By: Sophie Querijero
SB19 brings the Philippines into the international spotlight once again with their Billboard nomination for Top Social Artist at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. The quintet makes history as the first Filipino and Southeast Asian act to be nominated by the prestigious awards show.
Image from SB19 Twitter Page
Comprising members Josh, Justin, Ken, Pablo, and Stell, the 5-member group was trained by ShowBT Philippines, a branch of ShowBT Entertainment in Korea. With many hits under their name, SB19 achieved 6th on the list of Billboard’s Top Social 50 Artists of 2020, which is why it is no surprise that the group received a nomination for Top Social Artist for the 2021 BBMAs.
After hearing the news, the group showed their love and appreciation for their fandom, A’TIN, through their official social media account.
WE MADE IT, A’TIN! 🎉
We are nominated for Top Social Artist of this year’s Billboard Music Awards!
We are so grateful for your love and support. We wouldn’t have come this far without all of you. A’TIN ‘TO!
Iwawagayway ang WATAWAT! 🇵🇭#SB19forBBMAs pic.twitter.com/eCjaPxNauH
— SB19 Official (@SB19Official) April 29, 2021
Billboard determines the popularity and reach of artists by monitoring and tracking their activity based on “key fan interactions with music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, and social engagement.” With “Top Social Artist” being one of the fan-voted categories in the awards show, it just goes to show how popular SB19 already is, and with this nomination, the group might just get more international recognition.
Watch the livestream of the announcement of finalists for the BBMA below.