The queens have returned to the City of Angels, Los Angeles! As part of their ongoing
I headed out to Inglewood fairly early to avoid the upcoming work and school traffic, because, as we all know, driving into or around Los Angeles is a headache just waiting to happen. Also, you add the smallest hint of rain, and it’s a nightmare just waiting. All jokes aside, I arrived at the Kia Forum at a modest time to gauge everyone’s spirits and, of course, hand out and receive freebies, as it’s the best form of community connection.
As always, my fellow ONCE were all delightful and full of spirit as jokes were shared in the parking lot while ongoing line directions were being processed through the venue’s staff. As they were also working to get the VIP attendees inside for their soundcheck experience. We all cracked a few jokes as familiar scammish faces from prior shows throughout the year would, as per usual, show themselves, attempting to sell a variety of items.
It didn’t take long to gain access to the venue’s terrace spot, where fans would attempt to sneak a peek into the venue during TWICE’s soundcheck, creating a wall of screams, cheers, and overall adorable excitement. Also managed to take in a fun game of “spot the Neobong,” which has become a fun way to speed up time.
And, just like that, doors opened, fans poured into the halls and stairways of the Kia Forum for what was about to be an experience fully remembered and joyfully celebrated. A video package showcasing other JYP Entertainment talent would get the crowd going, and before long, the venue lights would change, the center screens would fall, and TWICE would emerge with a fiery performance of the tour’s namesake, “THIS IS FOR,” before leading right into “Strategy” with both songs bringing the pit section to the nosebleeds to life as CANDYBONGs would begin to bring the Kia Forum into its own plain of existence.
Cheers and screams would fill the venue as our TWICE girls performed their hearts out with clear-cut precision to detail, once again creating the most playful atmosphere I’ve witnessed at a K-pop concert. No one does it quite like TWICE; no other group treats their fan base this much like family. From the playful interactions, no matter your section in the venue, to the smiles on each member’s face when it comes to pranking each other or splashing the crowd. TWICE is TWICE, it’s that simple.
The energy fluctuating throughout the venue was infectious as the group carried on with “MAKE ME GO” and “SET ME FREE,” continuing to showcase their hard work, of course, including Dahyun, who unfortunately suffered an ankle injury not too long ago, would herself continue to perform alongside her members, but from a safe seat located at different corners of the main stage, still giving it her all. Putting a focus on crowd interaction.
There’s something to be said about TWICE’s stage setup for their
The set would also include a variety of tracks from throughout TWICE’s catalog as they brought to life “MOONLIGHT SUNRISE,” “The Feels,” and “Gone,” to name a few. I had an exceptional experience getting lost in the vibe that is TWICE and the overall fondness of their fans for these performers as they danced along, sang loudly with passion, and screamed at the smallest hint of eye contact.
TWICE would throughout the night egg on the night 2 crowd by claiming the energy just wasn’t as big enough when compared to the previous night’s energy, which would get the crowd fired up even further as the night would continue to showcase their own unique energy levels, hoping to inch out the night 1 concertgoers.
In a funny interaction, Jihyo would question the crowd’s use of spoilers from previous dates for their performance, knowing when to begin recording as they made their entrance. Clearly joking about while flashing smiles out into the sea of bright colors and cheering fans. This wouldn’t even be the final time Jihyo would question the night 2 ONCE, as closer to the end of their performance, she would request that fans be on their feet, and when not followed through, Nayeon would repeat in Japanese, and Tzuyu would get instructed to repeat in Chinese, finally getting the entirety of the Kia Forum on their feet. It’s these fun, interactive moments that make a TWICE show incredibly fun.
TWICE, of course, in between their acts would let the spotlight shine on their incredible dancers who worked their butts off each moment their feet hit that stage, creating a flurry of motion for our girls to perform alongside, creating breathtaking pieces as fans could be seen also dancing along. Not only this, but the group’s backing band would also get their own small segment to showcase their talents as they brought their own brand of unfiltered rock into the venue.
One of the more exciting portions of the
To everyone’s dismay, once the solo stages were complete, we knew our time with TWICE would be coming to a close rather soon, as the girls jumped through “What is Love?,” “YES or YES,” and “Dance the Night Away.” The quick turnaround between the 3 songs and “ONE SPARK” was both amazing as the live band fueled the tracks like a fire refusing to go out, but also yet another reminder that the end was within our grasp.
As is tradition, TWICE would disappear from view after their “final” song, and the crowd dance challenges would begin. It’s always fun to see the commitment levels of those in the crowd as some attempt to figure out the dances as the spotlight is shown on them, to those with perfect routines, and even those who don’t know any of the dances but still have fun with it. It’s such a fun thing at these shows that I always look forward to, but dread the moment if I’m ever on one.
TWICE would one final time take to the stage for what would transpire into quite the memorable encore as the group performed “BATTITUDE” to the delight of the crowd, as screams would fill the venue once again. TWICE’s dancers would join the group on stage to take their bow, while a few choice dancers afterwards would make their own fun, seen playing with confetti and Jeongyeon chasing them about with her water bottle of power, trying to splash everyone in her way.
The night would officially come to a close as the crowd would begin to chant for “one more song” before TWICE would jump right into “TWICE Song” to send all of us home with massive smiles, sensational memories, and just overall an amazing aura we will all hopefully continue to carry forward.
I have zero idea how night 1 ended up going, and I have zero idea how nights 3 and 4 will go. BUT, I do know that night 2 was something special, and I can only imagine the form of excitement and love ONCE feels during each performance is real, it’s true, and it’s what I’m sure sparkles and dreams are made out of. This is only my second time seeing TWICE, who, after seeing them perform at SoFi Stadium back in 2023, became my de facto favorite K-pop group, and I’m already so anxious to see them again.
And, if you are planning on attending nights 3 or 4, you’re in for a treat! I can’t wait to see how the setlist differs from both nights 1 and 2. Also, the tour is still in full effect outside of these LA dates. So, if you would like to attend any of TWICE’s upcoming North American tour dates, touring and ticketing information can be found on Live Nation.
Also, if you would like to check out even more of our pictures and videos from TWICE’s night 2 Kia Forum residency, a part of their
