AleXa Ends Time at ZB Label With First Full Album, Sugarcoat

Before leaving ZB Label and re-debuting with a new stage name, AleXa released Sugarcoat: her first full album. The 10-track album released as a surprise following the soloist’s announcement she will undergo a rebrand soon. Through juggling dual Korean-American promotions, AleXa has taken on many unique activities in her current career.

From Alex Christine to AleXa

AleXa, under the name Alex Christine, initially gained attention through both seasons of Soompi’s Rising Legends audition show. After winning its second season in 2017, AleXa flew to South Korea for a taste of the trainee life in the documentary LEGENDARY: Making of a K-Pop Star. Though the film showed her learning under Cube Entertainment, she eventually signed with ZB Label.

AleXa’s next audition show came in the form of Mnet’s PRODUCE 48, which aired from June 2018. Though she placed low in the show’s rankings, she would debut the next year with a striking concept. Officially becoming a soloist on October 21, 2019, AleXa originally became known for a cyberpunk AI-based concept. Her debut single “Bomb” fused Latin beats and electronic music for an explosive experience.  

Promotions Beyond South Korea

Though winning Rising Legends’ second season propelled her into the K-Pop industry, AleXa rose to greater heights after winning the American Song Contest in May 2022. Representing her home state Oklahoma,  AleXa gave it her all in this American version of the Eurovision Song Contest. Her pop song “Wonderland” amazed audiences with its intense choreography. AleXa previously released music in English, but her American Song Contest win elevated her exposure within the U.S. market. 

She signed with U.S.-based United Talent Agency shortly after the American Song Contest to “expand her activities beyond singing.” In October, AleXa embarked on her AleXa 1st Meet & Live Tour in U.S. Though she did not hold a U.S. tour in 2023, she visited Australia and New Zealand on her Girls Gone Vogue Tour. Throughout 2023 and 2024, AleXa continued with a string of English singles; some of which she previewed on her 2024 Sick of You Tour. She showed early performances of singles that made it onto Sugarcoat, such as “distraction,” “i’m okay,” and “Joy of Missing Out.”  

Sugarcoat and Departure from ZB Label

Released on March 7, Sugarcoat serves as a milestone during AleXa’s remaining time under ZB Label. The full album, sung entirely in English, includes six previously-released singles: “Under the Armour,” “ENEMY,” “Joy of Missing Out,” “distraction,” “I’m okay,” and “sick.” The title track “Sugarcoat” reflects on hurting someone and owning up to one’s mistake. This rock song showcases AleXa singing with regret, highlighting the album’s focus on complex emotions. The other three original B-sides, “Something New,” “Arrogant,” and “Fatal,” stay true to this relatable theme.  

It seems like AleXa will leave regrets behind when she starts promoting under a new name. Through her new X account, seriinade, AleXa said she will “likely be going by [her] Korean name,” Kim Seri, in the future. She migrated to new social media handles as of last week, and will provide new updates there: 

Edited by Clark Royandoyan

Jacob Aron LeungComment