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Whatever controversies have been plaguing him recently, did not affect Seungri’s performance at his first solo concert – The Great Seungri Tour in Singapore. Or rather, he didn’t let it show. The moment artistes stand on stage, they have to cast their personal lives and feelings aside, because their biggest mission, is to put in their best for the performance.

“The Seungri Show” was not just a showcase of songs from Seungri’s first full solo album and a medley of Big Bang’s greatest hits, but also truly a GAG Show.

Big Bang’s maknae was utmost entertaining, from talking about how Singaporeans are, to digging at all the funny hairstyles or images Big Bang had. Seungri is humorous and spares no one with his lashing tongue, including his hyungs & himself. He’s definitely the 毒舌 of Big Bang. He could possibly just rant on and on for hours.

Since it was Seungri’s last time in SG before military enlistment, the fans were so fervent that Seungri had mentioned at least 3 times that they are MAD. The stage setup was fairly pared down compared to the usual “luxury” they had for Big Bang concerts.

While there has been an outrage from VIPs that Seungri was given lackluster treatment as he was only allocated 2 dancers, it proves that you do not need a big stage, fanciful costumes, many effects or dancers, if you have what it takes.

Seungri is an all-rounded entertainer who can hold his solo stage.

He quipped that he fought for the job himself and shrugged it off, saying “ That’s Life””. He’s a doer, a go-getter & someone with initiative & zest. He doesn’t wait for things to happen, because he would ensure that he makes them happen.

The show commenced with “Bang Bang Bang”, which got the audience on their feet. It was most SHIOK grooving to all the party hits since it’s been sometime since we “exercised” during concerts in Singapore.
He also performed new tracks from his “The Great Seungri Album” such as “Where are you from”, “1,2,3”, “Mollado” and older solo classics like “Let’s Talk About Love”, “Gotta Talk to You”, “Alone”, “GG Be” ,” Strong baby”.
他还蛮有粉丝的心。For this stop in Singapore, he sang one of his most favourite Jay Chou’s ballads, “最长的电影”.

The fans were reacting in their most fervent ways, such as shouting responses to all that he did or asked and he was a little taken aback. He quipped as a matter-of-factly “I know you guys are upset with me, but Singaporeans are mad & easily upset!”. He literally got us laughing like mad and almost having stomach cramps.

He even tested the lightings, stage effects, woofers to show that he still has some quality production for his solo show. Seungri definitely qualifies to be one of the best sales persons in town.

Initially, there was some worry that the audience would be a little reserved, but HEY, the response was overwhelming, just like we were in the midst of a mini Big Bang concert.

Having been to Singapore countless, he flaunted his very localized “Singlish” accent throughout the gig, self-proclaiming that he has the BEST Singlish accent among Korean artistes.
Undoubtedly, Seungri has the best language proficiency in Big Bang. He can speak English, Korean, Chinese and is currently learning Cantonese. He needed no translator for his solo gig and was conversing in English and Chinese throughout.

With all the controversies going on, Seungri joked that he enjoys rumours. From an artiste’s perspective, if people still bother to spread rumours about you, it means you are still popular and being loved.

This guy is SAVAGE. Not many boy bands would dare to google “What does it take to look like Big Bang” and revealing all these hilarious photos. He murmured that he is 超级老了. He can’t imagine when all Big Bang members perform as a group again on stage, they would be in their mid 30s, becoming 老 Big Bang.

He did not understand why Big Bang has always had this “bad boy” image, but also gleefully pointed out that the group released a track “Bad Boy” in 2014, while GD and Taeyang had another single “Good Boy” just another year later. He may not know if he’s considered a “good boy” or “bad boy”, but we would say he is no doubt a play(ful) boy!

The atmosphere got even better when Seungri started belting out more of Big Bang’s greatest hits. “Haru Haru”, “Lies” brought back many memories and goosebumps. “We like to Party”, “My Heaven”, “Hands Up” , “1,2,3”, “Bae Bae”, “Good Boy” and “Fantastic Baby” are definitely no stranger to all present.

“Flower Road” had VIPs tearing up since it was the farewell song for Big Bang before the group is now on hiatus due to military enlistment. The hall was a beautiful sea of yellow crowns and white lights when he delivered a soulful version of Taeyang’s “Eyes, Nose Lips”. Sometimes, all the artistes needed would be their fans quietly supporting below the stage in this manner.

Fans held up banners that read a simple but powerful message “I’ll stay with you”. This means a lot to Seungri, especially in a trying time like this.

He quipped towards the ending that “You guys can stay with me because I’m not a bad guy”. It was like a mini appeal for fans to trust in him (despite all the controversies) and for them to continue supporting the group.

It is a two-way street between artistes and their fans. It is not about celebrating your idol’s success when they are popular, but also accompanying them and be the most quiet but strong support during their low periods. The VIPs have shown their prowess in this area through these 13 years.

Even up till the finale, Seungri showed that he had his Singapore VIPs in his heart, not just by taking out our nation’s flag, but also professing his love & gratitude for VIPs’ undying support & love.

He promised that he would not get fatter or uglier during his enlistment, but would become more “Shuai” aka Handsome, and for the VIPs to wait for Big Bang’s return.

