Artists ready for YouTube’s ‘Hello 2021’ event

Dua Lipa, Matthew McConaughey, J Balvin and more are set to appear on YouTube’s virtual New Year’s Eve special, titled Hello 2021, which will begin at 10:30 p.m. EST.

Lipa and Balvin will be performing along with Karol G, YG and Kane Brown. Demi Lovato, RuPaul, Emma Chamberlain and the D’Amelio Family will be making special appearances in addition to YouTube stars Dude Perfect, the Dolan Twins, Larray, Marques Brownlee, Brad Mondo and ZHC.

Storm Reid and Juanpa Zurita are serving as the hosts. The event will feature speeches, DJ sets and more in addition to the live performances.

YouTube will also be presenting separate Hello 2021 virtual events for New Year’s Eve in the UK, Japan, South Korea and India. Each version will feature different guest appearances with Lipa also performing during the UK version.

“With the world ready to move past an extremely challenging year, YouTube will use its global reach to celebrate the hope and promise of 2021,” YouTube’s global head of original content Susanne Daniels said in a statement. “We look forward to closing the book in 2020 and throwing a worldwide celebration that our YouTube community can safely enjoy from home,” she continued.

BTS named Time magazine’s Entertainer of the Year

South Korean boy band BTS is Time magazine’s 2020 Entertainer of the Year. Time announced the news alongside an image of BTS on its new magazine cover.

In a profile for Time, BTS discussed its global success and fandom. The group topped charts with its albums Map of the Soul: 7 and Be this year, and has millions of loyal fans, known as Army.

BTS’ message of kindness, self-acceptance and optimism has helped it connect with people worldwide, despite any language barriers.

“I always wanted to become an artist that can provide comfort, relief and positive energy to people,” J-Hope said. “That intent harmonised with the sincerity of our group and led us to who we are today.” BTS is nominated for its first Grammy, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Dynamite,” at the 2021 Grammy Awards.