Global girl group A2O MAY lights up iHeartRadio with “PAPARAZZI ARRIVE”

The next-generation global girl group A2O MAY didn’t shy away from the camera flashes at the iHeartRadio’s NYX Professional Makeup Sound Studio on Oct. 21. The powerhouse quintet made up of CHENYU, SHIJIE, QUCHANG, MICHE and KAT  appeared for this exclusive listening party and fanmeet Q&A, where they celebrated their debut album, “PAPARAZZI ARRIVE.” Their debut album was released on Oct. 24. It was after A2O MAY’s live performance and chat that I, host of K-ALL, interviewed the group to discuss their new album and what their future entails.

The 14-track release not only introduces A2O Entertainment’s original genre, Zalpha Pop — a fusion of Generation Z and Generation Alpha influences — but also showcases the members’ versatility through a dynamic mix of pre-debut songs, sub-unit performances and solo tracks. Their distinctive sound was cultivated under the guidance of K-pop pioneer Lee Soo-man, founder of SM Entertainment and architect of the modern K-pop idol training system. 

During the iHeart listening session, MAYnia, their official fan club, was treated to early live performances from “PAPARAZZI ARRIVE,” including both pre-release singles like the sensational “B.B.B (Bigger, Badder, Better)” and entirely fresh material such as the confident title track “PAPARAZZI ARRIVE” and a crowd favorite, “Rap Medley.”

“This is our second time performing this one live!” KAT exclaimed before launching into the medley, a remix compilation featuring the group’s renditions of “SMALL TALK,” “Violet,” “BILLIE EILISH” and “Nice to Meet Ya.” 

The rap-infused set allowed each member to showcase their distinct flow. The twins KAT and MICHE, who hail from Hawaii, opened with a powerful back-and-forth synergy for “Small Talk” as their sisterly dynamic radiated across the stage. A beat switch-up signaled the entrance of the youngest member, CHENYU, who delivered her signature deep voice for “Violet.” SHIJIE joined her for an effortlessly cool verse. “Feeling so tall I could give a high-five to the pilot,” CHENYU rapped. This line felt especially fitting for the 5 '8 performer towering above the fans in front of her. SHIJIE followed with one of the night’s most natural flows, oozing charisma and swagger. Even vocalist QUCHANG joined in on the hip-hop fun with her cheeky delivery of “Big T-shirt, Billie Eilish!” The medley closed with “Nice To Meet Ya,” featuring all five members playfully singing with MAYnia and exchanging direct eye contact as they rapped.

To end the set, A2O MAY performed the title track “PAPARAZZI ARRIVE,” blending strong vocals and synchronized salutes as they declared, “I’m not going to run, Paparazzi Arrive!” Despite it being the fans’ first time hearing the song, they comfortably sang along to the hook by the second chorus — a true testament to the track’s instant appeal.

A2O MAY perform latest title track, "PAPARAZZI ARRIVE" at iHeartRadio.

Once the music set concluded, the members shared their thoughts on the album. “We’re very excited for everyone to hear our solo tracks,” MICHE said, her smile glowing with pride. 

KAT complemented her twin by adding, “And [we’re so excited] for our live performances — we can’t wait to meet our fans everywhere.”

When asked about how the group came together, CHENYU was quick to highlight their close bond: “Since forming A2O MAY, we’ve become like family. We laugh together and walk through challenges together —  in a way, we already are family.” 

MICHE reflected on their journey preparing for “Under My Skin,” recalling the intense training that preceded their debut. They were told that if they did well, they’d debut — if not, they’d stay as “A2O Rookies,” as CHENYU cheekily put it. Luckily, the group rose to the challenge, officially debuting on Dec. 20, 2024 with “Under My Skin,” a remake of TVXQ’s legendary “MIROTIC,” and they haven’t slowed down since. 

When asked about musical inspirations, KAT was quick to name Taylor Swift. “She’s my first musical inspiration. Ever since I watched her perform, she made me realize how much I truly love music and want to make it my career.” 

iHeart’s very own radio personality, Josh Martinez, followed up by asking about their current inspirations. MICHE revealed that she listens to Tate McRae and Tinashe, praising both artists for their dance skills and adding that she’d love to collaborate with them in the future.

When asked if there are any languages the group would like to tackle outside of Mandarin and English, MICHE confessed that one of the new album’s tracks, her & KAT’s song “SWEAT,” is sung in both English and Spanish.  

As the fan Q&A wrapped up, fans got one last surprise. When asked what fans can look forward to, QUCHANG teased, “There’s a huge surprise for MAYnia,” before SHIJIE let the cat out of the bag by disclosing that there’s an iHeart Jingle Ball performance on the horizon. 

MAYnia has already embraced pre-release singles like “B.B.B (Bigger, Badder, Better),” “BOSS,” and “Under My Skin,” the latter of which broke records as the first track by a Chinese girl group to enter the U.S. Top 40 Radio chart. The track remained on the U.S. Top 40 Radio chart for two consecutive weeks. “BOSS,” their official debut single, extended that success by charting for five weeks and achieving the highest-ever placement by a Chinese girl group.

Earlier this May, A2O MAY made their U.S. stage debut at iHeartRadio’s 102.7 KIIS-FM Wango Tango Festival, followed by an appearance on KTLA 5 Morning News, marking their first American TV performance. Now, they return with a bold new showcase of sounds, from Latin-inspired beats to soaring solo tracks crafted to highlight each member’s unique style.

Angel caught up with A2O MAY following their pre-album showcase to discuss their creative process, unit tracks and what comes next. Read the full interview below.

The following conversation took place on Oct. 21 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Angel: It’s wonderful to meet you today. Shall we start with introductions?

SHIJIE: May I? 

Group: We are A2O MAY! I’m SHIJIE; I’m KAT. Hello, I’m CHENYU, it’s MICHE and this is QUCHANG.

Angel: Hello! It’s so wonderful to speak with you. What was your favorite part of preparing for “PAPARAZZI ARRIVE”?

KAT: The process of making it was super fun! We added our own ideas, and we are very satisfied with the results.

SHIJIE: Yes, I loved recording and photoshooting [photo-clicking hand gesture]. Please look forward to our [physical] albums. There is a huge, like very thick, photobook.

CHENYU: And the music video will be so fun!

Angel: That’s amazing! You mentioned during the iHeart[Radio] interview about a Latin track you recorded. Could you tell us a little more about that? 

QUCHANG: That’s for the twins! 

MICHE: That was the last track that we brought into this album. It’s very new to us and will be new to the audience as well. What I will tell you is that the choreography and rhythm are very beautiful. It’s very different from the other tracks in this album! So stay tuned.

Angel: We’re looking forward to it! What are you most excited to do with your fans this year?

Group: Fan meetings!

QUCHANG: We have a release party on Oct. 24 in Los Angeles. We are looking forward to that one, and also we have several stages planned in the U.S.! Meeting face-to-face [with fans is most exciting].

CHENYU: We also have the A2O Show and end-of-the-year projects!

Angel: Thank you so much, girls. I’m sure MAYnia is excited for everything!

Group: Thank you!