Las Vegas, April 4: Popular boy band and KPop stars dodged laser pointers as BTS played James Bonds in Tux setting the pitch for the high-energy 2022 Grammys performances. Their chart-topping single “Butter” made its debut on Sunday as the septet took the stage and channeled their inner Bonds for the awards show in a fresh choreography of the chartbuster.
Before kicking off the track, there was full-blown theatrics at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here by the group, who played on a secret-agent theme, slinging top-secret cards between members Jin, Jimin, V, RM, J-Hope, Suga and Jungkook, dodging neon-blue lasers as they gave a top-notch performance ahead of the rap part of the track. Mega Grammy winner of the night Olivia Rodrigo, who picked two awards (Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal album ‘Sour’) was also part of the BTS’ act it appeared, as in true blue Bond style Kim Taehyung, aka V, flirted with her as the spectacle began.
Putting on an “almost” full production, V, Suga, Jimin, Jungkook, RM, and J-Hope — minus Jin, who stayed seated for most of the performance — danced their way through “laser security system” like true spies on mission. V took on the role of the protagonist and made sure to set the mood as soon as the stage lit up. Dressed in a sleek black suit, he dropped down from the ceiling on a rope before he strolled into the audience to flirt with Rodrigo. As members of the band lounged alongside the screaming audience, the spotlight shined on them to create the illusion of a sexy film noir scene, with V sitting down beside Rodrigo and draping his arm on the table behind her seat.
Rodrigo, smiling and blushing, listened as V whispered in her ear to the tune of some smooth jazz. She then watched as he unleashed his inner magician, pulling a small card out from behind her back. Turning on the charm, V showed Rodrigo the card before expertly flicking it on stage for J-Hope to catch with one hand. It was unclear what V whispered into Rodrigo’s ear before he made the card appear, but it was definitely pre-planned from the look on Rodrigo’s face. However, that did not stop the Internet to go on an overdrive.
Following BTS’s performance and Rodrigo’s performance of “Drivers License,” the “Brutal” singer took home Grammys for best pop vocal album and best new artist. BTS was also nominated for Best Pop duo/group, but they lost it to “Kiss Me More” by Doja Cat and SZA. The high-energy performance by the South Korean boy band comes just days after Jungkook tested positive for Covid-19 on March 27. BTS’ management group, Big Hit, revealed that he was able to recover just in time for their appearance at the awards show. “We would like to inform you that BTS member Jungkook has made a full recovery from Covid-19 and his quarantine has concluded as of Saturday, April 2,” the company statement on Weverse said.
“Butter” was their second nomination after “Dynamite” last as they stay shy of a Grammy win. “Dynamite” spent a total of 32 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and “Butter,” has completed a total of 10 weeks in the No. 1 spot on the all-genre chart. BTS turned heads of course as they stepped on the red carpet. The boys coordinated in tan, white, and slate blue Louis Vuitton suits embellished with floral pins. As usual, V went all out, wearing a bouquet of giant floral pins on his tan suit. The looks were sharp, classy, and perfect to usher in spring, fashion websites described. UNI
