Tegoshi Yuya, the former member of NEWS, staged his highly anticipated comeback on December 28, 2024, during the Japanese television show, "Announcement! The Most Played Songs of the Year – Annual Music Awards 2024." This performance marked his first appearance since joining the new boy group XY, produced by YOSHIKI of X Japan fame.
On the show, Yuya performed a cover of Hikaru Utada's classic track, "Can You Keep A Secret?," which has been ranked as the second most-played love song of the year according to data from Spotify.
This awards event, which highlighted the year’s top music based on streaming service statistics, served as the perfect platform for Yuya to reintroduce himself to the public. Fans were thrilled at the prospect of seeing Yuya perform again, especially as this event also featured XY’s first group performance since his recent inclusion.
"I really respect the original artist and wanted to infuse my own style and heart when singing this wonderful piece," Yuya said with a smile after his performance. His excitement was palpable as he expressed gratitude for the opportunity. "It was amazing, thank you!"
Social media buzzed with comments praising Yuya's performance. Fans shared their thoughts online, with messages such as, "Tegoshi-kun is too cool!" and "His singing voice brought tears!" Users flooded platforms with acclaims like, "It’s so wonderful to hear his voice on TV again!", emphasizing how thrilled they were to see him back on stage.
XY, which debuted last year, comprises 13 members and quickly gained attention due to their talent and charisma. Yuya’s addition to the group on October 2024 had been the subject of much speculation and excitement. His joining not only reinstated his visibility within the competitive music industry but also provided XY with additional star power.
The anticipation for XY's future performances is already building, especially after the enthusiastic reception of Yuya’s solo act before his group debut. The audience enjoyed the refreshing energy he brought as he sang with charm, occasionally winking at the camera and engaging with the viewers, showcasing the playful personality his fans missed during his absence.
Following his broadcast, Yuya’s name trended on social media, reflecting his enduring popularity and the deep connection he has with his fans. Many expressed their admiration for his performance, affirming the significant role he plays within the j-pop scene.
The music industry has seen many changes over the years, but the excitement surrounding Yuya’s return is reminiscent of his past success with NEWS. His ability to captivate fans with his vocals and stage presence is not only reassuring but showcases the resilience of his career over the years. Others have joined the fray to commend his artistic growth and determination to remain relevant, even after facing hurdles.
Yuya's return and collaboration with XY can potentially signify the beginning of new chapters for both him and the group. With their debut already showcasing impressive talent, fans can look forward to what lies on the horizon as they navigate the music scene together.
Overall, the excitement from the show and the response from fans highlight how deeply Yuya is appreciated as both a solo artist and as part of XY. With the support from fans flooding social media and the successful broadcast, this performance promises to be just the start of something larger.
