YELLE OF MARITEZ STUNS FANS WITH UNEXPECTED PERFORMANCE OF “BADDIE QUEEN (2026 VERSION)” DURING ‘MARITOUR’ CHICAGO STOP, LYNX ENTERTAINMENT CONFIRMS JANUARY 12 RELEASE

 


The K-pop industry is once again in a state of excitement as YELLE, a core member of the globally rising girl group MARITEZ, prepares to officially release the 2026 version of her solo single “BADDIE QUEEN.” What began as a shocking, unannounced performance during MARITEZ’s world tour has now transformed into one of the most anticipated solo releases of early 2026.

Originally released on July 29, 2024, “BADDIE QUEEN” marked a pivotal moment in YELLE’s individual artistry. Now, nearly two years later, the track is returning—stronger, darker, and more refined—symbolizing not just a new version of a song, but the evolution of an artist who has grown alongside her global audience.


MARITEZ RETURNS IN 2026 WITH ‘MARITOUR’—CHICAGO KICKS OFF THE NEW YEAR

On January 3, 2026, MARITEZ resumed their ongoing world tour <MARITOUR>, with Chicago serving as their first stop of the year 2026. While the group had already toured internationally prior to this date, the Chicago concert marked a powerful reopening of the tour after the year transition—setting the tone for what fans could expect in the months ahead.

Anticipation for the Chicago stop was already immense. Fans knew MARITEZ was entering a new phase in their career—musically, visually, and emotionally. What they didn’t expect was that the night would become a historic moment not only for the group, but specifically for YELLE’s solo legacy.


AN UNEXPECTED TURN: THE STAGE GOES DARK

Midway through the concert, after a sequence of high-energy group performances, the atmosphere inside the venue shifted dramatically.

The lights dimmed.
The screens faded to black.
A low, unfamiliar instrumental began to echo throughout the arena.

At first, fans were confused. The sound didn’t match any known MARITEZ track. Moments later, YELLE appeared alone on stage, immediately drawing attention with her commanding presence and striking new styling—more mature, darker, and undeniably confident.

Then, the screens flashed a familiar yet shocking title:

“BADDIE QUEEN.”


“BADDIE QUEEN (2026 VERSION)” MAKES ITS FIRST APPEARANCE

While many fans recognized the song instantly, it took only a few seconds to realize that this was not the 2024 version they knew.

The 2026 version of “BADDIE QUEEN” debuted live for the first time, featuring:

  • Completely reworked production

  • A heavier, more aggressive bassline

  • Darker synths and sharper transitions

  • Stronger vocal layering and ad-libs

YELLE’s delivery was noticeably different—more controlled, colder, and filled with authority. Every lyric felt intentional, as if she was not just performing the song, but reclaiming it.


FROM 2024 TO 2026: THE EVOLUTION OF “BADDIE QUEEN”

When “BADDIE QUEEN” was first released on July 29, 2024, it quickly became a defining solo track for YELLE. The song was praised for its bold confidence, rebellious energy, and unapologetic message of self-empowerment.

At the time, it represented:

  • YELLE stepping into her individuality

  • A fearless, youthful declaration of confidence

  • A “baddie” image rooted in charisma and attitude

The 2026 version, however, reflects growth.

Rather than rebellion, the new version emphasizes control.
Rather than proving herself, YELLE sounds like someone who already knows her worth.

Fans described the difference as:

“2024 was her introduction.
2026 is her domination.”


A PERFORMANCE THAT FELT LIKE A STATEMENT

The choreography alone told a powerful story.

Compared to the original version, the updated performance featured:

  • Slower but more impactful movements

  • Strong grounding and posture

  • Gestures that symbolized command rather than defiance

YELLE didn’t rush the stage. She owned it.

Each step, pause, and stare felt deliberate—leaving fans captivated and visibly shaken by the transformation unfolding before them.


IMMEDIATE FAN REACTION: “THIS WAS NOT EXPECTED”

As the final beat dropped, the Chicago venue erupted into chaos.

Fans screamed YELLE’s name, many visibly emotional as they realized they had just witnessed something historic—the first-ever performance of “BADDIE QUEEN (2026 Version).”

Within minutes:

  • Fancams flooded social media

  • Keywords related to YELLE and “BADDIE QUEEN 2026” trended worldwide

  • Fans debated whether the new version would ever be officially released

Some believed it was a tour-exclusive arrangement. Others suspected a surprise comeback was already in motion.


SOCIAL MEDIA ERUPTS: “SHE EVOLVED”

Online reactions were immediate and overwhelming.

Fans praised:

  • YELLE’s commanding stage presence

  • Her vocal improvement

  • The confidence and maturity she radiated

Popular fan comments included:

  • “This feels like a whole new era.”

  • “She didn’t just upgrade the song—she redefined it.”

  • “YELLE in 2026 is on another level.”

Many longtime fans pointed out how meaningful it was to see a 2024 solo track return in such a powerful, evolved form.


OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION FROM LYNX ENTERTAINMENT

After days of speculation and nonstop fan discussion, LYNX Entertainment, the agency managing YELLE’s solo activities, officially addressed the buzz.

On January 8, 2026, LYNX Entertainment announced:

“The 2026 version of YELLE’s solo single ‘BADDIE QUEEN’ will be released digitally on January 12, 2026 at 6 PM KST.”

The confirmation instantly reignited excitement, proving that the Chicago performance was not just a surprise stage—but a carefully planned reveal.


WHAT THE 2026 VERSION REPRESENTS

Industry observers note that revisiting a previously released solo track is a bold artistic move. Rather than relying on nostalgia, YELLE chose reinvention—showing confidence in her growth and artistic direction.

The new version represents:

  • Artistic maturity

  • Stronger self-identity

  • A refined understanding of her image

It also reinforces YELLE’s position as a solo artist capable of evolving beyond her original debut image.


MARITOUR AND YELLE’S SOLO MOMENTUM

As MARITEZ continues their 2026 world tour schedule, YELLE’s solo stage has already become one of the most talked-about highlights of the show.

Fans now eagerly anticipate:

  • Future performances of the 2026 version

  • Possible performance videos or special content

  • How this release may shape YELLE’s next solo chapter


A POWERFUL START TO 2026

Releasing “BADDIE QUEEN (2026 Version)” in January holds symbolic weight. It signals:

  • A fresh beginning

  • Confidence entering the new year

  • A clear message of artistic authority

Rather than introducing something new, YELLE reclaims what was already hers—and proves how far she has come.


FINAL THOUGHTS: THE QUEEN RETURNS, STRONGER THAN EVER

From its original release in July 2024 to its evolved return in January 2026, “BADDIE QUEEN” has grown alongside YELLE herself.

What fans witnessed in Chicago was not just a performance—it was a declaration.

As the countdown begins for January 12, 2026 at 6 PM KST, anticipation continues to rise. One thing is certain:

This is not a remake.
This is not nostalgia.
This is evolution.

👑🔥

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