Blackpink reaffirmed their status as one of the foremost girl groups in the world with a dynamic two-and-a-half hour performance at Wembley Stadium.
The South Korean quartet – Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa – made history as the first K-pop girl group to headline the prestigious venue, joining the ranks of music icons such as Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, BTS, and Oasis.
The group delivered a high-octane show for their dedicated fans, characterized by infectious melodies, sharp choreography, and a display of their strong bond.
“It’s an absolute honor to be performing here at Wembley Stadium,” Lisa shared, dedicating the concert to the enthusiastic audience of 70,000. “We’re in awe of you all for making this possible.”
“This is an epic dream,” added Jennie, “and it still feels somewhat surreal.”
“The last time we were in London, it was incredible, but this is on another level,” Rosé remarked.
“We’re truly grateful for your continued support.”
This performance marked the first of two nights at Wembley Stadium, concluding the European leg of their Deadline tour, which encompasses 31 dates across 16 cities globally.
The tour commenced in Seoul last month, strategically accompanied by the release of their new single, “Jump,” which quickly amassed 26 million views on YouTube within a single day, setting a new record.
The tour is projected to break their own record for the highest-grossing tour by a female group, a title previously held by the Spice Girls during their 2022-2023 Born Pink world tour.
Blackpink is only the second K-pop act to headline Wembley, following in the footsteps of BTS, who performed at the stadium in 2019.
Blackpink’s London show began with a vibrant display of lasers and pyrotechnics, leading into a series of energetic pop anthems: “Kill This Love,” “How You Like That,” and “Pink Venom.”
The stadium was instantly illuminated in pink as the audience rose to their feet, waving lightsticks in synchronization with the music.
The choreography on stage was intricate and executed with precision. Blackpink moved in unison, seamlessly transitioning as each member took the spotlight, before reforming into a cohesive unit.
During “Playing With Fire,” the expansive video wall divided into four sections, displaying close-ups of each member as they danced on the circular catwalk, captured by individual cameras.
This transitioned smoothly into “Shut Down” (which samples Paganini’s “La Campanella”), featuring choreography that was flawlessly mirrored by their devoted fanbase.
While the Deadline tour is billed as a reunion, it marks only two years since Blackpink’s last performance in London.
In the intervening period, the group negotiated a new contract with YG Entertainment (reportedly the most lucrative record deal of 2023), received honorary MBEs from King Charles, and each pursued individual projects.
Rosé collaborated with Bruno Mars on the hit song “APT,” Lisa starred in “The White Lotus,” Jennie’s self-referential club track “Like Jennie” went viral, and Jisoo took the lead role in the K-drama “Snowdrop.”
The tour structure alternates between group performances and solo segments, with British artist FKA Twigs making a brief appearance eating a scone backstage during Rosé’s solo set.
Despite concerns that the time apart might have weakened the group, the tour demonstrates the opposite.
The singers’ individual personalities shine through even more now that they have had the opportunity to explore their own creative paths.
Lisa embodies the rebellious rock star, injecting Blackpink’s signature attitude while playfully winking at the camera.
New Zealand native Rosé serves as the group’s cheerleader, engaging with the audience and showcasing her ambitions to emulate Taylor Swift through semi-acoustic ballads.
Jennie exudes cool older sister vibes, sporting sunglasses and leather jackets while effortlessly executing the choreography.
Jisoo is the most reserved member, delivering impressive high notes and complex vocal lines.
Like all successful girl groups, each fan can identify with a particular member – or “bias,” in K-pop terminology – whose personality resonates with them.
While each solo segment has its highlights (Jennie’s “Like Jennie” is electrifying, and Rosé’s “APT” is perfect for a stadium-sized singalong), Blackpink truly shines when they perform together as a cohesive unit.
As they declare in their comeback single: “All gas, no brakes.”
Early hits such as “Whistle” and “DDU-DU DDU-DU” receive the same level of energy as recent favorites such as “Lovesick Girls.”
“Pretty Savage” features some of the night’s most impressive staging, with the singers appearing within picture frames before concluding the song at a golden ballet barre. “Forever Young” feels like an anthem to their friendship.
The group’s chemistry is particularly evident during “Don’t Know What To Do,” when Lisa and Rosé playfully bump into each other on the catwalk, collapsing into laughter.
As the song concludes, the group engages in spontaneous interaction with the crowd as Rosé struggles to tie her shoelace.
During a reprise of “Jump” (a potential song of the summer contender), the group abandons the choreographed steps, tossing their heads back and forth in a humorous display.
When Rosé asks Jisoo for her opinion of the night, Blackpink’s most reserved member simply gives a thumbs-up.
“Two thumbs up? That’s huge!” her bandmates exclaim, embracing her with all eight thumbs raised.
In that moment, Blackpink signals that this comeback is more than a performance – it’s the beginning of a new chapter.
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