A2O MAY capped off their one-year anniversary on a festive high, bringing holiday magic to Z100’s All Access stage earlier this month.
Just four months ago, Chenyu, Shijie, Quchang, Miche, and Kat first arrived in New York City, wide-eyed and eager to introduce their sound to an international audience with the release of their debut album, PAPARAZZI ARRIVE. On Dec. 12, the group reached a major milestone, making their New York performance debut at Hammerstein Ballroom as part of Z100’s Jingle Ball All Access Lounge.
amNewYork got a backstage look at how these Zalpha pop pioneers prepared for their Big Apple moment. Dressed in dystopian rock-inspired outfits, the girls gathered in a green room cluttered with winter coats, reflecting on the whirlwind journey that brought them to one of New York’s most iconic stages.
“This is our first time performing in New York,” Shijie said. “I think we’re going to show our crazy side on stage. We really want the audience to catch our energy. It’s going to explode.”
Kat nodded her head and echoed the excitement, sharing just how meaningful the moment was for the group.
“This is our first time at Jingle Ball, and we grew up watching the show and seeing so many artists perform here,” she said. “Being here means so much to us. This is our second time in New York and our third visit to America. It already feels like home. Today we’re not just performing one or two songs, but multiple songs, so we’re really ready and can’t wait to feel the energy.”
Front-row barricades at Hammerstein Ballroom were lined with MAYnia, the affectionate name for A2O MAY’s fanbase. These eager supporters waved photocards, held handmade signs reading “Welcome to New York A2O MAY,” and screamed in anticipation. One devoted supporter even brought her baby to the show, earning a meet-and-greet wristband with the group.
“We’re so excited to see A2O MAY!” a group of fans screamed after winning their meet-and-greet passes.
For the members, seeing their fans front and center at the holiday festival in New York was a powerful moment.
“Most of the time we see fans in LA, so it feels really different, and really special, seeing them here in New York,” Miche said. “We’re at Jingle Ball, and we can already see our fans. It’s such an amazing opportunity to perform at Hammerstein Ballroom. It’s beautiful.”
Quchang believes that this performance was a major turning point in their career, solidifying their place on the global stage.
“It’s definitely a huge stepping stone for us to perform at Jingle Ball on such a big stage,” she told amNewYork. “It’s such an honor. We didn’t expect things to grow this fast, so we’re really happy.”
Known for spotlighting the most viral artists of the season, iHeart’s Jingle Ball welcomed A2O MAY just months after the release of their debut album, which was a remarkable achievement for a rising group. PAPARAZZI ARRIVE charted on Top 40 radio, marking the third time the group has landed on the chart, while their Spotify monthly listeners have surged to nearly 900,000.
Still processing their rapid rise, the members reflected on what it means to live out dreams they once imagined as children and offered advice to others hoping to do the same.
“Just go for it,” Miche said. “None of us expected to be doing what we’re doing now. Sometimes your family might not be supportive at first, mine wasn’t, but when they see what you’re building, they start to believe. You don’t have to care about other people’s words. Just go for it, and they’ll see what’s shining in you.”
Under deep crimson lights, A2O MAY tore through performances of “Boss,” “Under My Skin,” “B.B.B (Bigger Badder Better),” and “Paparazzi Arrive.” With fast-paced choreography, confident vocals, and undeniable stage presence, the group delivered a Jingle Ball performance filled with the kind of holiday magic only Zalpha pop stars can bring.
“For our MAYnia, this opportunity means everything,” Chenyu said. “From this stage, we’re going to meet even more people who support us. We were so excited to see you all.”
When the paparazzi arrive, A2O MAY are more than ready to command the spotlight.
