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Blackpink, the sensational K-pop girl group, has etched their names in history as the first-ever Korean band to headline a major UK music festival. The magnitude of their achievement was evident as they delivered an electrifying performance to a sold-out crowd of 65,000 fans at London’s BST Hyde Park. Devoted followers from all corners of the world made the pilgrimage to witness this groundbreaking moment.
Blackpink fans from around the world
For Jeangil Pagunsan, who traveled from the Philippines, the anticipation had been building since the previous year. Overwhelmed with joy, she expressed, “No words can explain the joy we feel right now. This night was so insane.” Her friend Rick Mae Vaporoso echoed her sentiments, proclaiming, “We love everything about them. Everything was so hype.”
Adrian and Jess Chan, who journeyed from Nottingham, were captivated by Blackpink’s greatness. They cherished every aspect of the group, from their exceptional songs to their captivating personalities. They unanimously agreed on the greatness of the group – their songs, their personalities, and the infectious energy they brought. The consensus was that the quartet’s music resonated deeply, their individuality shone brightly, and their performances were truly invigorating.
Michelle and Yazmin Glackin faced a more arduous journey as their early morning flight from Northern Ireland was canceled. After a nerve-wracking wait, they managed to secure the last two seats on a later flight, ensuring they would not miss the show. After a long and eventful day, Michelle expressed her satisfaction, knowing that every moment was worthwhile. She couldn’t help but acknowledge her daughter’s profound fascination with the quartet, understanding the deep infatuation she had developed. Michelle’s sentiment reflected the willingness to relive the experience all over again, recognizing the immense joy it brought her daughter.
Blackpink’s impact extends far beyond being one of the biggest K-pop bands worldwide; they are among the world’s most prominent musical acts. The group’s formation occurred through an intensive six-year bootcamp, bringing together Lisa, Rosé, Jennie, and Jisoo. Hailing from different parts of the world, they form a unique and powerful collective.
Blackpink’s historic K-pop performance electrifies UK festival.
Since their debut single “Whistle” in 2016, Blackpink has amassed a massive following on YouTube, becoming the most followed act on the platform. They also hold the distinction of being the first K-pop girl band to sell a million albums. Their recent album, “Born Pink,” soared to number one on the UK charts, solidifying their global popularity. Moreover, they boast an astounding 356 million Instagram followers. Thus, despite appearing as an unconventional choice amidst the lineup of tried-and-tested acts at the UK festival circuit, Blackpink proved to be an inspired choice for the more adventurous BST event.
Blackpink’s performance at Hyde Park
Currently in the midst of a world tour, Blackpink dazzles audiences with a meticulously crafted show that combines their energetic pop songs with breathtaking choreography. Their performance at Hyde Park began with an explosive opening featuring their hard-hitting anthems “Pink Venom” and “How You Like That.” Bathed in pink lights, the group commanded the stage against a video wall adorned with sharp, black thorns, a visual representation of their unique musical identity.
Blackpink continued to enthrall the audience, maintaining an electrifying pace for the first 20 minutes. They stomped down the catwalk and delivered Fosse-inspired chair choreography during their performance of “Pretty Savage.” Amid the non-stop action, Rosé expressed gratitude for London’s cooling breeze, offering a brief respite.
During the middle section of the show, each member had a special opportunity to shine and share their solo material, providing audiences with captivating insights into their unique personalities. Jisoo enchanted the crowd with her sweet-hearted love song “Flower,” while Rosé, known for her songwriting prowess, displayed her pop sensibilities through a medley of “Gone” and “On The Ground.”
Jennie, who recently showcased her acting talent in the HBO drama “Idol,” captivated the audience with a delightful rendition of her solo hit, “Solo.” Her performance exuded playfulness and showcased her individual artistry.
Lisa, embodying the group’s fierce attitude, took the stage with an electrifying rendition of the hip-hop track “Money,” effortlessly commanding attention with her powerful presence. She then seamlessly transitioned into a voguing dance breakdown, leaving the crowd in awe of her exceptional skills and stage charisma.
Rosé bid farewell, declaring, “We definitely did not expect this much energy.” Jennie added her gratitude, saying, “I can’t put it into words, but thank you so much for everyone who showed up today.”
It is worth noting that the Hyde Park performance featured a revamped setlist specifically tailored for the occasion, incorporating new staging and choreography. Although they had previously performed a version of this set at Coachella, the band had to relearn the changes while touring Australia. In the final hours before the show, they conducted a dress rehearsal during soundcheck, overcoming jet lag and performing flawlessly as if the venue were filled to capacity.
Jim King, the individual responsible for booking Blackpink at Hyde Park and the head of European festivals for AEG, commended the group’s exceptional showmanship. He described the performance as a spectacle on every level, highlighting the demanding nature of performing at Hyde Park or Coachella, particularly for pop artists. King expressed his belief that Blackpink’s triumph has shattered any resistance towards K-pop in the festival scene, paving the way for other Korean acts to follow suit.
Blackpink’s groundbreaking feat at BST Hyde Park is merely the beginning, and King predicts that the genre’s influence will continue to expand. The passion displayed by fans, even those unfamiliar with the traditional greenfield festival experience, attests to the immense potential and enduring appeal of K-pop. As Blackpink’s concert drew to a close, they left an indelible mark on the music industry, a testament to their immense talent and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
Refer Here: Blackpink make UK festival history with electrifying K-pop set in Hyde Park
