The Filipina Singer Going Viral For Her “Embarrassing” Name
When stars debut, they are usually given the option of using their real name or taking on a stage name for several purposes. For example, NCT Haechan, whose real name is Lee Donghyuck, was given the stage name as it means “full sun.”
The name chosen (usually) sticks with a star as they continue their career, with some idols even being referred to as their debut name after changing it.
With how important a name can be, it makes sense why a talented Filipina singer recently went viral over her stage name.
Beatrice “Bea” Kristi Ilejay Laus is a Filipina-English singer-songwriter who began her career in 2017, releasing a song called “Coffee” that gained the attention of Dirty Hit Records, home to The 1975 and Rina Sawayama.
For her earlier works including her debut mini-album, Lice, the star used the name “Bea” on the cover.
According to a 2021 interview, she was told by a friend she needed to pick a stage name, and decided to use the name of the fake instagram account she shared with friends — Beabadoobee.
Beabadoobee believed that “no one would listen” to her music, leading to the whimsical, but meaningful choice.
I never really expected this to be a thing. So when my friend Oscar, who at the time was releasing my music on all the streaming platforms he said, “You need an artist name to go by.” At the time, I had a separate Instagram account just for me and my mates–it’s called a finsta, and it was called Beabadoobee because none of the names were being accepted on the app. And I was like, “No one’s gonna listen to my music Oscar, just use that name. Use my other Instagram name,” and now we’re here.
— Beabadoobee in an interview with The Current
Recently, a tweet announcing Beabadoobee’s upcoming album was quoted by a netizen who wondered if the star regretted picking her name. The tweet hit more than 3.7 million views, with some stating they could not listen to her music because of her name.
Do u think she ever regrets picking beabadoobee as her stage name https://t.co/qN7jbhCPN4
— G (@g2orgina) May 8, 2024
Because I have to admit that is the reason I have never listened to her music… imagine being like oh yeah I’m a fan of beabadoobee.. that’s so embarrassing to say out loud
— G (@g2orgina) May 8, 2024
Is this a safe space to admit her name is literally the only reason why I can’t listen to her
— annie ✰ #GDC2024 (@BlushJar) May 9, 2024
Making her stage name difficult to pronounce and spell was such a terrible career decision 😭
— shan (@wildIyenchanted) May 9, 2024
While her name is unique, her success has proven that most do not feel similarly.
In addition to opening for The 1975 in 2020, Beabadoobee performed as an opening act for 12 concerts of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour.
With each release, her music has only charted higher, including her viral 2023 hit “Glue Song.” Prior to this, she was named the “Top New Rock Artist of 2020” by Billboard and included on their “21 under 21” the same year.
Beabadoobee’s upcoming studio album, This Is How Tomorrow Moves, is set to be released on August 14, 2024. You can keep up with her on her socials, and we can’t wait to hear what she puts out next!
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