BABYMONSTER Dominates the East Coast
“Get ready, here we come! The BABYMONSTERS!”
Chants, screams, and singing filled the air as the Prudential Center glowed red and white—not for the New Jersey Devils, but for a new force in K-pop. Thousands of Monstiez, BABYMONSTER’s dedicated fandom, gathered at the iconic Newark venue to witness history as the rookie girl group kicked off their highly anticipated first world tour, setting the stage ablaze with electrifying dance moves and powerhouse vocals.
Left to right: Rami, Ahyeon, Ruka, Pharita, Chiquita, Rora, and Asa.
The seven-member group, introduced by YG Entertainment—home to legendary acts like 2NE1 and BLACKPINK—first made waves in late 2022. Fans followed their journey through a behind-the-scenes series documenting their intense training and final evaluation, which determined the official lineup. By mid-2024, BABYMONSTER had officially debuted, marking the start of their ascent in the K-pop industry.
Embarking on a world tour just months into their career is an achievement in itself. Performing at the Prudential Center? Even more impressive. But earning the respect and admiration of an audience unfamiliar with them as rookies—that is their greatest accomplishment.
The two-hour set opened with a bang, kicking off with the crowd-favorite title track, Drip. Fireworks and flame projectors erupted as BABYMONSTER made their grand entrance, instantly setting the night’s energy. Their commanding stage presence, paired with dynamic choreography, allowed each member to shine individually while reinforcing their strength as a group—truly living up to their name.
While their rapid success has surprised many, some netizens have credited their rise to the legacy of YG Entertainment’s previous groups. However, while their company’s reputation may have opened doors, it would be unfair to dismiss their achievements as mere favoritism. BABYMONSTER has clearly put in the work, proving they are forging their own path in the industry—and their world tour is solidifying that.
February 28th, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. Photo taken by Chance Music.
As the night unfolded, the energy in the arena only grew stronger, thanks in part to the addition of a live band that added an extra layer of intensity to the show. BABYMONSTER’s live performance was undeniably powerful—though some parents in the audience might argue that the sound levels could have been toned down. Still, it was clear that the group was there to deliver a true concert experience. The live instrumentation heightened the energy, creating a more immersive connection with the audience. Whether fans realized it or not, the band played a crucial role in elevating the overall performance. Building on this energy, the group also took the opportunity to showcase their individual artistry through solo stages. These performances offered a glimpse into their pre-debut journey, paying tribute to their trainee days while also highlighting the songs they tirelessly practiced before officially coming together as a group. The solo moments allowed each member to demonstrate their unique vocal strengths—something that can sometimes be limited in a group setting. It was a moment for fans to cheer them on, celebrating their talent, dedication, and growth.
The show’s pivotal moment came when they reunited on stage to perform their pre-debut song, which references “Waking Up in a Dream.” Standing before thousands of fans, they embraced their 'We made it' moment—proof of how far they had come in such a short time.
As impressive as the entire show was, the most memorable part was the encore. An encore is a special moment in any concert—an unscripted-seeming extension of the night, fueled by audience demand. While it’s a staple in K-pop, it’s less common among Western artists. For BABYMONSTER, the encore wasn’t just a tradition; it was a chance to show that beyond their polished performances, they are individuals with their own personalities. It proved that even after delivering a full set, they could return to the stage with the same energy and enthusiasm, free from structured choreography.More than just a musical reprise, the encore strengthened their connection with the audience. Without intricate dance routines to focus on, the members were able to fully engage with fans, encouraging them to sing and dance along. Traditionally, K-pop encores feature a medley of older hits, but since BABYMONSTER’s discography is still growing, they chose to reperform tracks from their latest album. While some questioned whether this was necessary, it ultimately served as a testament to their endurance, vocal training, and passion for the stage. Despite any critiques, BABYMONSTER proved their ability to captivate an audience and command the spotlight with their undeniable talent.
Headlining a world tour and performing at major venues wasn’t a mistake—it was a statement. The Prudential Center has hosted some of the biggest names in music and even the MTV Video Music Awards. It has seen sold-out performances from artists like country star Zach Bryan on his The Quittin’ Time Tour and Billie Eilish on her Hit Me Hard and Soft World Tour. The real question wasn’t whether YG Entertainment would turn a profit—it was whether they could use this moment to establish BABYMONSTER’s presence in the industry. Regardless of audience size, securing a venue of this caliber was a strategic move to earn respect and cement BABYMONSTER as a rising force in the global music scene.
