Billie Eilish becomes playable character in Fortnite Festival

Billie Eilish is dropping into Fortnite.
The Grammy and Oscar-winning recording artist has become a playable character for Fortnite Festival, a rhythm-based music game not unlike Rock Band. Eilish, 22, announced her imminent arrival to the virtual game’s main stage in a post Monday on X that included a picture of her character in the game.
After teasing the partnership, Epic Games, the developer behind the massively popular online video game best known for its Battle Royale mode, released more details Tuesday.
Here’s what to know about Eilish’s role in the Fortnite Festival.
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Epic Games worked with Rock Band developer Harmonix to add a musical mode called Fortnite Festival to the in-game experience in 2023.
Eilish is just the latest among a slate of stars, including Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and The Weeknd, who have since graced the game’s virtual main stage. Similar to Rock Band, the game mode allows players to join with up to three others to play a licensed soundtrack of hits songs and Fortnite originals on instruments of their choice.
If past events are any indication, players can likely expect to play as Eilish on the main stage performing her top hits that may include “Happier Than Ever,” “Therefore I Am” and “Oxytocin.”
As players progress through Season 3 of the Fortnite Festival, they can unlock rewards that include instruments, outfits and new songs to perform, according to Epic Games. Among those unlockable rewards is Eilish’s neon green character skin and two Eilish-themed Instruments – a keytar and a microphone.
Season 3 ends June 13.
Eilish has earned no shortage of accolades and awards ever since she burst into the music scene in 2019 with her debut album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”
The singer/songwriter has racked up nine Grammy wins and two Oscars, the latest of which came in March when she and her brother Finneas’ melancholy ballad from the “Barbie” movie, “What Was I Made For?” won best original song.
Eilish has also revealed that her third album – and first since 2021’s Grammy-nominated “Happier Than Ever” – is on the way. “Hit Me Hard and Soft” will arrive May 17.
Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]