aespa Brought “Next Level” “ænergy” to Los Angeles
Words + Photos by Emma Vurdien
February 10, 2025
aespa captivated fans at the Kia Forum on February 1st in a sold-out concert, where it was later announced that a portion of the proceeds would be donated to assist victims of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The group set the tone by opening with "Drama," emerging onto the stage in shimmering white outfits. In a dramatic flourish, they shed their flowing skirt trains in a transition to their debut song, "Black Mamba," accentuating the iconic choreography that had the crowd roaring.
The next performance of "Supernova" brought a futuristic, silver-themed wardrobe change, further enhancing the ethereal energy of the night. As the entire venue sang along, almost word for word, the unity and energy were amazing to witness. The bond between the powerhouse quartet and their fans, affectionately named “MY”, was undeniable as members GISELLE, WINTER, KARINA, and NINGNING all shared their love for Los Angeles throughout the show, expressing how much they had missed performing in the city and how grateful they were for the warm welcome from loving fans.
The setlist showcased aespa's versatility, seamlessly transitioning from powerful title tracks to more delicate and melodic moments. Songs like "Better Things" highlighted the group’s ethereal vocals, offering a beautiful contrast to their high-energy performances. The solo stages were also a testament to each member's individual artistry: GISELLE brought smooth R&B vibes with "Dopamine," demonstrating her vocal, rap, and dance prowess; KARINA energized the crowd with the catchy, hip-hop-infused "Up"; NINGNING delivered a powerful hip-hop trap performance with "Bored!"; and WINTER mesmerized with "Spark," a fairy-like house beat performance accompanied by intricate choreography.
A particularly charming segment came when the members dressed in casual blue jeans, white tops, and oversized pink hoodies for "Spicy" and “Pink Hoodie.” Along with this wardrobe change came a transition in pace as the members roamed the stage freely to get closer to their fans. The moment became even more special when WINTER pointed out the presence of EXO’s SUHO in the audience, expressing gratitude for his support. She also excitedly acknowledged one of her favorite singers, Tori Kelly, sending a heartfelt thank-you and a big heart gesture to her in the crowd.
GISELLE then introduced "Hold on Tight," a song from the official soundtrack of the film Tetris, before the members moved to the extended stage for an interactive segment with both fans and dancers as they engaged in a brief freestyle dance-off. The energy surged even higher as they transitioned into an all-black ensemble for "Whiplash," a performance marked by sharp choreography and their signature blend of powerful choruses and beautiful vocals.
The night came to an end with rock-infused versions of "Next Level" and "Armageddon," giving fans a unique twist on these fan-favorite anthems. For the encore, aespa returned in relaxed tour merchandise outfits, delivering heartfelt performances of "ænergy" and "Just Another Girl." Closing the night on an emotional note, aespa performed the English version of "Life’s Too Short," inviting fans to sing along, creating a touching and unforgettable moment.
aepsa’s show felt like a great representation of their incredible talent and versatility. It really highlighted how much they’ve grown as performers and just how strong their bond is with MY. What made it even more special was how it showcased their range—not just in their skills, but in their discography as well. Fans got to experience everything from high-energy title tracks to heartfelt ballads, proving just how dynamic and well-rounded they are as artists. The energy was contagious, and it left me and MY counting down the days until next time!
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Photos taken by Emma Vurdien (@emmafayev)