving one to take home the award. As it sets itself apart from the rest of the nominees. They could very well surprise everyone and give the award to Short N’ Sweet.

Best Country Solo Performance:

Beyoncé - 16 Carriages.

Jelly Roll - I Am Not Okay.

Kacey Musgraves - The Architect.

Shaboozey - A Bar Song (Tipsy).

Chris Stapleton - It Takes A Woman.

All five are actually pretty solid choices for nominees in this category. ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ is definitely one of the biggest moments in music this year as it still sits atop the charts. It could very well be the one that wins. However Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, Jelly Roll and Chris Stapleton give stronger performances on the songs they are nominated for. 

Kacey Musgraves’s track ‘The Architect’ and Chris Stapleton’s ‘It Takes A Woman’ are the two most deserving ones to take home the award. As they really draw you in vocally and make an emotional impact on you. 

Best Country Song:

Kacey Musgraves - The Architect.

Shaboozey - A Bar Song (Tipsy).

Jelly Roll - I Am Not Okay.

Post Malone Ft. Morgan Wallen - I Had Some Help.

Beyoncé - Texas Hold ‘Em.

An interesting bunch of choices, however ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’, ‘I Had Some Help’ & ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ seem to have made the cut based on the commercial success they received. So if we look at it on that basis then yes they’d be the best picks here. 

However when looking at the quality or artistic nature of a song, and how it connects with or moves the listener. ‘The Architect’ or ‘I Am Not Okay’ are the top two contenders. With the former being the one that should win here.

‘Cowboys Cry Too’ by Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan would have made for a great pick here.

Best Country Duo/Group Performance:

Kelsea Ballerini & Noah Kahan - Cowboys Cry Too.

Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus - II Most Wanted.

Brothers Osborne - Break Mine.

Dan + Shay - Bigger House.

Post Malone Ft. Morgan Wallen - I Had Some Help.

‘Cowboys Cry Too’ and ‘II Most Wanted’ are the top two picks here. Either one taking home the award would be worthwhile. Now Brothers Osborne and Dan + Shay who seem to appear often in this category are decent choices, however neither track truly stands out. The weakest nomination here has to be ‘I Had Some Help’, a catchy track that managed to become a hit is all that it is. However when considering it here it doesn’t stand its ground.

A snub here that should have made the cut and could definitely have taken the last picks place is ‘You Look Like You Love Me’ by Ella Langley featuring Riley Green.

Best Country Album:

Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter.

Post Malone - F-1 Trillion.

Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well.

Chris Stapleton - Higher.

Lainey Wilson - Whirlwind. 

All apart from Post Malone’s album are great picks here and do deserve the nomination. Kacey Musgraves does deserve the win as Deeper Well is a stunning body of work. 

In terms of albums that didn’t make the cut, however would have been more deserving than F-1 Trillion, are Megan Moroney’s sophomore album Am I Okay, Ella Langley’s debut Hungover, Brittney Spencer’s debut My Stupid Life or even Carly Pearce’s latest Hummingbird.

Amongst other categories where I won’t take much of a dive into, however want to briefly mention. Starting with Best Dance Pop Recording, ‘Make You Mine’ by Madison Beer and ‘Got Me Started’ by Troye Sivan are great picks. Troye’s album Something To Give Each Other should have gotten a lot more appreciation from the academy and the general public. 

Clairo getting her first grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album with her latest release Charm is well earned. Both her debut and sophomore should have received nominations. With the latter being snubbed for album of the year in the 2022 grammy nominations. 

SZA deserves to take home both Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song with ‘Saturn’. That is definitely one of the nominations the academy got right. However there are some other solid nominees such as Muni Long. 

Doja Cat was snubbed as ‘Agora Hills’ should have had a guaranteed spot in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category as it easily was the better pick from the ones that made the cut. 

Congratulations are due to Charley Crockett and Waxahatchee both receive their first ever grammy nominations. Their albums $10 Cowboy and Tigers Blood are nominated for Best Americana Album.

Kali Uchis receives a nomination with her latest album Orquídeas for Best Latin Pop Album, the album is a solid body of work that earns its place in the category. When looking at the others nominated in the field, she should be given the award.

It is great to see Arooj Aftab make an appearance in the Best Global Music Performance category, she’s become a favourite and deservingly so. Her music style is beautiful and one that you feel fully immersed in. Even if you are unable to understand the language it still manages to move you, leaving an emotional impact on you.

The Best Music Video nominees are a bit of a mess. ‘Tailor Swif’ and ‘Houdini’ don’t come to mind when you think of the word best whilst looking through all the visuals released over the consideration period. ‘We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)’ is again the one that immediately springs to mind that should have made this category, it should have been a given. There most definitely are other choices that could have made the list as well. Out of the ones nominated ‘Fortnight’ seems to be the most likely winner.

We will have to wait till February 2, 2025 to see who takes home the trophies. However who do you think deserved the nominations, which ones weren’t worthy and who was snubbed. Please drop your thoughts in the comments.

[empxtrack]

Creating a Truly Inclusive Workplace in 2025

In 2025, building a truly inclusive workplace is not just a goal but a necessity for companies that want to thrive in the ever-evolving business environment. As organizations adapt to changing employee expectations and global shifts, inclusivity is becoming a core value that drives innovation, engagement, and success. Recent HR trends for 2025 show a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), reflecting the growing awareness of creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

In this blog, we’ll explore recent HR trends in 2025 that are transforming how companies approach inclusivity, the strategies they are implementing to foster diverse and inclusive environments, and how HR software is playing a crucial role in this process.

