1. Ditto
NewJeans nailed that chill, almost lo-fi drum-and-bass-lite beat. Its viral pull is undeniable. A local idol could own this by leaning into the effortless cool, ditching the usual high-energy choreo for something more atmospheric. It’s about the vibe, the subtle hooks that embed themselves. Think less 'performance,' more 'mood.' It's global bedroom pop perfected, a masterclass in understated cool for any local star aiming for a global sound.
2. Calm Down
This Afrobeats global takeover track from Rema and Selena Gomez is pure smooth. The groove is infectious, not aggressive. A local idol needs to tap into that laid-back confidence, the kind that makes you sway, not jump. The vocal interplay with Selena is key; a local collab, maybe an emerging regional voice, could inject that authentic localized flavour without losing the universal appeal. It's global romance, done right, begging for a local spin.
3. Ella Baila Sola
Regional Mexican music hit critical mass with this one. The corridos tumbados sound is raw, storytelling, and undeniably magnetic. For a local idol, it’s not about copying the sound, but understanding the narrative power. How can they tell a local story with that same emotional weight, using their own traditional instrumentation mixed with modern production? It’s about cultural specificity hitting global charts, and that’s a roadmap for any local act.
4. OMG!
Another NewJeans masterclass in retro-futurism. The R&B-infused pop with a light, bouncy beat is instantly catchy without being overwhelming. A local idol could use this template to introduce a more subtle, vocal-forward approach to their pop. It’s less about power notes and more about smooth harmonies and understated charisma. The visual aesthetic that comes with it is half the battle; it's about curated nostalgia that feels totally now.
5. Sprinter
UK drill/rap went mainstream global with Dave and Central Cee. The conversational, almost deadpan delivery over that sparse, hard-hitting beat is the blueprint. A local idol, especially one with a strong lyrical game, could adapt this flow. It's not about being aggressive, but about that undeniable swagger and real-talk narrative. The production needs to be minimal but impactful, letting the storytelling shine. Authenticity wins here, every single time.
6. TQG
The ultimate breakup anthem with two absolute legends, Karol G and Shakira. This track is pure, unadulterated female rage and empowerment, wrapped in a reggaeton beat. A local idol needs to tap into that raw, relatable emotion. It’s about owning your narrative, showcasing resilience. The local version needs to find its own power-duo moment, or a solo artist channeling that level of unapologetic energy. This is global catharsis, ready for a local voice.
7. The Unavailable 16 & The Original Nitty Gritty
This isn’t a chart-topper, but L'Rain is a vibe architect. Her soundscapes are next-level experimental R&B, jazz, and ambient. A local idol could use this as a mood board, integrating unexpected textures, fragmented vocals, or unconventional song structures into their B-sides or album intros. It’s about pushing boundaries, showing artistic depth beyond the viral single. This is for the idol who wants to be taken seriously as an artist, not just a pop star.
8. Set Me Free Pt.2
Jimin's K-Pop track flexes serious production muscle with its dramatic, orchestral trap infusion. The theatricality, the build-up, the sheer scale – that’s what a local idol needs to absorb. It's about delivering a performance, not just a song. How can they combine their local melodic sensibilities with such a grand, cinematic arrangement? This track screams main character energy. It's about global spectacle, demanding a local interpretation with similar gravitas.
9. Flowers
Miley Cyrus perfectly blended disco-pop nostalgia with modern self-love anthems. The groove is undeniable, feel-good, and universally appealing. A local idol could pick up on that retro-inspired, yet totally fresh, production. It’s about crafting an anthem that feels personal but resonates globally, a song that makes you want to dance and feel good about yourself. It's about global self-affirmation, a vibe every local artist should be chasing.
