Twice, one of the most successful girl groups of our generation, brought their highly anticipated “Ready to Be” tour to London for their first-ever European concert. The nine-member group, known for their catchy high-energy songs, captivated the crowd at the O2 arena with their electrifying performances and powerful vocals. Their concert showcased their growth as artists and their message of self-empowerment, inspiring fans to be themselves. With stunning visuals, impressive choreography, and surprise solos, Twice delivered a dazzling spectacle that left the audience wanting more.
Performance and Setlist
Opening VCR
Twice’s first European performance at the O2 in London began with an opening VCR that featured the girls’ angelic sleeping faces set to relaxing spa music. The anticipation in the crowd was palpable as fans anxiously awaited the start of the concert.
Introduction and Theme
As the VCR ended, the stage came alive with nine long-legged silhouettes projected onto the massive screens. The crowd erupted in screams as the opening synths of “Set Me Free,” Twice’s most recent single, filled the arena. Jihyo’s powerful vocals captivated the audience as she sang the intro, and then made her way to a stool on the side of the stage.
During the introduction, Twice explained the theme of their tour, “Ready to Be,” which represents their readiness to be themselves and inspire others to do the same. This theme was reflected in their song selection and concepts throughout the setlist.
Group Songs
Twice’s chosen group songs reinforced their more mature identity and showcased their growth as artists. They performed lesser-known B-sides from recent albums, such as “Go Hard,” “More & More,” “Moonlight Sunrise,” and “Brave.” These songs solidified the concert’s message that Twice are now fully grown, self-assured women.
Solo Performances
The concert featured two sets of solo performances from the members of Twice. The first set, performed by Dahyun, Tzuyu, Sana, Momo, and Mina, was a major highlight of the night. Each member performed a carefully chosen English cover song or a self-written song that showcased their individual talents and unique styles.
Dahyun’s performance of Colbie Caillat’s “Try” was technically impressive and carried a message of self-acceptance. Tzuyu’s interpretation of Charlie Puth’s “Done For Me” was delicate and showcased her elegance. Sana’s rendition of Dua Lipa’s “New Rules” highlighted her signature coyness, while Momo’s dance performance of Beyoncé’s “Move” included an impressive pole dance routine. Mina’s tribute to Ariana Grande with “7 Rings” demonstrated her cool and stoic expressions.
These solo performances gave a glimpse of each member’s potential and hinted at a future version of Twice with diverse styles and abilities.
Second Set of Solos
The second set of solo performances, however, did not contribute to Twice’s collective identity in the same way. Chaeyoung’s moody performance of “My Guitar” showcased her vulnerability but felt disjointed from the rest of the concert. Jihyo’s pop solo “Killin’ Me Good” was energetic and appreciated by the audience, despite her not feeling her best. Jeongyeon’s cover of Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” seemed like another conceptual leap. Nayeon’s polished performance of “Pop!” stood out as a professional and polished solo.
While these solos were enjoyable, they did not come together to create a greater collective identity like the first set did. It hinted that each member may choose their own path and prioritize their individual identities over Twice as a group.
Stage Production
Twice’s first European performance was a grand show filled with expansive stages, large-scale props, backup dancers, and stunning on-screen visuals. The stage production created festival-like scenes reminiscent of musical theatre and showcased the full K-pop experience. The surprise appearance of a live band added another layer of excitement to the performance.
Twice’s First European Performance
Anticipation and Demand
Twice’s first European performance in London generated overwhelming anticipation and demand from fans. The concert quickly sold out, prompting the addition of a second date to accommodate the high demand. Fans eagerly lined up outside the O2, excited to see one of the most successful girl groups of our generation perform live.
Fan Reactions
The crowd at the O2 was filled with passionate Onces who enthusiastically screamed and sang along to every song. Fans showed their love and support by bringing their Candybongs, Twice’s fan lightsticks, and participating in the various fan chants and dances. The cultural exchanges between the group and the fans added an extra layer of excitement and fun to the concert experience.
