ITZY Brought the Drama and Sass to be Simply Fabulous in NJ
Photos: JYP Entertainment, Chris Spiegel
It was all sass and drama as the stage became ITZY’s world on June 23 at Newark’s Prudential Center. Last time we saw the group, it was on a much smaller stage at New York’s HITC last year. What we didn’t realize was that it was just a taste of what ITZY was able to do. The team made up of Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, Yuna, and Lia, the latter who was unable to join them this time around, dominated the stage oozing confidence and charisma as they played through song after song. ITZY’s BORN TO BE World Tour had landed in the Garden State and the crowd was screaming their welcomes and singing along to their fun, catchy, and rocking sounds.
Starting the night off with the tour namesake, “BORN TO BE,” the ladies came on stage dressed in dynamic red and black. Ready to rock backed by an enthusiastic and talented band, the live music made the show come alive. Supported by a dozen backup dancers, the stage seemed like a wall of powerful, strong women. The lyrics, “I'm shining like a star, I go boom, go boom” particularly apropos as they rocked their hips and swung their hair to the beat of the song. “RACER” was even sexier against the volcanic image behind them as they moved non-stop with razor sharp choreography. Continuing the momentum through “KIDDING ME,” they finally took a break to breathe and greet the crowd in front of them.
Yuna was the first to greet the venue, with Ryujin next reminding them that they had returned. Yejin shared her joy to be there, but it was Chaeryeong's adorable frank smile as she nodded, “we’re back” that made everyone smile in return. Yeji stating “We will show you who ITZY are” seemed more a decree than just words and throughout the night it was clear that the ITZY was going to do just that. They introduced the band, whose energy was infectious as they danced and moved with the ladies whenever not playing.
Ryujin introduced “Mr. Vampire,” the next song, and with just the four of them on stage, it was easier to focus on their individual moves. Continuing with the fun “SWIPE,” they performed it with a confidence that seemed even more apparent than before. With the fun “swiping” moves, it was impossible not to dance along with them through the song. “WANNABE” would round out the set. With the percussion dance set opening the song amidst dramatic lights and smoke, the layup for the song was strong and set a dynamic stage for the otherwise fun, catchy, anthem of being yourself.
A short VCR would be the break needed ahead of the solo set. Starting with Chaeryeong who came out in white against a set of moveable mirrors that echoed her movements, her “Mine” depicted a more elegant power as she danced across a dancer who mirrored herself. Ryujin’s “Run Away” was a different style of performance. Setting herself in an indie rock style, she held the mic Freddie Mercury style as she belted the song with her killer vocals. Her strength was conveyed by her carefree confidence as she swaggered across the stage in her tall thigh high heels. Yuna’s “Yet, but” stage also contrasted with the prior ones. She added a sprinkle of supernatural sugar and a bit of kitsch to make her stage sparkle. With her long red locks, which we were frankly obsessed with, her space themed performance was all fun as her sweet voice melted hearts. In the end we were left wanting, not only her sweet power, but her boots and her shopping cart. The last soloist of the night was Yeji, who was all power. Dynamic in black, she sang the lyrics “I smile with the queen’s attitude” from “Crown on My Head” with the exact amount of bravado that the song needed. Dancing proud at the center of the extended stage, she carried the unseen crown that she deserved to wear with her voice and her swagger.
The show was far from over as the solo set ended. With “UNTOUCHABLE,” the focus wasn’t on dark sexiness, rather just confidence and a natural sexiness that comes from a confident woman. The moves were dynamic and strong and continued through with “Gas Me Up” and “Dynamite,” with a touch of playfulness added with the latter songs. At the extended stage they asked if everyone was having fun, which was a “yes” with high pitched cheers. Continuing with “Psychic Lover” this was their time to just be themselves. Interacting with those around the stage and whoever they could see, ITZY was all about engagement with those around them. With “Don't Give a What,” they were back on the main stage with dancers swinging sticks behind them which formed a “W” at the end of the song. “LOCO” would end this set.
Act four had some of ITZY faves starting with their popular “Not Shy.” Swapping to white mini skirts and crop tops the ladies were definitely living up to the song’s name. Between this and “CAKE” and “SNEAKERS” which followed, this set showed them in their comfort zone with fun songs that everyone knew. Announcing that the concert was soon coming to an end was countered by Ryujin’s specific instructions. “As you know, we have an encore stage left. When we go backstage, you guys have to dance, and sing, and you guys have to scream.” The “last” songs of the concert started with “Kill Shot.” Giving off confident vibes that were as strong as the start of their show, the ladies looked fresh, finishing with “Escalator,” as their killer rap flowed with swag.
Fun and games filled the pre-encore as the camera crew found perfectly amazing dancers to cover ITZY songs with cheers so loud enough to satisfy Ryujin. Coming out for “LOVE is” with creative alterations of their concert merch shirts, the ladies took this time to focus on vocals, showing their dynamism through lyrics and voices. With lyrics on screen, it was easy for those (bilingual) to sing along to the lyrics. The ending ments started with Yeji, who warmly noted, “You know everytime we come back here, it’s all thanks to you who have been waiting for us.” Ryujin gave props to the staff, the band and those who helped to put the show together ahead of group photo time. The show would finally end with “Boys Like You” before “DALLA DALLA,” a finale that became a mutual love fest between MIDZYs and ITZY.
The tour made more stops domestically before the crew headed back to Asia for their final shows. The night was power and fire and as the ladies expressed love to everyone there. If they were “Born to Be” anything, the night showed it was to be artists with artistry, sass, power and heart.
Thank you to JYP Entertainment, Live Nation and especially ITZY for having us and letting us share our thoughts and memories of a night to remember.