1. Shifting DEI from Policy to Practice

In 2024, we saw a heightened focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a fundamental aspect of workplace culture. Many companies introduced DEI policies and hired diversity officers to ensure their organizations were reflecting societal values. However, in 2025, the emphasis is on shifting DEI from policy to practice. It’s no longer enough to have policies in place—organizations must ensure that these principles are fully integrated into everyday business operations.

Creating a truly inclusive workplace means going beyond compliance. Organizations are focusing on inclusivity in recruitment, onboarding, career development, and leadership representation. Companies are taking a data-driven approach, using HR software to track key metrics such as the representation of underrepresented groups, pay equity, and promotion rates. By turning these insights into action, businesses can ensure that inclusivity is not just a buzzword but a lived experience for all employees.

2. The Role of HR Software in Advancing Inclusivity

HR software is playing a critical role in advancing inclusivity in the workplace. Recent HR trends for 2025 highlight the increasing use of technology to create equitable systems that eliminate bias in various HR processes.

For example, AI-powered HR software can help companies create more inclusive recruitment processes by reducing human bias in candidate selection. These platforms can anonymize resumes, ensuring that hiring decisions are based solely on skills and qualifications rather than unconscious biases related to gender, race, or ethnicity. Additionally, HR software can automatically screen candidates for diversity goals, helping companies create balanced teams from the outset.

Performance management is another area where HR software is making a difference. With continuous performance tracking tools, businesses can evaluate employees based on real-time data, helping to eliminate biases that can occur in annual reviews. Moreover, feedback loops and employee sentiment analysis help HR teams identify issues related to inclusivity and address them proactively.

3. Recent HR Trends in 2025

As the workplace continues to evolve, hybrid work models have become a permanent fixture in the landscape of work, following trends seen in 2024. However, inclusivity within hybrid and remote work environments presents unique challenges. In 2025, HR leaders are focused on ensuring that all employees—whether they work remotely, in-office, or a combination of both—feel equally included in company culture and have access to the same opportunities for growth and development.

One way organizations are achieving this is through the strategic use of HR software designed for hybrid work management. These platforms facilitate seamless collaboration and communication between remote and in-office teams, ensuring that all employees stay connected and engaged. By providing virtual spaces for team collaboration and feedback, HR software ensures that employees who may not be physically present in the office are not overlooked when it comes to promotions, professional development, or participation in key projects.

Another major trend is the use of virtual DEI initiatives, such as online inclusion training programs and virtual mentorships, to ensure all employees, regardless of location, can actively participate in diversity and inclusion efforts.

4. Personalization and Belonging: Key Elements of Inclusivity

One of the HR trends in 2024 that is continuing into 2025 is the focus on personalized employee experiences. A truly inclusive workplace must cater to the individual needs of its employees, recognizing that everyone has different preferences, challenges, and goals. Companies are increasingly offering personalized benefits packages, flexible work schedules, and tailored development programs to ensure that all employees feel supported and valued.

HR software plays a vital role in personalizing the employee experience. These platforms can collect data on employee preferences, work habits, and career goals, allowing companies to offer personalized recommendations for development opportunities, wellness programs, and work-life balance initiatives. Additionally, AI-driven learning management systems can create individualized learning paths for employees, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to grow and succeed.

Creating a sense of belonging is also key to an inclusive workplace. Employees need to feel that they are part of a community where their contributions are recognized and valued. In 2025, companies are using employee engagement tools within HR software to foster community-building and ensure that employees feel connected to their teams, regardless of their location.

5. Addressing Bias and Ensuring Equity

One of the most challenging aspects of creating an inclusive workplace is addressing unconscious bias and ensuring equity across all HR processes. In 2025, organizations are using HR software to tackle these issues head-on. AI and automation are particularly useful in eliminating bias from critical HR functions, such as recruitment, promotions, and performance evaluations.

For example, AI-driven recruitment tools can help ensure that job descriptions are gender-neutral and inclusive, attracting a diverse pool of candidates. These tools can also analyze data from previous hiring processes to identify patterns of bias and recommend corrective actions. Similarly, pay equity analysis tools within HR software help organizations track compensation trends and ensure that employees are being paid fairly, regardless of their background or demographics.

6. Mental Health and Well-Being as Part of Inclusivity

Recent HR trends in 2025 emphasize the growing importance of mental health and well-being as part of creating an inclusive workplace. Inclusivity goes beyond ensuring diversity in hiring—it also involves creating a supportive environment where all employees feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work. Companies are expanding their well-being programs to include mental health support, flexible working hours, and access to counseling services.

HR software helps organizations manage these programs by offering wellness tracking tools, mental health resources, and feedback mechanisms to monitor employee well-being. By collecting data on employee stress levels, work-life balance, and overall satisfaction, HR teams can make informed decisions on how to improve their well-being initiatives and create a more inclusive environment for all.

Conclusion

Creating a truly inclusive workplace in 2025 is about more than just hiring a diverse workforce—it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. As the recent HR trends in 2025 highlight, inclusivity is now deeply integrated into the core of business strategy, and HR software is playing a pivotal role in making this transformation possible.

By leveraging HR software to track diversity metrics, eliminate bias, personalize employee experiences, and support well-being, companies can create environments where every employee feels like they belong. In this evolving landscape, organizations that prioritize inclusivity will not only attract top talent but also foster innovation and drive long-term success.

