Top 10 Greatest BlackPink Live Performances
#10: “How You Like That” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (2014-)
In June 2020, the state of the pandemic meant “The Tonight Show” was being broadcast from home, but BLACKPINK’s stage instantly transported viewers to a new world. In the debut performance of their comeback single, the music videos’ elaborate visuals are channeled into the group’s unique styling. Each of the girls sport outfits that combine elements of traditional Korean and Thai dress with modern girl-group silhouettes. They take charge of the fiery stage with bold choreography and attitude to match. Following their powerful outro, BLACKPINK seals their re-entry to the music scene with a cheeky farewell kiss.
#9: “Pretty Savage” “The Late Late Show with James Corden” (2015-)
To promote their upcoming online concert “The Show,” BLACKPINK gave the world a taste of what they’d been preparing in this stadium-style performance. The refreshed version of “Pretty Savage” features a live band and pumped up choreography. Stage fog lit by flashing lights and a small army of background dancers take the performance to the next level. Because the fan-favorite song lacks a music video, the live performance videos have garnered millions of views, and it’s easy to see why. From their Inkigayo stage to this concert adaptation, the song soars as the girls hit every beat with grit, power, and edge.
#8: “Kill This Love” “Inkigayo” (1991-93; 1998-)
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Comments below this viral video agree: the impressive live display might sound even better than the original recording. To anyone who ever doubted BLACKPINK’s raw talent… How do your words taste? Their vocals never falter, and each member still hits every reactive facial expression and dance step with power and precision. While the visual concept isn’t overly elaborate, rich reds and scattered chandeliers paint a striking backdrop. The unique mix and match costumes suit each member’s style as their killer onstage personas shine through. The girls absolutely nail every element of this performance, making this one a true standout.
#7: “So Hot” (THEBLACKLABEL Remix) “2017 Gayo Daejeon” (2017)
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In this one-of-a-kind festival performance, BLACKPINK remixes their girl group seniors’ iconic 2008 hit “So Hot.” Their twist on the Wonder Girls song builds on Kpop tradition while drawing attention to a new era of hip-hop girl groups. It makes for a wonderful and impressive union of generations. The number is straightforward but impactful, relying on the members’ individual styles and the unit’s charisma as a whole. Coming off of an impressive rookie year, this performance continued to prove that BLACKPINK wasn’t just serving up empty hype with the chorus here.
#6: “Whistle/Playing with Fire” “2016 Melon Music Awards” (2016)
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Typically, BLACKPINK songs are so bold that they speak for themselves, but this awards show mashup took a more story-driven approach. Just three months after their debut, the group set the scene in all-white ensembles and in front of an elegant ice castle backdrop. After they’re joined by backup dancers, the usual dance break transitions into an unexpected drumline interlude. Flaming drumsticks pound a rousing beat as the stage shifts into a golden jungle setting. The members reappear in a bold new set of red and black outfits for a fiery finish as they stick the landing of the theatrical medley. It’s mesmerizing.
#5: “Sure Thing” (Miguel Cover) “Party People” (2017)
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Park Jin-Young, better known by his nickname JYP, briefly hosted a single season talk show called "Party People." Just one year after their debut, BLACKPINK made a memorable guest appearance with a series of live showcases and covers. With nearly 100 million views, BLACKPINK's performance of American musician Miguel's "Sure Thing" channels the girls' usual swagger into a relaxed R&B cover. The members' rich vocals shine in this all-english live performance. In a more intimate setting, they continued to showcase their versatility with a medley of their own songs and a sultry dance cover to Beyoncé’s “Partition.”
#4: “BOOMBAYAH” Debut Stage “Inkigayo” (1991-93; 1998-)
It’s hard to believe this is BLACKPINK’s debut stage. While the performance is more stripped back, not a single rookie nerve peaks through the cracks. Even with a simple set, hand mics, and no backup dancers, the group's dominant charisma takes charge. Their confidence is unwavering, even in their more involved 2nd debut stage for “Whistle.” A force to be reckoned with, these lovely ladies forge their own lane beyond the typical “cute” girl group concept. Right from the beginning, these performances established BLACKPINK as a powerful foursome with a fresh hip-hop driven sound.
#3: “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” “YG Palm Stage ― 2021 Blackpink: The Show” (2021)
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BLACKPINK’s fierce stage presence meets this song’s take-no-prisoners attitude for a show-stopping live act. A highlight from the group’s online concert “The Show,” this stage pulls out all the stops… and all the elements of nature! As plumes of fire explode behind the members and lightning strikes across the ceiling, they’re joined by a formation of male dancers in a bed of water. As they splash through the choreography, the performance builds to a climax when the girls and dancers join together for a step style breakdown into the deadly final refrain.
#2: “SOLO/Ddu-Du Ddu-Du/Forever Young” “2018 Gayo Daejeon” (2018)
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The crowd definitely gives Jennie an enthusiastic welcome as she takes the stage to perform her debut single. Of course, she isn’t “Solo” for too long, though. In an iconic BLACKPINK moment, the members rise from the stage to join her for a dance break. As Jennie quickly changes costumes onstage, the foursome transitions into one of their most powerful hits without missing a beat. The confident medley becomes an onstage revolution with synchronized choreography and a large formation of dancers. Making their way to the front stage, the girls build to a memorable finale with the bridge from their catchy anthem "Forever Young." Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Kiss and Make Up,” “In Your Area World Tour” (2018-20) Dua Lipa Joins the Girl Group on Tour “Love To Hate Me/You Never Know,” “YG Palm Stage ― 2021 Blackpink: The Show” (2021) A More Intimate Acoustic Mashup “Stay,” “Inkigayo” (1991-93; 1998-) A Heartfelt Ballad with a Dreamy Autumn Theme “Kill This Love,” “In Your Area World Tour” (2018-20) BLACKPINK’s Impressive Japanese Performance “16 Shots” (Dance Cover), “In Your Area World Tour” (2018-20) A Hard-Hitting Hip-Hop Dance Cover
#1: Coachella Set “Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival” (2019)
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History was made when BLACKPINK became the first female Kpop group to perform at Coachella. Their debut at the US festival is undeniably exceptional: set apart by the electric live band and the desert wind blowing through the members’ hair. But the act is undeniably made by the girls’ energy. You can feel Jennie’s excitement as she hypes up the crowd, and Lisa’s smile sneaks into her skilled rapping. Jisoo delivers incredible live vocals with cool confidence, and Rosé’s fancam alone has more than 12 million views. Not only was this live set a milestone in their record-shattering career, but the group delivered something special that fans won’t soon forget.
