The fusion of music and television has become a defining feature of modern pop culture, with platforms like TikTok serving as both a launchpad for music hits and an avenue for television stars to showcase their creativity. On April 8, 2025, a new video emerged that captured both these elements: LISA, a member of the global supergroup BLACKPINK, and her The White Lotus castmates partook in a dance challenge to Doechii’s track "Anxiety." This lighthearted moment came shortly after the series' notably suspenseful third season finale, blending the tensions of the show with an energetic display of movement. How did this trend evolve, and what does it signify for the artists and audiences involved?
Released on April 6, 2025, The White Lotus Season 3's finale left fans in a whirlwind of suspense and emotional highs. The series, known for its intricate plots and character studies, concluded with a finale that was as gripping as it was revelatory. In a show that expertly combines drama with social commentary, the stakes were high as characters faced their demons against the backdrop of luxury and privilege.
The finale was not just a narrative high point; it also set the stage for the cast to reconnect in a joyful way, opting to celebrate through social media. In response to the emotional rollercoaster of the finale, Natasha Rothwell—who portrays Belinda—shared a TikTok video featuring the cast's spontaneous take on the trending “Anxiety” dance challenge.
The video begins with Rothwell, encapsulating the sense of isolation and anxiety portrayed in Doechii's lyrics, before it quickly transitions to a lively group dance involving LISA and fellow cast members Tayme Thapthimthong, Walton Goggins, and others. The choreography they performed drew inspiration from a nostalgic scene from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, demonstrating how classic moments can seamlessly integrate into contemporary trends.
This interplay of nostalgia, music, and character expression brings forth a unique aspect of today's entertainment landscape: the audience's ability to engage creatively with content in real-time. The cast's caption, “It’s giving anxiety; it’s giving suspense; it’s giving The White Lotus finale,” encapsulates this moment of blending humor with the heavier themes of their show.
As a platform, TikTok has changed how music interacts with television and film. Artists recognize that virality on the app can catapult songs to newfound popularity—often demonstrated by “Anxiety,” which peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 shortly after its release in March 2025. The song features a melodic sample from Gotye and lyrics that encapsulate the contemporary struggle with mental health, making it the perfect anthem for the dance challenge.
The ease with which trends can spread on TikTok exemplifies its growing influence in the industry. In an era where attention spans shift rapidly, the app provides a medium for immediate engagement and community interaction. Several artists have since used the platform as a marketing tool, where choreographed dances often accompany their latest releases, thereby enhancing the song's reach.
Emerging from Florida’s hip-hop scene, Doechii has solidified her position as a unique voice in music. Her recent success can be attributed to her ability to merge relevant themes with catchy melodies and innovative visuals. The official release of "Anxiety" on streaming platforms marks a significant accomplishment for the artist, who has gained recognition as a fresh face in hip-hop, particularly with her ability to touch upon societal issues through personal narratives.
Doechii reflects on her work, stating, "I want my music to resonate with listeners, to make them feel seen. Mental health struggles—though painful, should be shared in community for healing." Her creative vision not only caught the attention of The White Lotus but also underscores the broader cultural conversations around mental health becoming central topics in entertainment today.
For LISA, participating in The White Lotus marks a significant transition from music to acting. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity, calling it “the greatest honor” to work alongside such talented individuals. This marks a new chapter in her career, particularly as she embraces challenges outside her comfort zone.
Her performance in The White Lotus showcases her range as an artist and her ability to immerse herself in a narrative depth that both challenges and showcases her skills. As the show gains acclaim, LISA's role contributes to the evolving landscape of celebrity, where artists are more multifaceted than ever before.
The crossover of music and television not only enriches the content but also amplifies the experience for the audience. As artists leverage social media to engage with their followers, they provide fans a more immersive experience, allowing them to interpret and interact with the material actively.
As seen with LISA and her colleagues, engaging in viral trends also strengthens the performer-audience relationship, as shared experiences solidify fandoms. This paradigm shift raises questions about the way we experience storytelling. Are we moving toward a future where music and television will fuse even more seamlessly, allowing artists to break conventional boundaries?
The dance challenge to "Anxiety" serves as a lens through which we can view the participatory culture of today—where fans and performers co-create moments that resonate across various platforms.
The convergence of The White Lotus cast dancing to Doechii’s "Anxiety" following a dramatic finale illustrates the dynamic relationship between music and television, amplified by platforms such as TikTok. Moments like these allow fans to experience not only the narrative arcs of their favorite shows but also partake in an evolving cultural dialogue.
As seen through this instance, the future of entertainment leans into a space where audience engagement, personal narratives, and creative expression come together, reshaping how stories are told and experienced. The lines that once separated different forms of media have blurred, paving the way for a more multifaceted form of storytelling that captures the challenges and triumphs of contemporary life.
The dance challenge represents the intersections of music and television where artists and audiences engage creatively, fostering community and enhancing engagement with both the song and the series.
Doechii is an emerging artist known for blending contemporary themes, particularly around mental health, with catchy beats. "Anxiety" has resonated with audiences, becoming a popular anthem with a viral TikTok dance.
TikTok served as a platform for users to create viral content around "Anxiety," including dances and challenges, leading to increased listens and engagements with the song across streaming services.
LISA's role represents her transition from music to acting, showcasing her versatility as an artist and enhancing her profile across different entertainment sectors.
Their experience showcases the evolving landscape of storytelling where authenticity, emotional connection, and community engagement become central to both music and television.