[chussyracing]

F1 related news, rumours and mind blowing stuff from past days

(it's super long after past 3 days so i will add it under the cut)

I cannot not start by Lewis to Ferrari on a multi-year contract being confirmed

Some leaked and speculated details include: Charles and Carlos both knew for some weeks, the news was leaked early by British source to avoid Lewis being included in development beyond 2025 in Merc, Toto was surprised but didn't expect Lewis staying for long in Mercedes anyway, Ferrari offered a huge paycheck and almost bianco check for any personal and charitable projects he wishes (granted by Elkann himself)

His engineer Peter Bonnington could follow him to Ferrari, but that decision is completely on himself

There are rumours of Carlos potentially moving to rally for 2025 for a break before a possible seat in Audi in 2026

Peter Windsdor reported he "heard" Alex got a 3 years offer from Red Bull, but there are rumours that people around Alex started this to get a better offer (possibly at Merc)

Among all of this, Haas livery was posted and it follows the trend of more and more black color included to save weight (fun fact: white color is the worst one possibly to choose for a livery since you need most layers of it which adds weight and sponsors sometimes don't want their logo on white because it's not as readable on TV)

F1 complained Andretti wasn't serious about the F1 offer, because Michael Andretti missed a meeting with F1 management to discuss their application, Andretti responded that they didn't see the invitation, because it ended up in the spam folder after an employee sent it rather than Domenicali

Haas appointed Andrea de Zordo as a Technical Director and Damien Brayshaw as a Performance Chief

There are some speculations Kimi Antonelli could be moving to Mercedes for 2025 based on the posts about Italian from Mercedes on social media (personal opinion: it's just a reaction to Lewis moving to Ferrari and Kimi doesn't even have enough superlicence points just yet so there will be a lot of pressure to get those in his debut F2 year if it's really the plan)

RB17 hybrid roadcar will apparently have active suspension technology which was banned from F1

There was some speculation from fans that Sebastian Vettel could come back and joing Mercedes but Toto Wolff denied it when he spoke to him the previous day

Ollie Bearman will also be Haas' reserve driver (with Fittipaldi) besides Ferrari's - there are two mandatory junior sessions but Haas will let him driver the car six times in 2024

Most random piece of info: Alicia Keys, Pharell Williams and Martin Garix will have a post race concert in Saudi Arabia

DAZN arw signing broadcasters for new season and apparently face some difficulties with Pedro De La Rosa, they can't say more besides it's an "issue which will be dealt with by an F1 team with great discretion"

Interesting fact: during International GT Open, standings were called incorrectly behind a safety car whoch lead to leader losing out and ICA (International Court of Appeal) decided that wrong SC rules apllication is not enough to cancel the result of the race which... sadly shows how AD21 appeal would probably go from FIA's ICA as well

McLaren showed the 2024 suits, the 2024 F1 Academy livery and they did their tyre test at Paul Ricard

Suzuka extended contract with F1 for 5 years

Nyck de Vries will have to pay 50% of his 2022 F1 income (driver salary and sponsorship deals) because he lost in lawsuit agaisnt Investrand

Hamda Al Quibasi and Emely De Heus will be RBR's F1 Academy drivers while Amna Al Quibasi will be Visa Cash App RB's driver

Williams signed a sponsorship deal with Vast Data and also announced meet and greet in NY

There are many people linked to the Merc seat including Mick Schumacher, Alex, Fernando (apparently Ted Kravitz was said to be the source but he denied it), Carlos, Esteban - Toto himself said Charles and Lando would be first on their list if they didn't extend long term contracts already

Melbourne will become season debut from 2025 again

[nxmuzluv]

THE FIRST SINGLE … ˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

“GIRLS DON’T CRY” is the debut single by CHOUKA AIKAWA. Released on April 5th, 2024, the song went on to top charts in various countries. Hailed as one of the best debuts of 2024, critics and fans alike fell in love with the song’s “girlish” and carefree production, and praised how Chouka stayed so true to her hyperfeminine, “princesscore” image. The song’s success as caused critics to name her as a pop girl on the rise.

TRACKLIST … ˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

GIRLS DON’T CRY ! LEAD SINGLE

CAKE ! B-SIDE

GIRLS DON’T CRY (SPED UP)

PHOTOCARDS … ˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

COMMERCIAL PERFORMANCE … ˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

Highly praised for its sound and how it fit Chouka’s style, “Girls Don’t Cry” was a resounding success. The music video’s teaser, which was released with no prior notice onto a completely new YouTube channel (“c.a.”) with no previous content (it was later turned into a channel for all of Chouka’s music related endeavors), garnered over 3.2 million views within its first twenty-four hours after Chouka posted it to her Twitter and Instagram accounts. The single’s title was revealed on both platforms an hour later, coinciding with the launch of her official website, which displayed the title alongside a countdown timer.

The song received over 400,000 pre-saves, and the title was trending on Twitter with over a million Tweets. Shortly before “Girls Don’t Cry” dropped, Chouka’s website was updated with the single’s cover, and she posted behind the scenes photos of her on its set, which received over two million likes within the first day.

Upon the song’s release, it was a smash hit. The music video garnered 32 million views within its first 24 hours, finding itself at #1 on YouTube’s trending page, and topping both the Spotify and Apple Music charts. It went on to become the second most streamed song on Spotify in regards to first day streams. “Girls Don’t Cry” topped charts in several countries, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the Philippines (it also managed to remain atop the Oricon chart for seven weeks).

