On this day, hundreds of fans known as MAYnia arrived early on Friday, October 24, 2025, for this exclusive special one day event for Chinese Pop Girl Group Sensation, A2O MAY. This young five member all girl group gave a commanding and memorable experience for all the attendees for their 1st EP Album release party and show called, “Paparazzi Arrive” at The Vermont Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA.
Written by Don Marcelo
The event showcased a lot of different things to do for all their fans. There was a red carpet “Paparazzi shot” for fans to get their photos taken by the pros and by their friends in front of a step and repeat backdrop. There was an interactive photo zone where fans lined up and got their selfies taken or photos taken by their friends. There was a Hi-Fi Listening zone and music videos on screen for a truly immersive experience before the actual live performance by A2O MAY. And for the VIP-ers and the Media Photographers and Social Media influencers, a special media goodie bag and press kits were handed along with complimentary themed food and beverages.
All photos rights reserved by © Don Marcelo Photography 2025
Hosted and emceed by award winning journalist and columnist, Jeff Benjamin, A2O MAY brought in a new style of music called “Zalpha Pop”. Spearheaded by the founder and creator of A2O ENTERTAINMENT and SM ENTERTAINMENT, Lee Soo-man, a leader and pioneer in the world of KPOP Music and Entertainment, A2O MAY’s style aims to tell compelling stories of their generation striving for true connections with fans globally. The genre is described to be futuristic in both sound and production coupled with emotional storytelling and exciting dance choreography. The ladies want to connect with their fans authentically through their music and their performance and their message and they want to be the leader of this new style of genre that they have dubbed and created called “Zalpha Pop”. They want to inspire confidence and not shy away from what you are meant to be on this planet (as described in their song called “Paparazzi Arrive” when one of the members explained what the song is all about on this night) They do not want to be just like any other “KPOP” or “CPOP” Groups. They want to be the leader of this genre and not just be a fad. And on this night they definitely have proven and captivated the audience with their style, including me, a predominantly Hard Rock Music listener and music photographer, where I was impressed immediately by their authenticity and became a fan of their style and their music.
All photos rights reserved by © Don Marcelo Photography 2025
The ladies of A2O MAY are comprised of the following amazing and multi-talented young ladies:
Miche: Chén Jiāyí (陈佳仪
Quchang: Qǔ Chàng (曲唱)
Shijie: Lǐ Shījié (李诗洁)
Chenyu: Zhū Chényǔ(朱晨予)
Kat: Chén Jiāchén (陈佳辰)
A2O MAY first debuted back in December 2024 with their single called “Under My Skin”. With their diverse backgrounds, hailing from China to Hawaii, the group is multicultural and bilingual and has achieved a few successes since their debut. They are the first Chinese group to enter the Top 40 charts on the radio and have even performed at iHeartRadio’s Wango Tango. And with their latest new single called “Paparazzi Arrive”, a very catchy tune with great dance choreography, I am sure that this will be a hit around the world.
On this wild, memorable, and explosive evening, the ladies of A2O MAY delighted music fans opening up with their hit song called “BOSS” and followed it with their other hit song called “B.B.B. (Bigger, Badder, Better). They performed with such greatness and confidence on this night, full of smiles as if they have been doing this for decades. Their confidence, musicianship, and showmanship defined a new meaning for the word “BOSS”. They are definitely “Bigger, Badder, (and) Better” and they are “Cooler than you”…If you know you know.
After the first two songs, Jeff Benjamin re-introduced the ladies where they talked and interacted with the audience and introduced themselves while promoting their latest EP, “Paparazzi Arrive.” and their musical journey. And they all did this speaking in OUR Native Language in English since they are after all multicultural and can speak and understand English extremely well which is unheard of in the world of KPOP where most members will have one or two English speakers. They were so impressive that one member even spoke some Spanish to create another authentic feel for some Spanish speaking Angelenos.
All photos rights reserved by © Don Marcelo Photography 2025
After talking to the audience, the song called “Black Sheep” was performed and debuted on this night. Followed by “Under My Skin”. The night continued on with more exciting performances by the ladies of A20 MAY including a Rap Medley by the members. And then they paused some more with another audience interaction telling us more stories about their musical journey. They then saved the best for last, “Paparazzi Arrive”, the first debut U.S. Performance. This was the song that I was introduced to before covering this event and I love this song. Truly an exciting and explosive showcase brought on by the ladies of A2O MAY.
After A2O MAY’s great performance, the audience left with beautiful and wonderful memories. Some VIP-ers and Media people and Influencers stayed and were invited back upstairs for some exclusive meet and greet and group photos with the ladies. Overall, this was a great and memorable event with this new group that is sure to lead this new style of genre in the world of POP Music. Thank you to Team A2O MAY for inviting me and S.L.R. MAGAZINE for this exclusive event. We hope to see you again in Los Angeles soon. Excited for your continued success and growth. Xie Xie!
Photo Gallery of the performance by © Don Marcelo Photography 2025
FOLLOW A2O MAY on all their socials for more great “Zalpha Pop” style genre of music:
https://www.instagram.com/a2o.may
https://www.facebook.com/A2OChannel
https://www.youtube.com/@A2O_Channel
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