NuNew on Whether Acting or Singing Makes Him More Nervous: ‘If You Make a Mistake, That’s It’

“I’ve loved singing since I was a child, but I only realized I could sing when I grew up, around 19-20,” NuNew told Billboard backstage at the 2026 TMElive International Music Awards, speaking in Thai via a translator. “Once I started covering songs and people liked my voice, I felt, ‘This is fun, I’m so happy,’” said the Thai talent, who began work as a professional actor before his music career kicked off in earnest. “That became the starting point for wanting to release my own songs.”

After wowing Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium with his voice on songs like “Heartquake” and his ineffable stage presence, NuNew sat down to chat with Billboard about his multi-faceted career. When asked which is more nerve-racking – singing or acting – he replied “both” with a laugh. “With acting, you can ask for a new take, and it will gradually get better. But with singing live, it can only be done once. If you make a mistake, that’s it, which is exciting in a different way,” mused the Cutie Pie star.

NuNew also shared how “Kata,” his duet with Thai singer-songwriter Bowkylion, came out. “We had a project together. She brought it out, feeling it suited me so well, and gave it to us. When I first heard it, it was so beautiful. It’s a sad song that carries pain,” he said. “If you read the lyrics the meaning is quite painful — seeing right before your eyes that the person you love is in love with someone else. But because you love them, you allow them to deceive you just so you can continue to be with them.”

Sad though “Kata” may be, NuNew says Bowkylion “arranged the music” in order to “give it more brightness” and a bit of a “positive element.”

Watch more of Billboard’s NuNew interview as part of our latest episode of Billboard All Access above.

Billboard’s travel and accommodations for the TIMA Honors were covered by Billboard China.