Surprisingly enough, “Girls Don’t Cry” would debut at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 with sales of over 200,00 units, despite industry insiders predicting a Top 20 debut; probably due to the song’s immense popularity online. Unfortunately, it would never reach #1, falling to #7 after five weeks and staying there for two until falling off, but Rosettes were still happy to see that Chouka’s debut managed to get that high. In total, the single would sell over 850,000 units within its first week, cracking a million by the end of April.

Additionally, the song was also praised for its lyricism and feminist commentary on how women who are seen as “strong” or “smart” are not allowed to cry or display negative emotions and are expected to act as role models, while women who appear as if they have everything are told to “just deal with it” and that they have “nothing to be upset about.” Many Rosettes (and critics) were also surprised to find out that Chouka had written most of the lyrics, as she never expressed interest in songwriting before.

“Cake” was released as a single a month later, on May 3rd, 2024. Although the music video received over 11 million views within its first twenty-four hours, Rosettes were … a bit divided. It seemed like none of them could figure out whether they liked the song or not, with certain Tweets saying …

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗ “ y’all are just HATERS ! like y’all have truly forgotten what real pop music sounds like bc cake is a hit idc ! ”

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗ “ chouka girl with all due respect i think letting a major label get a hold of you was a mistake ”

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗ “ no bc this is girly girl music ! it’s cute it’s fun it’s bouncy and it’s so HER ! chouka bby get behind me PUT DOWN THE HATERADE NOWWWW !! ”

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗ “ #notmychouka girl why does this sound so EMPTY ??? republic needs to pay for their crimes bc ….. ”

Despite the confusion, “Cake” also went on to top charts. It also debuted atop the Apple Music chart, and came in second beneath “Girls Don’t Cry” on Spotify. It managed to debut at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, although Rosettes were gunning for a higher placement (it was definitely because they couldn’t stop beefing with each other). The song remained on the chart for two weeks (managing to jump to #5 during its second), before completely falling off the Top Ten.

Luckily, more retrospective reviews shows that Rosettes have warmed up to “Cake,” saying that it fit the aesthetic of the lead single. Everyone loved the “sugar sweet” concept that Chouka had going on, and expressed pleasant surprise that her try at a music career was going so well.

STYLING … ˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

ERA HIGHLIGHTS … ˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

Definitely a fun era! Republic was truly pushing this single and girl, it showed. There were billboards playing her music video (Rosettes in New York even crowded around one when it first launched), ads plastered all across YouTube, “Girls Don’t Cry” was all over the radio, and it was the most popular song on TikTok for a good month.

The promotions were insane! Chouka was all over television this era. She was on the Kelly Clarkson Show (which was too cute! Like Kelly literally complimented her accent), she was on Jimmy Fallon, she was on GMA … like you truly could not escape her! She also had a photoshoot with Harper’s Bazaar and people ate it up! It was very Marie Antoinette themed with huge dresses, pastries, and of course, it was shot at a chateau in France!

And of course she had to promote in Japan! Chouka performed both “Girls Don’t Cry” and “Cake” on Music Station, and no one expected either song to have choreography. But the choreo was so cute, and especially for “Girls Don’t Cry!” Like you could truly tell that Chouka was having a blast, and everyone was so surprised at her stage presence because she’s literally a YouTuber. She also held a press conference in Tokyo, and she even got to visit a pop-up event held by Rosettes at a café in her hometown, Kyoto! It was the cutest thing to see her interacting with her fans, and she thanked them at least five times.

Chouka managed to squeeze in Korean promotions, as well! She performed both of her singles on M Countdown, Inkigayo, and The Show, and she was even on Weekly Idol! She held a small fansign for 200 fans who participated in the pre-order and received a “mystery ticket” with their album, and it was so cute! Chouka was cracking jokes with them and receiving SO many gifts (most of which were either pink or ridiculously expensive; she got a lot of bouquets, too!). Her Korean promos even saw the birth of her first fansite, Strawberry Sweet! She also appeared on the cover of Vogue Korea, and after that, Korean promotions ended unfortunately.

Side note, every performance of “Girls Don’t Cry” started with a costume change! It was usually Chouka tearing off a huge ball gown like skirt to reveal her shorter costume underneath, and her performance on M Countdown was literally her playing a princess getting ready for a ball. There was also a lot of ribbons, platform heels, and satin gloves used styling wise, and Chouka’s makeup was always so soft and pink!

Although she didn’t have enough songs to perform a full set, Chouka attended Coachella anyways and met a bunch of Rosettes! Jason (her fiancé) also tagged along, so fans got to meet him, too! Fashion girls were all over her festival looks too … being raised in Milan truly did wonders for her fashion sense.

Girl, the way the “#GirlsDontCryChallenge” blew up on TikTok is insane. The song had over a million videos underneath it by the start of June, and Chouka was doing it with celebs like Kelly, Tate McRae, Olivia Rodrigo, the members of Aespa, the members of Itzy, Rosé of BLACKPINK, Nayeon and Momo from TWICE, Yuju, the members of Viviz, and a few members of Stray Kids and NCT; among others! Chouka also did the challenge with Leeseo, Rei, and Wonyoung of IVE, and the way Dives and Rosettes were across every social media app absolutely freaking out that Chouka and Wonyoung were the same room was truly crazy.

Towards the end of promotions, a full length documentary covering the making of “Girls Don’t Cry,” the music videos, and the subsequent performances premiered on YouTube. It was a mix of professional camera shots and footage personally shot by Chouka herself, which was refreshing since Rosettes got to see a sillier side to her personality. The documentary garnered over 3 million views within the first twenty-four hours, and would end up at #5 on YouTube’s trending page.