Cultural Exchanges
Twice’s first European performance provided an opportunity for cultural exchanges between the group and their European fans. The members expressed their surprise at the number of Candybongs in the audience and marveled at the energetic stamping of feet that reverberated throughout the arena. These exchanges added a unique and enjoyable element to the concert.
Vocal Performance
Jihyo’s Illness and Powerful Vocals
Despite not feeling well prior to the concert, Jihyo showcased her powerful vocals during the performance. She braved the illness and delivered an amazing performance, reminding the audience of Twice’s experience and musical talent.
Twice’s Vocal Ability
Twice is not known for having the strongest vocal abilities among girl groups, but their performances at the European concert demonstrated their growth and improvement over the years. While Jihyo’s vocals stood out as the most powerful, the other members showcased their unique vocal styles and abilities throughout the concert.
Setlist and Song Selection
Theme of Self-Empowerment
The setlist for Twice’s European concert reflected the theme of self-empowerment that the group aimed to convey. The chosen songs emphasized the members’ growth and self-confidence, inspiring audiences to be themselves and embrace their individuality.
Mature Identity
Twice’s song selection showcased their more mature identity as a girl group. By opting for lesser-known B-sides from recent albums, the group highlighted their growth and evolution as artists.
B-Sides from Recent Albums
Twice’s decision to perform B-sides from their recent albums added a refreshing and lesser-known element to the concert. It allowed the members to showcase their versatility and artistic development while providing a unique concert experience for fans.
Solo Performances
First Set of Solos
The first set of solos during the concert was a major highlight for fans. Each member showcased their individual talents and unique styles through carefully chosen cover songs or self-written songs. These performances hinted at the potential growth and diversity of Twice’s future releases.
Dahyun’s Performance
Dahyun’s piano and vocal performance of Colbie Caillat’s “Try” was technically impressive and carried a message of self-acceptance. Her talent and musicality were on full display during her solo performance.
Tzuyu’s Performance
Tzuyu’s interpretation of Charlie Puth’s “Done For Me” was delicate and showcased her elegance. Despite being soft-spoken, Tzuyu handled the stage well and delivered an enchanting performance.
Sana’s Performance
Sana’s rendition of Dua Lipa’s “New Rules” made the most of her signature coyness. Her performance highlighted her unique charm and captivated the audience.
Momo’s Performance
Momo’s dance performance of Beyoncé’s “Move” was a crowd favorite. Her impressive pole dance routine showcased her talent, skill, and dedication to her craft.
Mina’s Performance
Mina’s tribute to Ariana Grande with “7 Rings” was a perfect fit for her cool and stoic expressions. Her performance surprised and delighted the audience, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Hints of Future Potential
The solo performances from the members of Twice provided exciting glimpses of their individual potential and hinted at a future version of the group with diverse styles and abilities. Each member brought something unique to the stage and left fans eager for more.
Second Set of Solos
Chaeyoung’s Performance
Chaeyoung’s moody performance of “My Guitar” showcased her vulnerability and expressed a disarming vulnerability and melancholy. While stylistically different from the rest of the concert, her performance was artistically interesting and left a lasting impression on the audience.
Jihyo’s Performance
Jihyo’s pop solo “Killin’ Me Good” was energetic and well-received by the audience. Despite not feeling her best, she danced and performed with full effort, showcasing her professionalism and dedication to the performance.
Jeongyeon’s Performance
Jeongyeon’s cover of Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” was energetic and injected with her unique energy. While it felt slightly disconnected from the overall concert concept, Jeongyeon’s performance entertained the crowd and showcased her growth as a performer.
Nayeon’s Performance
Nayeon’s polished performance of “Pop!” was professional and showcased her talent as a solo artist. Her stage presence and vocal ability made the performance feel like something you would see on a music show.
