10 Of BTS’s Best Collaborations With Foreign Artists
BTS has become one of the most sought-after artists in the world to collaborate with, and it’s not really a surprise! Given their success and talent in the music industry, it’s no wonder that musicians from all over want to create songs with the K-Pop group. While there are sure to be plenty more collaborations with international (and, hopefully someday, other Korean) artists, here are 10 of the best collabs that have happened so far.
1. “Dream Glow” with Charlie XCX
Charlie XCX collaborated with BTS for this song that was made specifically for the group’s mobile game, BTS World. The dreamy sound of this multi-lingual song encourages listeners to chase after their dreams.
2. “Make It Right” with Lauv
The original “Make It Right” was sung by BTS alone, but later the same year that it was released (2018), the group made a reboot with singer Lauv. It was co-written by none other than Ed Sheeran, and hit the #1 spot on the US iTunes chart when it was released.
3. “Best of Me” with The Chainsmokers
RM said that BTS ran into The Chainsmokers during the Billboard Music Awards, where they connected and stayed in touch afterwards which eventually led to this song being created!
4. “Mic Drop” with Steve Aoki
This was BTS’s very first international collaboration, and it was a huge deal at the time it was made! This remix earned top rankings in tons of music charts, and was even awarded the “Best Dance Track” award at the Radio Disney Music Awards.
5. “Chicken Noodle Soup” with Becky G
This now-beloved anthem, which is a remake of a 2006 song done by Webstar and Young B (and vocally beloved by both J-Hope and Becky G), features lyrics in an impressive three languages – English, Korean, and Spanish. It also started a huge dance craze on the internet!
6. “Waste It On Me” with Steve Aoki
Another collab with the multi-talented Steve Aoki, this was BTS’s first all-English song. It was released as two separate music videos – one lyric video, and one featuring and all-Asian cast including famous actor Ken Jeong.
7. “Idol” with Nicki Minaj
The original version of this song, which includes explosive traditional Korean sounds, was made only more hyped and thrilling with Nicki’s sharp rapping.
8. “Old Town Road” with Lil Nas X
This performance marked BTS’s debut at the Grammys, and the first Korean artist to perform at the awards show. RM renamed this collaboration “Seoul Town Road” and even made references to homis – Korean farming tools – in the song. Hopefully next year they’ll finally be nominated!
9. “Boy With Luv” with Halsey
A sequel to their 2014 hit “Boy In Luv”, “Boy With Luv” broke many records for BTS with it’s peppy, uplifting lyrics and bright tone strengthened by Halsey’s inclusion.
10. “ON” with Sia
Of course, “ON” couldn’t be left off of the list! As their most recent popular collab, this powerful song is made even more so with Sia’s incredible vocals. This empowering melody was made to encourage ARMYs all over the world, and like “Boy With Luv”, broke even more records for BTS.