At the end of promos, Chouka posted a long, heartfelt letter to her Instagram thanking fans for their support and expressing how surprised she was at the single’s success. She wrote, “I know that you guys have been waiting three years for me to try my hand at music, and words cannot express how happy I am that it was worth the wait. Over these last few months, you all have shown me so much love, and just thinking about it is moving me to tears as I write this! I promise that I’ll repay your support tenfold. You guys truly mean the world to me, and I wouldn’t be half the person I am today if it weren’t for you. You are truly my other half, even if I unfortunately don’t know you personally (don’t tell Jason I said that). I hope and pray that one day, I’ll be able to meet every single one of you from around the whole world in person, and tell you just how much you mean to me. Until next time, my loves. Ti amo sempre e per sempre. Ciao ciao. ♡”

Additionally, there was also a remix planned with PinkPantheress, but unfortunately, plans ended up falling through because Chouka simply … didn’t want to do it. However, Rosettes ended up finding out about the planned collab, and demand for it was huge. So the remix could happen in the future! Who knows.

All in all, this era was great. It truly showed how much untapped star power Chouka had, and the numbers proved it. It reinforced her “It girl” status, showing that no matter what industry she tried her hand at, she would still dominate. ˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

[vophuocthien]

How to Ride the Uptrend and Maximize Profits

Capitalizing on a market uptrend can significantly increase your investment returns. Read on for practical tips to navigate market movements and optimize your profits. Start improving your investment strategy today!

How to Predict the Uptrend?

Predicting exactly when the market will experience an uptrend is challenging. Even if experts anticipate an uptrend soon, the exact timing—whether in 2024, 2025, or beyond—remains uncertain. 

The real challenge lies in avoiding premature profit-taking that could cause you to miss out on gains, while also not holding investments too long and risking losses when the market turns.

So, how can we navigate these challenges and maximize our gains during an uptrend? Here are some strategies to consider:

Focus on Your Goals

Monitoring market movements is not sufficient on its own. It’s crucial to establish clear financial goals. Attempting to buy at the absolute lowest and sell at the highest points is an impractical approach since it’s impossible to precisely predict the end of an uptrend. 

Instead, set clear, achievable targets that align with your financial objectives. This approach will guide you in making well-informed decisions rather than chasing market trends.

Use the Four-Year Cycle

The four-year cycle remains a dependable framework for anticipating market movements, even though minor deviations can occur. This cycle can help guide your profit-taking strategy, allowing you to gauge the mid-phase of an uptrend. 

Utilizing a dollar-cost averaging (DCA) approach, particularly from late 2024 to Q3 2025, can be beneficial. DCA involves consistently investing a fixed amount, which mitigates the risk of buying at peak prices manipulated by market whales. For those preferring a safer strategy, DCA can be an effective way to spread investment risk over time.

Stick to Your Strategy

Maintaining a well-defined and disciplined strategy is crucial. This disciplined approach helps you stay focused and avoid making emotional decisions driven by market volatility.

Adhering to your plan, even amidst market fluctuations, is key to successful profit-taking. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your strategy based on your goals and market conditions can also enhance your decision-making process.

Diversify Your Investments

Diversification is a time-tested strategy to manage risk and enhance profit potential. While applying DCA to established assets like Bitcoin, consider diversifying your portfolio by holding presale tokens such as $BUSAI or participating in airdrops. 

Presale tokens are often available at lower prices, offering potential high returns with reduced initial investment. Diversification spreads your risk across various assets, reducing the impact of any single asset’s performance on your overall portfolio.

BUSAI PRESALE CASE STUDY

In today’s crowded presale landscape, distinguishing between genuine opportunities and scams is crucial. For example, the meme AI project BUSAI is gaining significant attention, but don’t let the hype cloud your judgment.

Before diving in, it's vital to thoroughly examine the whitepaper, tokenomics, and the project's backers. If your research checks out, it could be worth considering.

BUSAI stands out with its impressive ecosystem and strategic tokenomics. Its innovative features, such as the interact-and-earn and staking rewards, set it apart from typical meme tokens.

Its tokenomics emphasizing substantial presale, marketing, and liquidity allocations, the project shows strong growth potential. Additionally, BUSAI’s focus on community engagement and cutting-edge technology makes it a distinctive and promising investment in the evolving crypto arena.

By following these guidelines, you can navigate the uptrend effectively and avoid common pitfalls. Stay focused, be disciplined, and make informed decisions to achieve your financial goals.

BUSAI Official Channel: Website | Twitter | Telegram 

[stockreviews]

Spot Bitcoin ETFs Return to Positive Performance with $308 Million Inflows

The recent data from SoSoValue highlights a significant shift in the performance of US-based spot Bitcoin ETFs. After a challenging start to the fourth quarter of 2024, these financial products experienced net inflows exceeding $300 million in the past week. This marks a return to positive momentum, despite the market's earlier bearish stance. In contrast, spot Ethereum ETFs continue to struggle, maintaining a negative trend despite witnessing reduced net outflows.

Rebound in Spot Bitcoin ETFs: A Closer Look at the Inflows

Spot Bitcoin ETFs Break Declining Streak with $254 Million Inflows

At the start of October, the market for spot Bitcoin ETFs faced substantial challenges, recording net outflows of $300 million during the first week. However, by Monday, October 7, the market saw a strong reversal, as net inflows reached $236.19 million, signaling renewed investor interest in these funds.