Lack of Collective Identity
While the second set of solos showcased the individual talents of each member, they did not contribute to Twice’s collective identity in the same way as the first set. The solos felt disjointed and stylistically different, hinting at a future where individual identities may take precedence over the group’s collective identity.
Stage Production
Expansive Stage and Props
Twice’s first European performance featured an expansive stage and large-scale props that created a festival-like atmosphere. The stage easily accommodated all nine members, backup dancers, and the surprise live band. The use of props added visual interest and enhanced the overall concert experience.
Back-up Dancers
The inclusion of backup dancers added another layer of excitement and energy to the performance. The dancers showcased synchronized choreography and complemented the members’ performances, enhancing the visual spectacle of the concert.
On-Screen Visuals
Stunning on-screen visuals worthy of a high-budget music video were projected onto the massive screens, creating visually captivating moments throughout the concert. The visuals added depth and enhanced the storytelling aspect of the performance.
Surprise Live Band
The surprise appearance of a live band during the second half of the concert added excitement and provided a different musical experience for fans. While the initial sound arrangement had some issues, the band improved as the concert progressed and brought a dynamic live element to the performance.
Band Arrangements
Initial Sound Issues
The introduction of the live band during the concert initially faced some sound issues. Songs like “Feel Special” and “Fancy” had unfamiliar, flat-footed rock arrangements that dulled the energy of the crowd. The girls’ voices were often drowned out by the sound arrangement during the first few songs.
Improvement in Later Songs
However, the sound issues were resolved later in the concert, and songs originally arranged with band instrumentation benefited significantly more. Songs like “The Feels” became more fun and funky when played live, showcasing the band’s talents and enhancing the overall concert experience.
Medley of Hits
To cater to fans who were seeing them for the first time, Twice performed a long medley of their biggest hits. The medley included well-known songs like “Yes or Yes,” “What is Love?,” “Cheer Up,” “Likey,” “Knock Knock,” “Scientist,” and “Heart Shaker.” While it felt rushed at times, the medley allowed the band to showcase their versatility and keep the energy of the concert high.
Enthusiastic Encore
After a break, Twice returned for a long and generous encore. They interacted with the audience by spinning a roulette wheel filled with potential tracks. The fans’ chants for “TT” eventually convinced the group to perform the fan-favorite song. The encore was filled with energy and excitement and left the audience wanting more.
Overall Concert Experience
Energetic Atmosphere
The overall atmosphere of Twice’s first European concert was energetic and filled with excitement. The passionate cheers and participation from the fans created a vibrant and lively environment. The cultural exchanges between the group and the European fans added an extra layer of enjoyment to the concert experience.
Setlist Dynamics
The setlist for the concert showcased Twice’s growth and maturity as artists. The theme of self-empowerment resounded throughout the concert, inspiring audiences to be themselves and embrace their individuality. The inclusion of B-sides allowed fans to discover new songs and appreciate the group’s musical evolution.
Sentimental Ending
Twice closed the concert with sentimental ballads, providing a change of pace and allowing fans to reflect on the emotional journey of the performance. Songs like “When We Were Kids” and “Crazy Stupid Love” ended the concert on a sentimental note, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Generous Encore
Twice’s encore was long and generous, showcasing their dedication to their fans. They interacted with the audience and allowed them to choose which songs they wanted to hear. The band’s flexibility and willingness to engage with fans created a memorable and fulfilling encore experience.
Conclusion
Twice’s first European concert was a resounding success, showcasing the group’s growth and potential as artists. The performance highlighted their powerful vocals, dynamic stage presence, and ability to connect with fans. The theme of self-empowerment resonated throughout the concert, inspiring audiences to be themselves and embrace their individuality. Twice’s impressive stage production and band arrangements added depth and excitement to the overall concert experience. This first European performance marked a promising beginning for Twice’s future performances and solidified their position as one of the most successful girl groups of our generation.
