Stray Kids, the K-pop octet who released 5-Star this summer, performed one of the album’s singles, “S-Class,” on Tuesday night at the MTV Video Music Awards. It was the group’s first time performing on the awards show.
The group wasted no time jumping into the high-energy performance with seamless choreography. The glitching graphics behind them placed the singers in a laser-filled video game landscape. Midway through their set, Stray Kids was joined by a crew of additional dancers to take the show to the next left. They all fell into step together, not missing a beat while they traded off rap verses and vocal harmonies.
The ensemble already took home the award for Best K-Pop trophy for “S-Class.” They were previously nominated in the same category in 2022 for “Maniac,” a track off their Oddinary EP. Earlier this year, they performed that song on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
“What’s special about [‘S-Class’] is how fresh it feels because we used various sound sources and song forms which create the illusion that there are a number of different tracks combined as one,” the group’s Changbin told Billboard. “I’d say the unique and addictive rhythm in the hook is what especially stands out.”
“While all of the tracks we considered for the title were great, we ended up choosing ‘S-Class’ as the title because this was the song that really screamed Stray Kids,” Hyunjin added. “Experimentation isn’t really something that’s new to us because we’re always trying to push our boundaries. I think this helps us strengthen our distinctive color.”
Other performers at the VMAs this year include Anitta, Olivia Rodrigo, Demi Lovato, Karol G, Kelsea Ballerini, Måneskin, Doja Cat, Tomorrow x Together, along with Shakira who’s being honored with the Video Vanguard Award, and Diddy, who earned the Global Icon title.
The MTV Video Music Awards are airing live on MTV from the Prudential Center in New Jersey.
Stray Kids’ Bang Chan, the group’s leader, explained the significance of the Stray Kids name in an interview with Rolling Stone Australia in 2021. Commenting on the slogan, “Stray Kids everywhere all around the world,” he told the magazine, “It’s not just us.” “We try to keep them on the same path as us,” Felix, one of the group’s rappers, said. “Just looking at the words ‘Stray Kids’ reminds me that I’ve been through a lot. I can humbly become a part of it with people who have been through a lot as well.”
From Rolling Stone US