Despite this promising start, the following three days (October 8-10) brought a downturn, with cumulative outflows of $179.98 million, once again raising concerns about the market’s direction. Yet, the situation shifted dramatically by the end of the week. On Friday, October 12, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded an impressive inflow of $253.54 million, marking the highest single-day investment in over two weeks.

Much of this inflow was attributed to Fidelity’s FBTC, which alone attracted $117.10 million in new capital. Other prominent ETFs also contributed significantly to this positive trend. Ark & 21 Shares ARKB brought in $97.58 million, while Bitwise’s BITB captured $38.81 million in investor funds. Meanwhile, VanEck’s HODL and Invesco’s BTCO also secured notable inflows of $14.26 million and $7.88 million, respectively.

Not all funds saw gains, however. BlackRock’s IBIT ETF, which holds a dominant position in the market, registered zero inflows, and Grayscale’s GBTC reported a net outflow of $22.09 million, reflecting investor sentiment shifts.

Impact on Bitcoin ETF Market and Assets

As a result of these substantial inflows, the total net assets in the spot Bitcoin ETF market have grown to $58.66 billion. This figure represents 4.71% of Bitcoin's total market capitalization. BlackRock’s IBIT continues to dominate, accounting for roughly 40% of the assets under management in this market. It holds 369,640.1 BTC, valued at approximately $23.30 billion.

Grayscale’s GBTC, once the largest Bitcoin spot ETF with a holding of 600,000 BTC, now holds a reduced position. With significant outflows amounting to $20.19 billion, GBTC’s total holdings have fallen to 220,177.5 BTC, valued at $13.85 billion. This shift places GBTC as the second-largest Bitcoin ETF by assets.

Performance of Key Spot Bitcoin ETFs

Fidelity’s FBTC: With $117.10 million in inflows, this ETF led the pack in the past week. It remains one of the most attractive investment vehicles in the spot Bitcoin ETF market, benefiting from strong investor confidence.

Ark & 21 Shares ARKB: This ETF witnessed $97.58 million in inflows, further solidifying its position as a key player in the Bitcoin ETF market.

Bitwise’s BITB: Bringing in $38.81 million, Bitwise has continued to garner interest from investors looking to capitalize on Bitcoin’s potential.

VanEck’s HODL and Invesco’s BTCO: While these ETFs did not attract as much capital as the top three, they still saw notable inflows, contributing to the broader positive trend in the market.

Ethereum ETFs Struggle to Gain Momentum

In stark contrast to the performance of Bitcoin ETFs, the spot Ethereum ETF market has been unable to reverse its negative trajectory. Over the past week, these funds recorded net outflows of $5.22 million. Although this figure is an improvement compared to the previous week’s outflows of $25.47 million, it still marks the 10th week of losses out of the last 12 trading weeks for spot Ethereum ETFs.

Interestingly, despite the general trend of outflows, there was one day of positive inflows during the week. On a single day, spot Ethereum ETFs attracted $3.06 million, offering a glimmer of hope for investors. However, this was not enough to offset the ongoing losses.

Ethereum ETFs' Ongoing Struggles and Market Implications

The cumulative net outflows in the spot Ethereum ETF market now stand at a staggering $558.88 million, reflecting a sustained lack of investor confidence. This trend contrasts sharply with the spot Bitcoin ETF market, which has shown resilience and growth in recent weeks. The total value traded in the Ethereum ETF market is currently $143.54 million, far below the levels seen in Bitcoin-related funds.

At the time of writing, Ethereum is trading at $2,459, representing a modest 0.78% gain in the past 24 hours. Bitcoin, on the other hand, remains priced at $62,725, following a 0.22% increase during the same period.

Why Ethereum ETFs Lag Behind

Several factors contribute to the continued underperformance of Ethereum ETFs. The broader Ethereum market has faced a series of challenges, including heightened competition from Layer 2 scaling solutions and other blockchain networks. Additionally, investor sentiment toward Ethereum has been dampened by concerns over its regulatory status and the potential for stricter government oversight in the future.

Moreover, the Ethereum ETF market has not yet attracted the same level of institutional interest as Bitcoin ETFs, which benefit from a more established presence in traditional financial markets. As a result, Ethereum ETFs have struggled to maintain positive momentum, with many investors opting for other investment vehicles or moving capital into Bitcoin-related products.

Outlook for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs

The recent inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs suggest that these financial products are regaining favor among investors, even in the face of broader market volatility. With total net assets in the spot Bitcoin ETF market surpassing $58 billion, there is a clear indication that institutional and retail investors alike continue to view Bitcoin as a valuable asset within their portfolios.

Looking ahead, the key question remains whether Bitcoin ETFs can sustain this positive momentum. With increasing regulatory clarity and growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class, the outlook for spot Bitcoin ETFs appears promising. However, market volatility and macroeconomic factors will likely continue to play a significant role in shaping investor behavior.

In contrast, the future of spot Ethereum ETFs remains uncertain. While Ethereum itself continues to be a dominant player in the blockchain space, its ETF products have not yet managed to capture the same level of interest as their Bitcoin counterparts. Until there is a shift in market sentiment or a significant improvement in the performance of Ethereum ETFs, these funds may continue to lag behind Bitcoin in terms of returns and investor inflows.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two ETFs

The performance of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs over the past week provides a stark contrast. While Bitcoin ETFs have seen a return to positive inflows, benefiting from renewed investor confidence, Ethereum ETFs remain in a state of flux, grappling with ongoing outflows and negative returns. As the market evolves, investors will need to closely monitor both products to identify potential opportunities and risks.

