In the ever-evolving world of pop music, collaborations between artists from different backgrounds and genres often lead to exciting and innovative creations. One such collaboration that captured the attention of fans worldwide was the partnership between American singer Selena Gomez and the South Korean girl group BLACKPINK. Their song "Ice Cream," released in 2020, proved to be a global hit, showcasing the artists' unique talents and creating a delightful blend of pop sensibilities.
The Genesis of "Ice Cream"
The collaboration between Selena Gomez and BLACKPINK was first teased on July 23, 2020, when YG Entertainment, BLACKPINK's agency, released a teaser poster for a new single featuring an unnamed artist. This announcement immediately sparked speculation among fans, with many hoping for a collaboration with Ariana Grande, leading to the hashtag "#AriPink" trending on social media.
On August 11, 2020, the mystery was finally revealed: the collaboration would be with Selena Gomez. Adding to the excitement, it was later confirmed that Ariana Grande had co-written the song. Ten days later, the title of the collaboration was revealed to be "Ice Cream".
A Treat for the Ears: The Music and Lyrics
"Ice Cream" is an electropop and bubblegum pop song with elements of trap. The song was composed by Selena Gomez, along with Tommy Brown, Mr. Franks, Teddy, Bekuh Boom, Victoria Monét, 24, and Ariana Grande. The lyrics were penned by Boom, Monét, and Teddy.
The lyrics of "Ice Cream" are playful and flirtatious, comparing the sweetness of ice cream to the allure of a romantic interest. The song's catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it an irresistible summer anthem, perfect for dancing and singing along.
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A Visual Feast: The Music Video
The music video for "Ice Cream" is a vibrant and colorful spectacle, directed by Seo Hyun-seung, a frequent collaborator with BLACKPINK. The video showcases both Selena Gomez and the BLACKPINK members in a variety of eye-catching sets and outfits, all themed around ice cream and summer fun.
The video opens with Selena Gomez driving a pastel-colored ice cream truck filled with Serendipity Ice Cream, a brand she co-owns. The truck is adorned with the word "Selpink," a combination of "Selena" and "Blackpink," further emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project.
The BLACKPINK members make their entrance, appearing behind ice-cream-shaped cardboard cutouts. Throughout the video, the members are seen riding bikes, dancing in a Candy Land-like cul-de-sac, and posing with a capybara. Selena Gomez, on the other hand, is seen standing outside the ice cream truck, sporting a Puma romper and a green visor.
The music video was a massive success, garnering 79.08 million views in its first 24 hours, making it the third-biggest 24-hour debut for a music video at the time.
Chart-Topping Success and Records
"Ice Cream" achieved significant commercial success, both domestically and internationally. In the United States, the song debuted at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, surpassing "How You Like That" and "Sour Candy" to become BLACKPINK's highest-charting single in the country. It also became the longest-charting song by a female Korean act on the Hot 100, spending eight consecutive weeks on the chart.
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The song also performed well on other Billboard charts, debuting at number two on the Digital Songs chart and number eight on the Streaming Songs chart. It also appeared at number 32 on the Mainstream Top 40 chart, marking BLACKPINK's debut on the chart.
In South Korea, "Ice Cream" peaked at number 8 on the Gaon Digital Chart. In the United Kingdom, the song debuted at number 39, making BLACKPINK the first Korean act to achieve five top 40 singles in the country.
Globally, "Ice Cream" debuted at number eight on the Billboard Global 200 and number six on the Global Excl. U.S. charts, demonstrating its widespread popularity.
Accolades and Recognition
"Ice Cream" received critical acclaim, with many praising its catchy melody, vibrant music video, and the successful collaboration between Selena Gomez and BLACKPINK. The song appeared on numerous rankings for the best songs of the year, including lists by Billboard, Rolling Stone, and The Associated Press.
A Budding Friendship
The collaboration on "Ice Cream" not only resulted in a hit song but also fostered a genuine friendship between Selena Gomez and the BLACKPINK members. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions, the artists found ways to connect and support each other.
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Selena Gomez had previously met Jisoo and Rosé at a fashion show a couple of years before the collaboration, but the "Ice Cream" project allowed her to work with all four members of BLACKPINK. In a behind-the-scenes video, Selena Gomez expressed her admiration for BLACKPINK, saying, "They're very known for their videos and they're known for their personalities, so I felt like I got to step into their world a little bit."
In late 2022, Selena Gomez and BLACKPINK finally had the opportunity to meet in person during BLACKPINK's tour of the United States. Selena shared photos from their reunion on social media, captioning them with "Selpink chilling," referencing a line from their "Ice Cream" collab. The photos showed the artists sharing hugs and posing together, showcasing their genuine bond.
Impact and Legacy
The collaboration between Selena Gomez and BLACKPINK on "Ice Cream" was a significant moment in pop music history. It brought together two of the biggest names in the industry, showcasing their individual talents and creating a song that resonated with fans worldwide.
"Ice Cream" not only achieved commercial success and critical acclaim but also helped to bridge the gap between Western and Eastern pop cultures. The song's global appeal demonstrated the power of collaboration and the ability of music to transcend borders and languages.
The success of "Ice Cream" paved the way for future collaborations between K-pop artists and Western musicians, further solidifying K-pop's place on the global music stage.
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