Even for a group accustomed to global adoration, a moment of genuine starstruckness can still occur. BTS, the South Korean phenomenon that consistently tops charts and sells out stadiums worldwide, recently revealed which artists still inspire awe. During an appearance on the Elvis Duran Show this week, several members of the group shared their “fanboy” moments, with j-hope expressing particular admiration for American singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams.
The conversation arose as the group discussed the impressive roster of celebrities who’ve attended their concerts over the years. SUGA initially set the stage, explaining that encountering artists he admired growing up remains a uniquely thrilling experience. RM followed with a story about actor Matthew McConaughey, recalling his surprise and delight when McConaughey attended a 2019 show with his son and later visited the group backstage, particularly given RM’s fondness for McConaughey’s role in Interstellar.
But it was j-hope’s revelation that resonated with many fans. He shared that he discovered Abrams had been in the audience at a BTS concert “a few years ago,” and was deeply impressed. “It’s great. She’s an amazing artist, so it feels a bit surreal to witness such great artists at our shows,” he said. This exchange highlights the mutual respect within the music industry, even at the highest levels of fame. Gracie Abrams, known for her emotionally resonant lyrics and indie-pop sound, has quickly develop into a rising star in her own right, releasing her debut album, *Goodrich*, in 2022 and following it up with *The Secret of Us* in 2024. Billboard praised the album as a mature and introspective work.
BTS’ Fresh Chapter with ‘ARIRANG’ and Beyond
The interview with the Elvis Duran Show comes on the heels of a significant moment for BTS: the release of their new album, ARIRANG, on March 20. The album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, marks the group’s first full-length release since 2020. ARIRANG is a deeply personal project, reflecting on the group’s journey and connection with their fans, known as ARMY. The album features a mix of Korean and English-language tracks, showcasing the group’s versatility and continued artistic evolution.
To accompany the album, BTS too released a behind-the-scenes documentary on Netflix, offering fans an intimate look at the making of ARIRANG. The documentary provides insight into the creative process and the individual experiences of each member as they navigated this new phase of their careers. The group is also preparing for a world tour, details of which are eagerly anticipated by fans globally. During the interview, the members touched upon their excitement for the tour and their desire to connect with ARMY in person once again.
A Lighthearted Look Behind the Scenes
The Elvis Duran Show interview wasn’t solely focused on music and career milestones. The conversation also took a playful turn as the members were asked a series of lighthearted questions. One particularly amusing exchange involved determining which member would be best equipped to survive in the wilderness. RM confidently declared SUGA the most capable, playfully stating, “He’s like a walking GPT. Like, he knows everything.” This anecdote offers a glimpse into the group’s dynamic and their close-knit bond.
The members’ willingness to engage in these more casual conversations demonstrates their genuine connection with their fans and their desire to share a more personal side of themselves. It’s a quality that has contributed significantly to their enduring popularity and the unwavering loyalty of ARMY.
Check out BTS’ full interview on the Elvis Duran Show here:
The Impact of Mutual Respect in Music
J-hope’s admiration for Gracie Abrams underscores a broader trend within the music industry: a growing sense of mutual respect and appreciation among artists. In an era often characterized by competition, moments like these highlight the collaborative spirit and shared passion that unites musicians across genres. The fact that a global superstar like j-hope would express such genuine enthusiasm for a rising artist like Abrams speaks volumes about the power of music to transcend boundaries and foster connection.
As BTS continues to navigate their individual and collective journeys, their commitment to artistic integrity and their genuine appreciation for fellow musicians remain central to their identity. The group’s next scheduled activity is the continuation of their promotional efforts for ARIRANG, with further details regarding their upcoming world tour expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can stay updated on official announcements through BTS’s official social media channels and the Weverse platform.
What are your thoughts on BTS’ new album and j-hope’s admiration for Gracie Abrams? Share your opinions in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow ARMY!