[vnbusinesstimes]

Becamex IDC 

Becamex IDC (BCM), a leading industrial park developer in Vietnam, has reported strong profit growth due to its involvement in the VSIP joint venture.

The target share price is 84,700 VND, showing a potential increase of 24.7%. Despite a recent decline in stock performance, BCM’s fundamentals remain robust, with significant revenue from land transfers and ongoing growth prospects in the industrial sector.

Highlights -📈

Strong profit growth driven by VSIP involvement.

Target share price set at 84,700 VND.

Market capitalization at 71.518 trillion VND.

3-month average trading volume of 795,556 shares.

High foreign ownership at 95.44%.

22% expected profit growth in Q3 2024.

Becamex IDC’s historical roots since 1976.

Key Insights -🔍

Profitability Boost from VSIP - 📊 BCM’s stake in the VSIP joint venture, which is expected to provide stable annual dividends, significantly contributes to its profitability, showcasing the importance of strategic partnerships in enhancing financial performance.

Market Positioning - 🏗️ With 357 hectares of industrial land available for lease, BCM’s extensive real estate portfolio positions it competitively within Vietnam’s rapidly growing industrial sector, catering to increasing demand for industrial spaces.

Strong Land Transfer Revenue - 💰 The company anticipates substantial revenue from land transfers, particularly in the Hòa Lợi residential area, which is pivotal for driving earnings and supporting stock performance.

Debt Management Strategy - 📉 BCM’s debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07 indicates a balanced approach to leveraging, allowing for growth while maintaining financial stability, essential for investor confidence.

Growth Projections - 📅 Forecasts suggest BCM will achieve 7.9 trillion VND in revenue for 2024, primarily driven by land sales, underlining the company’s strong growth trajectory amidst broader economic trends.

Regulatory Changes Impacting Ownership - ⚖️ The planned decrease in state ownership from 95.8% to 72% could enhance liquidity and attract more investors, positively affecting stock valuation.

Long-Term Vision - 🔮 With ongoing projects and expansions planned, BCM’s strategic focus on developing additional industrial parks and residential areas indicates a forward-looking approach aimed at sustaining growth and profitability.

VN-Index 

vnindex@groups.io

[stockiphotos]

10 Best Social Media Analytics Tools in 2024🎯🎉

✅ Semrush Social: Known for its comprehensive SEO tools, Semrush also offers robust social media analytics to track performance and engagement.

✅ BuzzSumo: Excellent for content discovery and performance tracking, helping you identify trending topics and key influencers.

✅ Brandwatch: Provides deep insights into brand perception and audience behavior through advanced analytics.

✅SparkToro: Focuses on audience intelligence, helping you understand where your audience spends their time online.

✅Facelift Data Studio: Offers a unified platform for managing and analyzing social media data across multiple channels.

✅ Rival IQ: Great for competitive analysis, allowing you to benchmark your performance against competitors.

✅Iconosquare: Popular for Instagram and Facebook analytics, providing detailed insights into post performance and audience engagement.

✅Keyhole: Specializes in hashtag and keyword tracking, useful for monitoring campaign performance.

✅ Sendible: Combines social media management with analytics, making it easier to track and report on your social media efforts.

✅Google Analytics: While not exclusively for social media, it offers valuable insights into how social media traffic interacts with your website.

Do you have a specific goal or platform in mind for using these tools?

[gonzalez756]

How to Sell Your eCommerce Business in 2024 | Imagency Media

The eCommerce landscape in 2024 is more competitive and dynamic than ever. As a business owner, you may have decided that now is the right time to sell your eCommerce business and capitalize on your hard work. Whether you're looking to pursue new ventures, retire, or simply cash in on your investment, selling your eCommerce business can be a lucrative opportunity. However, it requires careful planning and execution. In this guide, Imagency Media will walk you through the key steps to successfully sell your eCommerce business in 2024.

1. Prepare Your Business for Sale

Before you put your eCommerce business on the market, it's crucial to ensure it's in the best possible shape. Buyers are looking for profitable, well-managed businesses with growth potential. Here's how to prepare:

Financials: Make sure your financial records are up-to-date, accurate, and easy to understand. Buyers will scrutinize your profit margins, revenue trends, and expenses. Consider working with an accountant to organize your financials and identify any areas for improvement.

Operations: Streamline your operations to make your business more appealing. This includes optimizing your supply chain, automating processes where possible, and ensuring that your inventory management is efficient. A well-run business is more attractive to potential buyers.

Brand Strength: Evaluate your brand's online presence. This includes your website, social media, and customer reviews. A strong, reputable brand can significantly increase your business's value. Consider investing in professional web design and branding services to enhance your business's appeal.

Legal Documentation: Ensure all your legal documents, such as business licenses, contracts, and intellectual property rights, are in order. Potential buyers will conduct due diligence, and any legal discrepancies could derail the sale.

2. Determine the Value of Your Business

Valuing an eCommerce business is a complex process that involves multiple factors. The most common valuation method is a multiple of your annual net profit, but other factors can influence the final price:

Revenue and Profit: Consistent and growing revenue, along with healthy profit margins, are key indicators of value.

Customer Base: A large, loyal customer base with low churn rates adds significant value to your business.

Market Position: How well does your business stand out in its niche? A strong market position with potential for growth can attract higher offers.

