Decoding "GRAND CHAMP" from BMSG Fes 2025: The Stories Behind the Song
Beyond the spectacle: A deep dive into the history, heartbreaks, and unbreakable bonds shaping the BMSG spirit.
The performance of “GRAND CHAMP” at BMSG FES’25 was more than just a high-energy finale.
To the casual observer, it’s a showcase of elite talent. But to those who have followed BMSG’s journey, it is a living tapestry of history, heartbreak, and unbreakable bonds.
To truly appreciate this performance, you have to look beyond the spectacle. Here is your guide to the “Who’s Who” and the hidden sagas that make this song the ultimate anthem of the BMSG spirit.
The Shockwaves: "How is everyone so talented?"
When BMSG released the performance video of “GRAND CHAMP,” it wasn’t just the fans who were captivated. The comment section quickly turned into a space of pure awe, with new viewers and long-time supporters alike expressing their disbelief at the sheer level of talent gathered on one stage.
Here are some of the most powerful reactions from the community:
“Wait... everyone is a top-tier vocalist and their skills are through the roof. With a label like this, I have no choice but to become a fan!”
“It’s chilling to think that none of this would exist without SKY-HI. I have nothing but maximum respect for the CEO and every single artist who believed in his vision.”
“If SKY-HI hadn’t founded BMSG, these incredible artists might never have been found. Thank you, CEO, for being everyone’s hero.”
“For the first time in my life, I’m a fan of an entire agency. I’ve never loved every single person in a company like this. I’m just full of gratitude.”
“One genius after another appears... I can’t even catch my breath!”
The recurring theme is clear: unbelievable individual talent backed by a deep sense of gratitude toward their leader. Many are calling it a “miracle” that these specific people found each other.
Now, you might be wondering—who are these “geniuses” that have everyone so breathless?
Let’s look at the vocal relay so you can follow along with the performance.
The Performance Guide: Who’s Who
If you are new to the family, use this timeline to identify the artists as they take the mic. Each brings a unique color to this vocal relay.
0:00 SKY-HI (CEO) – in a long jacket
0:09 RUI (STARGLOW) – in a white shirt
0:20 JUNON (BE:FIRST) – in a white T-shirt
0:27 KAIRYU (MAZZEL) – in a black jacket
0:35 REIKO (Solo Singer) – in a white jacket
0:40 RAN (MAZZEL) – in a black vest
0:50 EIKI (MAZZEL) – in a black jacket and khaki pants
0:58 SHUNTO (BE:FIRST) – with a white bandana
1:03 SKY-HI & NAOKO (HANA) – with lavender hair
1:10 SEITO (MAZZEL) – in a “FUBU” logo shirt
1:21 YURI (HANA) – in a red skirt with long straight hair
1:28 MAHINA (HANA) – with long blond hair
1:37 RYUHEI (BE:FIRST) – in a fluffy denim suit in the center
1:44 HAYATO (MAZZEL) – in a kahki jacket on the right
1:52 NAOYA (MAZZEL) – in a black shirt and a jacket with fur on the left
2:00 Aile The Shota (Solo Singer) – in a black stadium jumper
2:07 Novel Core (Rapper) – in a no-sleeve black T-shirt
2:21 SKY-HI & JISOO (HANA) – with blue short-bob hair
2:27 LEO (BE:FIRST) – in a fluffy denim suit
2:39 KOHARU (HANA) – with wavy dark hair up
2:46 MOMOKA (HANA) – in a one-shoulder outfit and pants
2:55 SOTA (BE:FIRST) – in a white T-shirt and fluffy pants
2:57 TAIKI (STARGLOW) – in a black leather jacket
3:02 TAKUTO (MAZZEL) – in a camouflage jacket
3:06 RYUKI (MAZZEL) – in a green shirt
3:10 SOTA (BE:FIRST)
3:14 RYUKI (MAZZEL)
3:17 TAKUTO (MAZZEL)
3:21 TAIKI (STARGLOW)
3:24 MANATO (BE:FIRST) – in the fluffy suit
3:34 GOICHI (STARGLOW) – in a white shirt
3:41 ADAM (STARGLOW) – in a black jacket with white patterns
4:06 SKY-HI & CHIKA (HANA) – with crimson hair
4:14 KANON (STARGLOW) – in a black jacket and pants
Note: BE:FIRST members are wearing the same fluffy denim outfit, while MAZZEL members are in a casual outfit. STARGLOW members are wearing a monochrome outfit.
