From Travis Scott performing to 12 million Fortnite players to various livestreams, many artists have taken to virtual platforms to perform in a manner that ensures the health and safety of themselves, their fans, and the wider community. Roblox has announced that it will host a virtual concert this weekend featuring "Old Town Road" and "Panini" rapper Lil Nas X.
Between Roblox being highly popular among kids and Lil Nas X's own family-friendly and memetic image, it seems that this virtual concert will be a perfect partnership. Lil Nas X, real name Montero Lamar Hill, will perform his hit singles and debut his latest single "Holiday."
The concert will have three showings beginning this Saturday, November 14 at 1pm PST, with showings for Asia and Europe at November 14 10pm PST and November 15 9am PST respectively. A preshow for the concert will happen this Friday, November 13 at 4pm PST, which will have a Q&A session, an exclusive behind-the-scenes look, and an in-game scavenger hunt.
Besides the concert, players will also get access to new Lil Nas X-inspired items for their avatars, including a free Old Town Cowboy Hat. The concert will be the first of its kind on Roblox, with Lil Nas X "rendered digitally with motion-capture performance." With Roblox becoming highly successful this year, the addition of one of music's rising stars should further boost the game's profile and profitability.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affecting all facets of life, Roblox has become an escape for young children who are unable to go to school or physically interact with other kids. Roblox Corporation has reported that its game will make around $250 million revenue this year, doubling 2019's figure of $110 million. Roblox Corporation, which has been valued at $4 billion, is currently preparing to become publicly listed in the US stock market some time next year. This new move may propel it even farther.
After a blockbuster 2019 that saw "Old Town Road" become one of the most successful songs of all-time, 2020 has been a little bit quieter for Lil Nas X. The Atlanta rapper has been working on his debut album, which is currently untitled. Several song titles have already been revealed, with a snippet for the track "Call Me By Your Name" having been posted by Lil Nas X himself. While the Roblox virtual concert will be the official debut of new single "Holiday," it did receive a trailer featuring a cameo from Back to the Future actor Michael J. Fox.
Roblox is available on mobile, PC, and Xbox One.