‘Girls of the Year’ VCHA on Finding Their Voice at JYP, Performing With Twice and More
It's been a ride for the six girls of JYP Entertainment's newly blossomed brainchild, VCHA.
Almost two years ago, Lexi, Camila, Kendall, Savanna, KG and Kaylee were strangers, hoping for a chance to be the face of K-pop's first American girl group on the survival series, A2K. But after months of training between Seoul and Los Angeles, they're like "a family," Kendall says in their recent interview with Sweety High.
"We learned so much about each, and we always have the time of our lives when we are together," Lexi adds. It's this bond and creative synergy that has allowed them to become, well, "Girls of the Year" in their official debut on Jan. 26.
Every aspect of the project is prime K-pop—fun beats, colorful costumes and flawless choreography. But their girl-next-door charm and tangible connection breathe new life into the genre.
(Image Courtesy of JYP Entertainment)
It's only the beginning of 2024, and VCHA is already set to have an impactful year. This March, they'll have their first-ever American performance at labelmate TWICE's Las Vegas show at Allegiant Stadium.
Ahead of their release and concert, VCHA gushed about their pre-concert jitters, what they are looking forward to as a group and more.
Sweety High: Congratulations on your debut! How are you feeling as you move into the real thing? Did the preparation for "Girls of the Year" feel different than SeVit (NEW LIGHT)?
Lexi: Thank you so much! I am feeling so many different emotions, but it's mostly excitement and motivation. It's a step forward, so I'm looking forward to showing the world what we prepared. It's amazing to be able to slowly start our journey.
The preparation for "Girls of the Year" had a different feeling, for sure. Our EP was mostly focused on songs from the show. Now, we are presenting a brand new us from scratch.
(Image Courtesy of JYP Entertainment)
Camila: It's the first song that was made to specifically highlight each member's charm. It was really special.
KG: It's been very emotional. This debut is going to be a memorable and special moment that will follow us and our fans forever. And it's amazing to start with the opportunity to tour with TWICE. It's a dream come true.
We are very close with each other and love sharing this journey together. And this is just the beginning.
SH: Your debut also marks a move from Seoul to Los Angeles. Are you enjoying the change of scenery?
Kendall: I'm definitely enjoying L.A.. It's nice to be in America again after spending most of the past year in Seoul. We've been training in Korea for so long. Moving here is a physical and symbolic shift from training to debut.
Savanna: I really am. L.A. isn't too different from Florida, so it wasn't hard to get used to the new environment. I love the weather and vibe.
Kaylee: I love the warm weather. It's a great change from the cold temperatures in Seoul.
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SH: What describes you more—"Girls of the Year" or "XO Call Me?"
Savanna: To describe myself, "Girls of the Year." The lyrics show a mindset I want to embody for our debut and moving forward. I also just love the song and the way it's mixed.
KG: Personally, "Girls of the Year." It's about finally achieving our dreams after working hard. Whenever I hear it, I look back to where I started and compare it to where I am now. I feel proud for believing in myself.
The track is definitely a strong statement piece for us—and one that we all feel connected to. Now, we're making our debut and feel like true "Girls of the Year."
(Image Courtesy of JYP Entertainment)
SH: VCHA's name is inspired by the Korean word that means "shine the light." How did VCHA illuminate their unique talents in the debut single album?
Kaylee: We have showed our dedication and patience through our journey as VCHA. We want to keep shining the light on the path to being "Girls of the Year!"
Kendall: I believe we have a unique color that was enhanced by this album. "Girls of the Year" and "XO Call Me" brought out a new light in each of us that allows us to shine brighter as VCHA.
SH: As KG mentioned earlier, you are opening for TWICE at their closing show in Las Vegas. How does it feel to perform in the US to such a large audience?
Camila: It's such a huge achievement to perform in front of many people. Opening for TWICE is an honor because we've always looked up to them. We never thought this opportunity would even be a possibility, but we are grateful and can't wait to show you what we've been working on.
Lexi: It is. It's an honor to perform on a big stage early in our careers. It's nerve-racking, especially since it's one of our first public performances. But even though there may be nerves, there will always be the feeling of excitement because we get to do what we love.
Savanna: It's surreal. I can't even put it into words. It's a mixture of nervousness and excitement. But we are very thankful and working super hard to prepare and do our absolute best.