🎥 Watch the full performance here:
Note: No time to watch the whole video right now? Then, do yourself a favor and skip straight to 4:06.
The explosive performance by CHIKA (HANA) alongside SKY-HI will leave you speechless. I promise, once you see those few seconds, you’ll find yourself hitting ‘replay’ from the very beginning.
Now, let’s dive into the most emotional highlights of the performance.
Beyond the incredible vocals, there are stories hidden in these moments that will make you see this stage in a whole new light.
Hidden Saga #1: RUI and the Handwritten Promise
There is a profound reason why RUI (STARGLOW) stands alongside SKY-HI to open the song.
Excluding the founding member, Novel Core, RUI was actually the very first artist to sign with BMSG, even before BE:FIRST.
His journey began with the 2021 audition, THE FIRST.
Despite his undeniable star quality, RUI, then 13, was eliminated before the final stage. However, SKY-HI saw a spark that couldn’t be ignored—a talent too precious to let go.
In a move that has since become legendary among fans, SKY-HI handed RUI a handwritten contract on the spot. He told him:
“I can’t put you in this specific group (BE:FIRST) right now, but I need you in BMSG. Please, sign with me.”
Seeing the two of them open “GRAND CHAMP” together is a powerful “full circle” moment. It honors the boy who took a leap of faith with a handwritten promise, and the CEO who kept his word to build a place where that talent could truly shine.
That “shine” is no longer just a promise; it’s STARGLOW.
Hidden Saga #2: RAN & REIKO — “Soshi-Soai” (Mutual Love)
One of the most emotional highlights is the presence of RAN and REIKO.
Their bond was forged in the fire of the 2021 audition THE FIRST. Both were fan favorites, and both faced the devastating reality of being finalists who were not chosen for the debut group, BE:FIRST.
For a long time after that, they trained side-by-side as BMSG trainees, aiming to debut together in the label’s next group.
However, fate had different plans. After a period of intense pressure and soul-searching, REIKO found himself at a breaking point.
Having started as a complete beginner in both singing and dancing during THE FIRST, his rapid growth was miraculous—but the weight of pressure he put on himself may have become too heavy to bear. He made the difficult decision to step away from the training for the next group (which would later become MAZZEL).
After a necessary hiatus to heal and rediscover his voice, REIKO eventually found his way back to the stage—not as part of a group, but as a Solo Artist. Meanwhile, RAN debuted as one of MAZZEL's powerhouse members.
Despite their paths diverging in such a painful way, their support for one another has never wavered.
REIKO once beautifully described their deep connection with the Japanese term “Soshi-Soai” (Mutual Love)—a soulmate-like bond that transcends competition or group labels.
Seeing them stand together in “GRAND CHAMP,” leaning on each other’s presence, is proof that their “mutual love” survived the detours and only grew stronger.
They are no longer just trainees dreaming together; they are stars who have found their own ways to shine, side-by-side once more.
Hidden Saga #3: The New Wave of STARGLOW & KANON
While the performance honored the veterans, it also introduced the world to the next generation of BMSG.
The members of STARGLOW each carry their own incredible stories. GOICHI and TAIKI joined as BMSG trainees after their own struggles.
TAIKI, in particular, was only 13 years old when he was eliminated during the creative screening of THE FIRST. Despite his young age, he was already a gifted rapper who had been writing his own lyrics since childhood.
But perhaps the most “Cinderella-like” story belongs to ADAM.
Just one year prior to this festival, he was working as a churrasco waiter. He entered BMSG through a general audition and, in a whirlwind of a year, transformed into the professional artist you see on screen.
Then there is KANON, who faced his own heartbreak as a finalist for the group that became MAZZEL. Though he wasn’t chosen for that specific group, his talent was too bright to let go. He was offered a contract as a trainee on the spot.
Watching them perform together, you realize they aren’t just a group; they are a collection of “fated talents” who turned their frustrations and impatience into the fuel that powers their debut.
The climax of the song belongs to KANON.
By entrusting the very last note to him, SKY-HI sent a clear message to the audience: “This is our future.” Seeing KANON shine in the closing seconds gives us a glimpse of the heights BMSG is set to reach in the years to come.
It isn’t just about individual stardom; it is about a community of artists rising as one. Every struggle, every detour, and every “mutual love” has led them to this peak—and yet, for BMSG, this is still only the beginning.
— Written by Lily | BMSG Pulse