Growth Potential: Buyers are interested in the future potential of your business. Demonstrating a clear path for growth, such as expanding product lines or entering new markets, can increase your valuation.

Consider hiring a professional business broker or valuation expert to help you determine a realistic asking price.

3. Find the Right Buyer

Finding the right buyer is critical to the success of the sale. There are several types of buyers to consider:

Strategic Buyers: These are companies or individuals in your industry looking to expand their market share or acquire new capabilities. They may pay a premium for businesses that complement their existing operations.

Financial Buyers: Private equity firms or investors looking for profitable businesses with growth potential fall into this category. They typically focus on the financial performance of your business.

Individual Buyers: These are entrepreneurs or aspiring business owners who see value in taking over an established business.

To find potential buyers, consider listing your business on online marketplaces, reaching out to your industry network, or working with a business broker who can connect you with qualified buyers.

4. Negotiate the Sale

Once you’ve found a potential buyer, the negotiation process begins. This phase is crucial, as it will determine the final terms of the sale. Key aspects to negotiate include:

Purchase Price: This is the most obvious point of negotiation, but it’s not the only one. Be prepared to justify your asking price based on your business’s financials and growth potential.

Payment Terms: You may receive the full payment upfront, or the buyer might propose an installment plan. Consider the tax implications and risks associated with different payment structures.

Transition Period: Many buyers will request a transition period where you stay on to help manage the business during the handover. Define the duration and scope of your involvement during this period.

Non-Compete Agreement: Buyers may ask you to sign a non-compete agreement, which would prevent you from starting a similar business in the same industry. Ensure the terms are reasonable and won’t limit your future opportunities.

5. Close the Deal

Once all the terms are agreed upon, it's time to finalize the sale. This involves:

Drafting the Purchase Agreement: Work with a lawyer to draft a purchase agreement that outlines all the terms of the sale, including the purchase price, payment terms, and any contingencies.

Due Diligence: The buyer will conduct a thorough review of your business, including financials, operations, and legal documentation. Be prepared to provide all requested information promptly.

Transfer of Ownership: After due diligence is complete and both parties are satisfied, the final step is the transfer of ownership. This includes transferring all business assets, such as inventory, intellectual property, and customer data, to the buyer.

Post-Sale Transition: If a transition period was agreed upon, ensure a smooth handover by providing the necessary training and support to the new owner.

6. Celebrate Your Success

Selling your eCommerce business is a significant achievement. Take the time to celebrate your success and reflect on the journey that brought you here. Whether you're moving on to a new venture or enjoying the fruits of your labor, you’ve accomplished something remarkable.

Conclusion

Selling your eCommerce business in 2024 requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a clear understanding of the market. By following these steps, you can maximize the value of your business and ensure a successful sale. At Imagency Media, we understand the importance of a well-executed exit strategy. If you're considering selling your business and need assistance with branding, web design, or preparing your business for sale, we're here to help.

Take the next step today. Contact Imagency Media to learn how we can support you in maximizing the value of your eCommerce business and ensuring a successful sale.

This article serves as a valuable resource for eCommerce business owners looking to navigate the complexities of selling their business in 2024. By following these guidelines, sellers can approach the process with confidence and increase their chances of securing a profitable and smooth transaction.

[oliyaseo]

SEO Automation: Tools and Techniques for 2024

In 2024, SEO automation has become crucial for businesses aiming to enhance their digital marketing efficiency. Automating repetitive tasks such as keyword research, content optimization, and performance tracking helps save time and reduces human error, allowing marketers to focus on strategic activities.

Top Tools for SEO Automation At the forefront of SEO automation are several potent technologies. Ahrefs and SEMrush excel in keyword research and competitive analysis. Relevance and readability are enhanced by Surfer SEO and Clearscope, while technical SEO audits are automatically conducted by Screaming Frog and Botify to find and address problems that impact search engine rankings.

Effective Automation Techniques

To maximize SEO automation, begin with comprehensive keyword research using automation tools to track performance and adjust strategies as needed. Utilize AI-driven platforms to generate content outlines and optimize metadata. Automate link-building by identifying high-authority sites and managing outreach efforts efficiently.

Balancing Automation with Human Insight

While automation handles data-driven tasks, human insight remains essential for creativity and strategy. Ensure your team reviews and refines automated outputs to maintain authenticity and effectiveness in content and link-building campaigns.

Future of SEO Automation

Advancements in AI and machine learning will further enhance SEO automation capabilities, predicting search trends and personalizing user experiences. Staying updated with these technologies is essential for maintaining a competitive edge.

Challenges and Considerations in SEO Automation

Despite its numerous benefits, SEO automation comes with its own set of challenges. Over-reliance on automation can lead to generic content that lacks the unique voice and personal touch crucial for engaging audiences. It is essential to strike a balance where automation aids but does not replace human input. Additionally, staying compliant with search engine guidelines is vital to avoid penalties associated with automated practices.

The Role of Data in SEO Automation

Data plays a pivotal role in the success of SEO automation. Real-time analytics and insights can guide automated processes, ensuring they are aligned with the latest trends and audience behaviors. Tools that offer robust data analysis capabilities can help businesses make informed decisions, refining their strategies for better outcomes.

In conclusion, SEO automation is essential for businesses in 2024, enhancing efficiency and allowing marketers to focus on strategy and creativity. By combining automated tools with human insight, companies can create authentic, engaging content and stay competitive. As AI and machine learning evolve, embracing SEO automation will drive organic growth and improve search engine visibility, ensuring long-term success in a dynamic digital View.