Photo Cr. YG Entertainment
BABYMONSTER, the rookie girl group that has taken the K-pop world by storm, made their highly anticipated US debut with their "Hello Monsters" tour, and it’s safe to say they’ve already cemented themselves as a force to be reckoned with. From high-energy performances to heartfelt moments, the group delivered a show that left fans completely captivated.
The concert kicked off with a bang at the Prudential Center in Newark on February 28 as BABYMONSTER opened their first act with five electrifying songs. They set the tone immediately with Drip, a powerful performance accompanied by dazzling pyro effects that had the crowd roaring. The energy didn’t let up as they followed up with their debut track, Batter Up, proving that even as rookies, they command the stage with the confidence and charisma of seasoned performers.
Act 2 showcased the group’s versatility and individual talents, as each member took the spotlight for solo performances. From soulful ballads to dynamic dance breaks, the members demonstrated their unique strengths and vocal ranges, leaving no doubt about their star potential. Asa and Ruka brought a special treat with their duo performance of Woke Up in Tokyo, a fan-favorite that highlighted their chemistry and artistry. The act concluded with two slower, emotional tracks, Love, Maybe and Dream, which allowed the group to connect with the audience on a deeper level.
The final act was a rollercoaster of surprises and nostalgia. BABYMONSTER treated fans to a performance video of Billionaire before taking the stage again for a live rendition. The biggest surprise came when they paid homage to their seniors, 2NE1, with covers of Clap Your Hands and Go Away. The crowd erupted in cheers as the group flawlessly delivered the iconic songs, proving their ability to honor K-pop legends while making the performances their own. They closed the main set with Forever, a heartfelt sing-along moment that had the entire venue lit up with phone lights and fans’ voices echoing in unison.
Throughout the concert, BABYMONSTER’s energy was infectious. Their powerful vocals, sharp choreography, and constant fan interactions made it clear how much they value their supporters. The group’s nerves about their first US tour were palpable, with Ahyeon candidly sharing her worries about things going wrong. However, her fellow members reassured her—and the audience—that everything went perfectly, and it truly did.
The encore was a party in itself, with five songs that kept the fun going. A remix of Batter Up and Stuck in the Middle closed the night on a high note, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.
What stood out most was the undeniable love for BABYMONSTER. The crowd was filled with young fans and their families, a testament to the group’s wide appeal. The members’ gratitude and humility shone through every moment, making it clear that this is just the beginning of something special.
And for those who can’t get enough, here’s some exciting news: BABYMONSTER will be back later this year with six new tour dates! If their "Hello Monsters" tour is any indication, their next performances are sure to be even more unforgettable. Keep an eye out—this is one monster of a group you won’t want to miss.
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
Special thanks to YG Entertainment for the invitation.
Review by Thomas Ma @thomasma__
Edited by Ciera R.