Blackpink Returns to L.A. to Remind Us All Why They’re the Biggest Girl Group in the World

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The famous K-pop band Blackpink arrived in Los Angeles this past weekend, marking the start of the North American segment of their Deadline world tour.

On July 12 and 13, the four-piece girl band, consisting of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, performed two sold-out concerts at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium. This historic achievement marked them as the first girl group to sell out consecutive nights at this stadium. The venue, Live Nation reported, welcomed more than 100,000 fans over these two nights, making it the band’s first L.A. shows in almost two years to attract such a large audience.

The L.A. performances were strategically linked to Blackpink’s initial group release in almost three years, featuring the infectiously catchy and lively single titled “Jump.” This song was dropped on July 11th and currently holds the top position on Spotify’s Daily Top Songs Global Chart. Remarkably, it set a new record on YouTube for the most-watched video globally in one day with an astounding 26 million views, as stated in a press release.

The second night of the girl band’s Los Angeles performances was brimming with vigor, anticipation, and an unexpected delight for the audience – a notable guest appearance. Let me share some memorable moments from Blackpink’s Deadline world tour in L.A.:

The second night of the girl band’s LA shows was buzzing with life, thrill, and a crowd-winning surprise – a well-known guest star. Here are some key highlights from Blackpink’s Deadline world tour in Los Angeles:

An Ideal Setlist Update for the Group

Since their last performance in L.A., Blackpink has embarked on individual journeys, each member experiencing significant growth in their respective solo endeavors. In December 2023, it was disclosed that the group had extended their exclusive contracts with YG Entertainment for group activities; yet, a subsequent announcement revealed that all four members opted to leave the label to focus on solo projects. Jennie joined Columbia Records through an alliance with her record label and entertainment company Oddatelier; Lisa and her company LLOUD formed a partnership with RCA Records; Rosé secured a global solo contract with Atlantic Records; and Jisoo signed a worldwide deal with Warner Records.

Considering the circumstances, it was challenging to imagine how the setlist would shape up, but Blackpink skillfully combined popular classics, individual works, and a well-structured performance sequence for the show. The group initiated the event with their most iconic track, “Kill This Love”, followed by other notable songs like “DDU-DU DDU-DU”, “Lovesick Girls”, “Forever Young” and “How You Like That”. They also played earlier hits (“Boombayah” and “Whistle”), recent album releases (“Pink Venom” and “Shut Down”) and their latest single “Jump”.

A Well-Executed Special Guest Surprise

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A post shared by ROSÉ (@roses_are_rosie)

Rosé, along with Bruno Mars, is causing a stir in the music charts with their joint release “Apt,” the solo single from a Blackpink member. This song, which draws inspiration from a well-known Korean drinking game, has held its ground on the Billboard Hot 100 for 37 weeks now. At the moment, it’s ranked at number 27, having previously reached number 3.

At the end of her standalone act, the singer chose “Apt” as her final number. As Rosé completed the initial chorus, the audience was already deeply immersed in the lively show, but when Mars joined her on the extended stage, the fans exploded with excitement. The duo, both wearing racing jackets, seemed genuinely delighted to perform together, making it one of the night’s most memorable moments, surpassed only by Blackpink’s rendition of “Jump.

A Stadium Bathed In a Sea of Pink

It’s worth noting that K-pop groups such as Blackpink are exceptional choices for stadium acts. Their shows, much like those of other K-pop groups, appear to be specifically designed for stadium performances and offer an uninterrupted, visually stunning spectacle lasting nearly three hours.

Watching a Blackpink concert would be enjoyable virtually anywhere, but experiencing it in a stadium filled with fans, most of whom are waving the group’s signature pink hammer lightsticks, significantly enhances the enjoyment by tenfold. This year, the girl group is set to perform at Chicago’s Soldier Field, Toronto’s Rogers Stadium, and New York’s Citi Field, followed by shows in Paris, Milan, Barcelona, and London.

A Chance for Everyone to Shine

In the heart of act two, I found myself captivated as pre-recorded clips unfolded, showcasing the ladies of Blackpink cruising through the dazzling lights of Las Vegas. As the scene transitioned, our eldest and youngest members, Jisoo and Lisa, graced the stage with their mesmerizing solo performances. Meanwhile, acts four held the spellbinding appearances of Jennie and Rosé, each delivering a unique and powerful performance that left me in awe.

Jisoo won over the audience with tunes such as “Earthquake” and “Your Love,” which included a segment where the 30-year-old was lifted above the crowd and carried around on stage. Lisa delivered powerful renditions of “Thunder” and “Fxck Up the World.” The 28-year-old actress from “White Lotus” showcased her exceptional dancing abilities during her performance as well.

Jennie, who recently performed a series of shows coinciding with her solo album release titled “Ruby,” had the audience joining in on a medley of her songs “Mantra” and “With an IE (way up)”. At just 29 years old, she managed to make the stadium feel like a nightclub with her energetic rendition of her popular hit “Like Jennie.” Rosé was the most recent member of their group to embark on a solo career. The 28-year-old performed the soft ballad “3am” and a condensed version of her album’s debut single “Toxic Till the End” before ending with an explosive performance of “Apt.

It’s evident that every member in the band has had opportunities to develop as individual performers: Lisa, Jennie, and Jisoo showcased their solo Coachella debut, Jisoo toured Asia this year, and Rosé achieved a chart-topping hit with “Apt.” However, each solo performance also demonstrated that their growth as solo artists has significantly enhanced their unity and synergy as a group. The decision to incorporate these solo segments added to the impression that anyone who attended the show would have had on Sunday night: Blackpink is currently at the pinnacle of their career.

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2025-07-15 03:54