(Image Courtesy of JYP Entertainment)
SH: You've already achieved so much, from peaking No. 1 on a Billboard chart to crossing more than 200,000 streams. Does that cause any pressure for new releases—or make it more exciting to know what you could accomplish together as VCHA?
Camila: More excited! We're confident that our new releases will shock the world. We work hard and believe it will pay off.
Kendall: Honestly, after seeing how much we've accomplished already, I'm looking forward to seeing what the future may hold for us. I'm determined to do my best for everyone who supports us now and in the future. I hope we can go even further—please look forward to our upcoming releases because they're going to be something special!
(Image Courtesy of JYP Entertainment)
KG: I'm happy we've done so well, but I don't think about numbers or accolades. What's most important to us is releasing good music and singing and performing the best we can while having fun in the process. But, of course, I think any time we perform, there will be pressure to do well and hope the audience will love us.
I'm grateful for everyone who has supported us and loves our music. I'm excited for our future.
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SH: You started your journey on A2K in 2022. How does it feel to look back at those moments? How has your relationship with one another shifted over the past year?
Lexi: I always enjoy looking back at those moments because they brought me here. It makes me emotional to know I made it and achieved my dream.
Kendall: When I look back at A2K, I feel nostalgic. So much has happened in such a short time and has had a major impact on all our lives.
The six of us have grown so much. The more time we spend together, the more inseparable we become. It's funny to think back to when we were awkward with each other. I'm grateful to have met Camila, Lexi, Savanna, KG and Kaylee. They changed my life.
SH: Each of you had a passion for music before joining VCHA, either as fans or artists. How has your relationship with music changed after joining one of the most influential K-pop companies?
Lexi: My relationship with music has changed so much because I see a different side of it. Rather than just being a listener, I'm behind the process. I appreciate music more and have respect for everything that goes into making music.
Camila: Since I was very young, I had a strong passion for music. Both of my parents were musicians. I was always surrounded by it. My relationship with music has stayed the same because I love what I'm doing. However, it did surprise me how much work is required behind the scenes and the amount of effort and time it takes to release great songs.
(Image Courtesy of JYP Entertainment)
Kendall: I think my relationship with music has become more well-rounded. I was surrounded by music before A2K and VCHA, but from a classical perspective. I sang in a choir and even considered going into opera. A completely different field to K-pop.
It was difficult to embark on this path because I had no experience singing pop music. But it broadened my musical spectrum and gave me a whole new skill set to explore a new side of singing, composing and songwriting that I never considered before.
Being at JYP Entertainment has helped me completely immerse myself into music. It used to take a backseat for school, but I can fully live in it. For that, I'm grateful.
Savanna: Well, first off, after joining JYP Entertainment, I learned how much hard work and dedication are behind everything you see online. I have so much newfound respect for artists around the world. Music has been a form of expression for years, and being able to do with my own songs is mind-blowing.
KG: I had a passion for music for sure. I grew up playing multiple instruments, writing music and was in a family band with my three brothers. My love for music has only grown at JYP. I love K-pop and grew so much in my dancing and performance, especially because I never danced. It's truly been an incredible learning experience.
Kaylee: My relationship with music has grown much deeper from when I first participated in A2K. It's been a key component of my daily life, and I don't think I can live without music anymore.
(Image Courtesy of JYP Entertainment)
SH: Anything else you'd like to add?
Savanna: First off, thank you for having us! I also want to thank our supporters and everyone who has been with us since the beginning. We cannot wait to show everyone what VCHA has in store.
Lexi: I just want to say that I'm grateful for everyone's support and VCHA will continue to make you proud. Stay tuned for the future!
Camila: I want to thank our fans for supporting us from the very beginning. Thank you so much for your love and appreciation. We hope you enjoy our new release.
(Image Courtesy of JYP Entertainment)
Kendall: Thank you to everyone who has supported us because it means the world. We couldn't do this without you and hope you continue to look forward to our upcoming releases because we have a lot of special surprises.
KG: Thank you for supporting VCHA! At the end of the day, we are nothing without our fans. We have been so blessed to receive such incredible support, and we promise to continue working hard to spread a light into this world.
Kaylee: We have all worked very hard to prepare for this moment. We thank everyone who supports us through our journey, and we hope you enjoy our debut!
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