John Angelillo/UPI
Korean singer-songwriter BIBI proved that star power knows no venue size as she commanded the iconic Radio City Music Hall stage on June 10, delivering a performance that was equal parts electrifying spectacle and intimate conversation. The evening got off to a delayed start as overwhelming crowds of devoted fans gathered outside the legendary venue, creating a buzz of anticipation that would only intensify once the show began. When BIBI finally took the stage, it became immediately clear that the wait was worth every minute.
Opening with the dreamy "Midnight Cruise" and flowing seamlessly into "Hangang Gongwon," BIBI established an immediate connection with her audience that would define the entire evening. Her genuine curiosity about her fans shone through as she asked audience members where they were from, creating an unexpectedly personal atmosphere in the grand 6,000-seat venue. This wasn't just a concert—it was a conversation between an artist and her global community, with BIBI serving as both performer and gracious host.
The artist's playful personality emerged most memorably during "Bam Yang Gang," where she took time to explain the song's meaning, sharing that it references a chestnut jelly snack that her grandmother particularly enjoys. These charming cultural exchanges peppered the performance, with BIBI's natural humor and warmth drawing constant laughter and cheers from the crowd. Her ability to balance high-energy performances with these intimate storytelling moments showcased not just her musical versatility, but her skills as a natural entertainer.
BIBI's stage production was nothing short of spectacular, with "Burn It" serving as a particular highlight that demonstrated her flair for dramatic presentation. The singer executed a lightning-quick costume change before bringing out an actual bed as a stage prop, all while casually mentioning that Dean was featured on the track. Her outfit changes throughout the night were impressively swift, each transformation adding a new layer to the visual narrative of her performance.
The concert reached peak intensity during "Sugar Rush," where the Radio City stage was transformed into what felt like a full-scale EDM festival. Lights pulsed, bass thundered, and BIBI commanded the space with the confidence of an artist who has mastered the art of large-venue performance. The energy was infectious, with the entire venue moving as one unified mass of bodies caught up in the sonic whirlwind.
In a touching moment that highlighted her respect for the venue's history, BIBI expressed her joy at performing at Radio City Music Hall, specifically noting how many famous comedians had graced the same stage. She revealed that she had learned English by watching these performers, adding another layer of personal connection to an already meaningful evening. This reverence for the venue's legacy, combined with her own cultural background, created a beautiful bridge between different entertainment traditions.
The show took an unexpectedly interactive turn during "City Love," when BIBI ran throughout the venue to personally select a fan for the next song. The chosen fan, a 20-year-old who had been introduced to BIBI's music by his older brother, admitted with endearing honesty that he couldn't name a single song—a moment that had both artist and audience laughing. BIBI also engaged with fans about their careers, with one memorable interaction involving a woman who worked at the 9/11 Memorial, demonstrating the artist's genuine interest in the lives of her supporters.
Reported by Thomas Ma @thomasma__
Edited by Ciera R.