BLACKPINK's Triumphant Return to Los Angeles: A Concert Review

Jul 15, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Slide 4
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 1

BLACKPINK, the renowned K-pop girl group, recently captivated audiences in Los Angeles with a spectacular two-night engagement at SoFi Stadium. These sold-out shows, part of their 'Deadline' world tour's North American leg, not only entertained over 100,000 enthusiastic fans but also set a new milestone as the first girl group to sell out two consecutive nights at the venue. The concerts were a vibrant fusion of their classic anthems, fresh tracks, and impressive individual performances, demonstrating the quartet's continued dominance in the global music scene. The highly anticipated return showcased their dynamic stage presence and evolving artistry, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

The group's highly anticipated return to the City of Angels coincided with the release of their latest single, \"Jump,\" an undeniably infectious and energetic track that instantly claimed the top spot on Spotify's Daily Top Songs Global Chart. This new release also shattered YouTube records, becoming the most-viewed video globally in a single day with a staggering 26 million views, a testament to BLACKPINK's immense popularity and influence. The Los Angeles shows, taking place on July 12 and 13, were their first in the city in nearly two years, building up considerable excitement among their dedicated fanbase, known as Blinks.

One of the most compelling aspects of the concert was the thoughtfully curated setlist. Given that each member — Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa — has recently pursued successful solo careers, fans wondered how the group would balance their collective and individual artistic expressions. However, BLACKPINK masterfully blended their iconic group hits like \"Kill This Love,\" \"DDU-DU DDU-DU,\" \"Lovesick Girls,\" \"Forever Young,\" and \"How You Like That\" with their latest single \"Jump,\" and a selection of their debut tracks such as \"Boombayah\" and \"Whistle.\" This thoughtful arrangement highlighted their journey while showcasing their versatility as both a cohesive unit and individual artists.

Beyond the music, the visual spectacle of the concert was undeniable. SoFi Stadium was transformed into a dazzling sea of pink, as fans waved their iconic hammer lightsticks, creating an immersive and vibrant atmosphere. This collective display of fandom underscored why K-pop acts, and particularly BLACKPINK, are ideally suited for stadium performances. The group's nearly three-hour show was a non-stop, visually stimulating experience, demonstrating their meticulous attention to production and stagecraft. Upcoming tour stops include major cities like Chicago, Toronto, and New York, followed by European dates in Paris, Milan, Barcelona, and London, promising similar grand-scale spectacles.

A standout moment from the second night in Los Angeles was the unexpected appearance of Bruno Mars during Rosé's solo segment. Rosé's recent solo release, \"Apt,\" a collaboration with Mars, has been a chart-topping success, spending 37 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at No. 3. As Rosé concluded the first chorus of \"Apt,\" the crowd erupted when Bruno Mars emerged onto the extended stage. The duo, both sporting matching racing jackets, performed with palpable enthusiasm, creating an electrifying synergy that was hailed as one of the night's absolute highlights, rivaled only by the group's performance of \"Jump.\"

The concert also provided a significant platform for each member to showcase their individual growth and artistry. Jisoo charmed the audience with her captivating renditions of \"Earthquake\" and \"Your Love,\" the latter featuring a dramatic aerial lift across the stage. Lisa impressed with powerful performances of \"Thunder\" and \"Fxck Up the World,\" displaying her exceptional dance skills. Jennie, fresh from her solo release 'Ruby,' delivered a dynamic mashup of \"Mantra\" and \"With an IE (way up),\" making the stadium feel like an intimate club with her hit \"Like Jennie.\" Rosé, closing the solo acts, performed the mellow \"3am,\" an abridged \"Toxic Till the End,\" and a spectacular full version of \"Apt.\" The seamless integration of these solo segments into the group performance underscored that their individual pursuits have only enhanced their collective strength and on-stage chemistry, solidifying BLACKPINK's position at the pinnacle of their artistry.