No matter how scaled down in production this was, we could feel his earnest sincerity in preparing this solo concert. Our hearts also cringed a little while he shared all he has been going through in a light-hearted manner and brushing off all the bad vibes, to give us a wonderful and cheerful performance.

We hope that all would be cleared soon and that Seungri can have a safe 2 years during his military service. We’d love to see the funny maknae back with his hyungs in 2020!Read More →

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BLΛƆKPIИK is a force to be reckoned with.

With only 9 Korean singles (+1 song collaboration with Dua Lipa) & 1 Japanese studio album on their discography, these lasses have swept up a storm in Asia and are now stirring a hurricane in the United States.

The quartet showcased spectacular showmanship and remarkable energy, lashing out hit after hit with their high-octane vocals & impressive dance grooves at their 1st sold-out SG concert, to a 9500-strong crowd.

Decked in shimmery pink outfits and white knee-length boots, the quartet blew the audience away with the immensely popular “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du”.

SG BLINKS’ response was more than overwhelming with the resounding roars of cheers. The quartet was greeted by thunderous cheers & hoot calls, bobbing pink heart-shaped light sticks, with fans singing aloud to their dance hits, shouting fan chants as these lasses lapped it up with their energetic, sexy, feisty dance moves.

Their vocals are entrancing, dance moves bewitching. You will find yourself grooving along with the infectious rhythm of the songs.

Indoor Stadium was filled with fervent BLINKS of all ages, many clad in BLACKPINK Official Tees, holding placards to honour the arrival of their Queens.

The general association of pink is demure & feminine, while black amps up the fiercely cool images with a tinge of suaveness. Black is bold & distinctive, which perfectly sums up how these girls create a unique style, amidst the cutesy-girl-groups-dominated KPOP scene.

Their appeal lies in their dominant, distinctive flavor – flaming hot like chili, yet (not overly) sweet like dark chocolate-coated strawberry. It’s no easy feat to be different, while maintaining a strong foothold. These girls have fiercely dominated music charts since.

There is an uncanny resemblance between 2NE1 & BLACKPINK, in terms of their hip hop, funk & pop music genre & members’ international backgrounds. To avoid being labelled as “2NE1 Version 2.0”, BLACKPINK needs more original songs to distinguish themselves.

What’s lacking is the number of songs to uphold a barely 2-hour long concert. While it’s not uncommon for YG artistes to repeat songs for Encore, we sincerely wished a deserving girl group like BLACKPINK, can have more songs to call their own.

These ladies have unleashed their potential and versatility, to grow into something bigger in the music industry. They can carry off sexy, edgy, punk, clubbing or dance tunes but at the same time also being cutie pies & sweethearts.

BLACKPINK’s dance choreographies are not overly provocative, done with a tasteful demeanor that both male & female audiences would find it attractive and alluring. 他们的台风稳健，气场和气势都非常霸气，很有女王风范。They were brimming with comfort & confidence on stage.

They shone even in their solo performances. Jisoo showed her prowess with a powerful rendition of Zedd’s ‘Clarity’, Lisa slay as she twisted and swayed her way to MISO’s ‘Take Me’ and Jason Derulo’s ‘Swalla’, Rosé performed a lovely medley of The Beatles’ “Let It Be”, Park Bom’s “You And I” and Taeyang’s “Only Look At Me”, while Jennie rocked the stage with “SOLO”.

Their vibrant, exuberant, youthful energy can be felt and transmitted to all present. Such is youth and living your dreams.

The members spoke of their excitement to be in SG for their very 1st concert. The very thoughtful Rosé assured that they could see everyone and hope that fans would stay safe. Jennie expressed her wish for fans to put down their phones, so that they can enjoy the concert and see one another’s faces.

Jisoo proclaimed her love for our famous Chili Crab. Rosé suggested for the big crowd to do a Mexican wave, which they gladly obliged. BLINKS also sang a surprise BD song for Rosé whose birthday was on 11 February.

After watching Jisoo perform Zedd’s “Clarity”, you would agree that her slightly husky voice is pretty sexy & alluring.

Lisa the “Dance Queen” was feisty & sassy with her enchanting dance moves & sleek punches. That overflowing sense of confidence in owning the stage and capturing all of the audience’s attention.

Rosé’s distinctive honey, sweet voice allows one to distinguish her quite easily. She’s got a demure & gentle disposition. Listening to her sing was an enjoyable heart & mind soothing process.

Jennie the fashionista, exudes a very cool “icy princess” image, but swoons many with her adorable smiles and strong stage presence.

We do not need something too polished from BLACKPINK at the moment, such as Mariah Carey’s high-octaves dolphin pitch range. They are awesome as it is for their maiden concert.

We look forward to new tracks with stronger BLACKPINK flavor & a more “complete” world tour.

There’s no reason why these ladies with high-spirited performances, zestful vigor and distinctive stage presence, would not sell out albums or concerts.

So here they are, to take the world, step by step.

Make way cutesy girl groups, the BLACKPINK era has arrived.

It makes one ponder in anticipation, which is the next card they would play?Read More →