BABYMONSTER Shows Off Monster Skills in NJ and Announces More North American Tour Dates
If you want to see one of the best girl group shows domestically right now, set your itinerary for the additional stops of BABYMONSTER’s tour. When the first tour was announced, friends who have followed their story wondered if a venue as large Prudential Center, which has a capacity of almost 17,000, would be too much for a rookie group on their first tour. All the naysayers were proved wrong as the venue filled up, and YG Entertainment did what they do best: put on a great show focused on amazing sound and visuals. Produced by Live Nation, BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR <HELLO MONSTERS> kicked off in the U.S. on February 28. With a live band, Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Ahyeon, Rami, Rora, and Chiquita stepped onto the stage with no trepidation. They were there to take it over and proved they’re the monsters that they claimed to be.
Their twenty-five song set list began with “DRIP,” and from the start of the show the energy bar was set high. In leather and crop tops, they showed fearless energy. Mics on hand, there was no lip-syncing here, nor any track on the setlist—just solid music from the band and their voices. Asa and Ruka owned the rap lines and their flow dripped with crazy swag. The vocals were equally on point with Rora and Ahyeon’s pre-chorus of “what you say” melodic and clear through the large venue. “BATTER UP” only elevated the power of the stage. Every member showed their charm and strength as they sang and rapped with dynamic ease, even at one point going practically acapella, having everyone clap overhead with them as they chanted, “Let me show you who we are, Batter up…” before the music broke out and we were all jumping and chanting to the chorus with them.
Taking a moment for introductions, the girls were hyped and shared their excitement. Stating the titles for the first couple songs, they noted, “We wanted to show off our hardcore and fun songs,” and they definitely did. “CLIK CLAK,” noted as one of their favorites, continued the hardcore vibe as they, “Click, click-clack, heels tap Walkin' with my hips back” right down the extended stage. Mics in hand, they moved and sang to “LIKE THAT,” before jumping into a favorite, and their full group debut song, “SHEESH.” The “SHEESH” chorus is addictive and having an entire venue repeating it was epic, well, almost as epic as Ahyeon’s killer high note at the end of the song.
The first set concluded and it was soon time for the solos. As it is their first tour, it makes sense that they each took a moment to show off their individual skills via popular covers. Rora started with Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved,” belting out the song with her soul like a crushed princess in her tiara. Pharita’s “What Other People Say” by Sam Fischer not only highlighted her voice, but her great vocal tones. Rami started out sitting, singing while backed only by the guitar in her hands as she began Jazmine Sullivan’s “Pick Up Your Feelings.” Soon putting the guitar down, she got down into the song showcasing her fabulous husky voice. Asa chose Eminem’s “Godzilla” and her flow was smooth, but her vocal tone gave the song a very different dynamic. Ruka’s Honey Cocaine’s “Gwola” was all power as she spit out the lyrics with her soul. Flowing into her duet with Asa, “Woke Up in Tokyo” was a fun shift for the room and showed their range and youthful spirit, and for those who were new to the song, I’m sure that “Mary had a little lamb” will now be ruined forever. The multi split screen with the fun images of them in different outfits just added to the Gen Z vibe. Chiquita’s “traitor” by Olivia Rodrigo brought everyone back down to earth clutching their hearts to the aching beauty of her voice. Ahyeon was the last of the solo covers with Charlie Puth’s “Dangerously.” Though covered many times in shows, the song still hits hard and was a song to finish off the solos.
Each member of the band was highlighted before bringing out mics on stands where the mellow tone continued with “Love, Maybe.” Recordings of their thoughts and feelings with translations on the screen tugged at heartstrings as the girls stated, “We can’t say this journey has been easy, but we’ve put our hearts into every moment.” Ending with “Please watch us, We love you,” they broke into “DREAM.” With lyrics behind them, and spotlights on each member, the moment was moving. Though the intention may have been to have all MONSTIEZ sing along, the screaming support was overwhelming, only eclipsed by their crazy strong vocals.
Between sets, the VCRs of BABYMONSTER’s behind-the-scenes journey played as the ladies prepped for the final set of the night, “BILLIONAIRE.” Back out in glittering silver, they embodied bling as their indomitable spirit and vocal range shined as much they did. With “Really Like You,” they were just having fun interacting with fans before jumping back into choreo. Channeling their sunbaenims, “Clap Your Hands” and “Go Away” from 2NE1 were next on the setlist. They might have been released in 2010, but the girls proved that their seniors had created songs that could hold the test of time.
Time for last words, they shared that the show was soon coming to an end. “FOREVER” followed and you couldn’t stop these Energizer bunnies. Rami, Rora, and Ahyeon’s vocals were insane, and also insane was that they were all singing, jumping, and still having a blast. Balancing it out was the final full song of the night, “Love in My Heart.” Waving to fans and giving fan service to those around the extended stage, it would have been impossible for MONSTIEZ to not know that the love that was going out was to them. As the ladies exited, the music and words to “FOREVER” came up and had the whole venue singing.
Stripped of the glam, the girls returned to the stage for the encore in variations of cute jerseys and athletic wear. They didn’t need the glitz to shine. Replaying “SHEESH,” but this time it was without any choreo or restrictions. Singing their hearts out and moving however they wanted, their energy was truly addictive. Keeping this up with another round of “BATTER UP,” the room felt more like a club than a concert.
After the typical concert photo, the girls led into their real final words of the night. They expressed all their love and gratitude towards MONSTIEZ for the energy and passion that was shown that night before a replay of “DRIP” and “Love in My Heart.” The true final song of the night was “Stuck in the Middle.” From start to finish, the concert had incredible energy and the live music was a gift. For as many concerts as this avid fan has gone to, this one stands out from start to finish. Though the show is over for New Jersey, with the addition of new dates it’s not too late to catch them at one of the six added performances in North America.
You can get tickets now for the newly added shows at livenation.com. MONSTIEZ can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, access to the post show send-off event, access to the pre-show soundcheck party, specially designed VIP gift item, and more.
BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR <HELLO MONSTERS> Upcoming 2025 Tour Dates:
Sat Aug 30 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Tue Sep 02 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
Fri Sep 05 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Sun Sep 07 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
Wed Sep 10 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
Fri Sep 12 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena