Billy Bellino Secures Spot in Best of the Best Showcase

Billy Bellino smiling through his set. (Haley Ramsey)

The Curb hummed with the soulful energy of rhythm and blues during this year’s R&B/Hip-Hop showcase. 

Four Belmont acts, Kaitlyn Ji’hae, Billy Bellino, Chloe Chastain and Liam Law and Lance Magic competed for the chance to win and compete at the Best of the Best Showcase.

Kaitlyn Ji’hae opened the show with songs inspired by ‘90s R&B and a performance that leaned into the sensuality of her music, she said. 

Kaitlyn Ji’hae singing with sass. (Haley Ramsey)

“I just love bringing a whole moment and story arc in performance. I like to bring back more vocal complexity into my music, but with a modern context,” said Ji’hae.

Following Ji’hae was Billy Bellino, an artist who was in awe of the production while walking into the spotlight.

“It's not every day that I get the guitars handed to me. I'm soaking this up right now,” said Bellino right before jumping into his songs.

Bellino’s feel-good set resonated with the crowd as he led them in releasing pent-up anxiety while introducing his song, “How ‘Bout That.”

“We're gonna take a deep breath in, we're gonna blow it out and we say, how ‘bout that?” said Bellino.

Billy Bellino singing and playing his guitar. (Haley Ramsey)

As Bellino announced his final song, the crowd sighed in disapproval at his leaving, leading him to assure the audience that the following acts are just as talented.

Chloe Chastain followed up with runs and a soulful voice influenced by the warmth of the 60’s greats like Etta James.

Chloe Chastain singing a vocal run. (Haley Ramsey)

After performing songs ranging from heartbreaking to whimsical, Chastain took the time to reflect on how this showcase affected her college experience.

“I've been looking forward to just being a part of the showcase,” said Chastain. “It's a really beautiful way to just put a little bow on my Belmont experience.” 

As the final performance came, a long lighting and instrumental intro played as Liam Law and Lance Magic exploded onto the stage.

Liam Law and Lance Magic performing. (Haley Ramsey)

With a mix of R&B and rap sounds, the duo, who are brothers, got the audience on its feet.

As the brothers left the spotlight, a different kind of performance art hit the showcase stage.

For the first time, the deliberation act highlighted local dancers and choreographers who performed to a variety of songs while the judges made their final decisions on the winner.

Koko French dancing for the deliberation act. (Haley Ramsey)

Ultimately, Billy Bellino secured the win with his captivating performance that left the audience wanting more.

Billy Bellino thanking the audience, judges and fellow contestants after his win. (Haley Ramsey)

Billy Bellino, along with the other winners of the 2025-2026 showcase series, will be performing again at the Best of the Best showcase in April.

Written by Zach Watkins