Blackpink’s Triumphant Return to Los Angeles
The K-POP super group Blackpink returned to Los Angeles over the weekend and officially started the North American stage of its Deadline World tour. The four-member group, consisting of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, played two sold-out shows in the Sofi Stadium of LA on July 12th and 13th, setting a new record as the first girl group to sell out two nights in the stadium.
A Record-Breaking Return
The group’s first LA shows in almost two years brought in massive crowds to the event location in Inglewood, according to Live Nation. The LA shows coincided with Blackpink’s first group release in almost three years, the undeniable catchy and energetic single "Jump", which was released on Friday, July 11. The track broke the YouTube record for the most viewed video worldwide with 26 million views and stayed on Spotify’s top song chart.
Highlights of the LA Run
Night two of the LA run of the girl group was full of energy, excitement, and even a surprising surprise in the form of a special guest. The setlist update for the group was impressive, balancing classic songs, new solo works, and a guideline for the show. The group started the show with the typical Blackpink track "Kill This Love" and later played other signature songs such as "DDU du DDU-Du", "Lovesick Girls", "Forever Young", and "How You".
Solo Ventures and New Music
In the period since the last visiting group LA, Blackpink has ventured into individual pursuits, with each member enjoying increasingly fertile solo careers. In December 2023, it was announced that the group had renewed its exclusive contracts for group activities with YG Entertainment. However, it was later announced that all four members decided to part ways with the label for solo activities. Jennie signed with Columbia Records, Lisa signed with RCA Records, Rosé signed with Atlantic Records, and Jisoo signed with Warner Records.
An Ideal Setlist Update
The group managed to make an impressive balance of classic songs, new solo works, and a guideline for the show. They started the show with "Kill This Love" and later played other signature songs such as "DDU du DDU-Du", "Lovesick Girls", "Forever Young", and "How You". They also played their debut songs ("Boombayah" and "Whistle"), songs from their recent full release ("Pink Venom" and "Shut Down"), and their latest single "Jump".
A Well-Executed Special Guest Surprise
Rosé and Bruno Mars have conquered the charts with the solo release of the Blackpink member "APT". The single spent 37 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and is currently in 27th place after reaching 3rd place. The singer closed her solo set with "APT", and when Rosé ended the first chorus, the fans broke out when Mars was lifted onto the extended stage. The couple, sporting matching racing jackets, looked enthusiastic about performing the song.
A Stadium Bathed in a Pink Sea
There’s something to be said about why K-Pop groups provide the ideal stadium law. Blackpink, similar to other K-pop groups, starts a show that is apparently tailored for a stadium with a non-stop and visually exciting almost three-hour performance. A Blackpink show would be fun at almost every event location, but a stadium with legions of fans, almost all of them with the legendary Rosa Hammer-Light stick of the group in hand, adds ten times to the experience.
A Chance to Shine for Everyone
During the second act, the oldest member of the group, Jisoo, and the youngest, Lisa, carried out their solo sets, while Jennie and Rosé carried out their explanations throughout the law. Jisoo made himself known in the crowd with songs such as "Earthbquake" and "Your Love", in which the 30-year-old was raised in the air and shown on stage. Lisa carried out strong versions of "Thunder" and "Fxck Up the World" with the 28-year-old showcasing her undeniable dance skills.
Solo Performances and Group Chemistry
Jennie, who played a small series of shows tailored to her solo release, made the stadium feel like a club with a dynamic performance of her hits. Rosé was the last of her group members to carry out solo, singing the mild "3 a.m." and a shortened version of the leading single of her album "Toxic Till the End" before ending with a dynamite performance of "APT". It is clear that every member of the group had time to grow as a performer, and each solo department skillfully conveyed the idea that performing as a solo singer has only improved their skills and chemistry as a group.
