BLACKPINK made history once again by performing two consecutive nights at Wembley Stadium, becoming the second girl group after the Spice Girls to headline the iconic venue. However, despite the milestone, a recent review by The Times offers a sharply mixed perspective on the event.
The publication awarded the concert a modest three-star rating, pointing to an uneven performance among the members. While the group’s global status and dedicated fanbase are undeniable, the review suggests that only one member consistently met the moment — Lisa.
According to the article, “out of Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé and Lisa, only the Thai-born Lisa looked as if she really wanted to be there to begin with, winking at the cameras and executing each move with vim.” Her energy and commitment stood in contrast to the more sluggish performances from the rest of the group during the first half of the show.
Lisa, described as “the most famous” of the four, was praised not only for her stage presence but also for her work outside of music, including her appearance in season three of White Lotus and collaborations with major Western artists such as Doechii, Raye, and Rosalía. However, she surprised many by not performing her song New Woman, instead choosing the more subdued Thunder alongside the MIA-inspired Rockstar.
The review was less forgiving to the other members. Jennie, often seen as the face of the group, was noted for a lackluster start. Though she eventually delivered what was called “the show’s highlight” with her solo Like Jennie, the article noted her past struggles with the physical demands of K-pop, referencing her comments on the strain it places on the body.
Rosé, known for her vocals and emotional depth, was recognized for her role as the group’s spokesperson on stage, engaging the audience and bantering with her fellow members. She performed Toxic Till The End, channeling Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, followed by APT, a collaboration with Bruno Mars. Despite the vocal praise, the article implied she left a lesser impact than expected.
Jisoo, unfortunately, received the harshest critique. The review described her as “the most forgettable”, though it did acknowledge that her solo track Earthquake provided some enjoyable moments.
Despite a shaky start, the concert reportedly found its momentum in the final hour. The group closed the night with Jump, a new single that was received as the concert’s “mission accomplished” moment — high energy, unifying, and fan-pleasing.
However, the article also pointed out the pricey merchandise, such as the £70 lightsticks dubbed “heart axes,” calling into question the commercialization of the experience.
While BLACKPINK‘s performance at Wembley Stadium marked a historical milestone in K-pop’s global journey, The Times‘ review suggests the event was not without flaws. With Lisa earning standout praise and the other members receiving mixed to critical remarks, the review has ignited debate among fans and critics alike about performance standards and expectations in global K-pop events.
Sources: The Times UK
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