[Review] IU HEREH World Tour Concert in Singapore 2024
On April 20th, a wave of eager fans flooded the Singapore Indoor Stadium, their excitement crackling like electricity. A sea of yellow lights, reminiscent of IU's beloved Tweety Bird, transformed the venue into a vibrant display of UAENA’s devotion. After 1,123 days of anticipation, Singaenas (IU's Singaporean fans) were finally reunited with their idol. Armed with iconic I-ke lightsticks and lighted Mics, they sang along to IU's music videos, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for her opening night of the HEREH World Tour.
As the lights dimmed and anticipation peaked, a hush fell over the crowd. The first notes of IU's captivating vocals pierced the silence. Dressed in a majestic white dress, she emerged and launched into the concert's first segment with her hit song "Holssi." Singaenas enthusiastically followed along with the fan chant, cheering her on. A special highlight came when 12 students from a local performing arts studio, Maddspace, joined IU onstage for an unforgettable chorus, adding a burst of colour and energy to the performance. This was followed by "Jam Jam," where IU captivated the audience with her graceful slow dance moves.
As the lights dimmed and anticipation peaked, a hush fell over the crowd. The first notes of IU's captivating vocals pierced the silence. Dressed in a majestic white dress, she emerged and launched into the concert's first segment with her hit song "Holssi." Singaenas enthusiastically followed along with the fan chant, cheering her on. A special highlight came when 12 students from a local performing arts studio, Maddspace, joined IU onstage for an unforgettable chorus, adding a burst of colour and energy to the performance. This was followed by "Jam Jam," where IU captivated the audience with her graceful slow dance moves.
IU's warmth and genuine connection with her fans shone throughout the concert. She expressed her deep affection for Singapore, calling it her "favourite place" and feeling like she was "coming home." She even attempted the local term "Swee Lah!", showcasing a playful personality. A touching gesture came when IU revealed that her mom had prepared special gifts – photocards and keychains – for every concert attendee, demonstrating her care for Uaenas around the world.
IU opened the third song, "Ah Puh", by highlighting the connection she feels with Singapore, praising the city's having the "Best Ocean and Seafood in the world." The playful song was followed by a thunderous roar of excitement for "Bbi Bbi." Singapore has earned the nickname "city of Bbi Bbi" due to IU's frequent praise for the energetic fan chants during this song.
A brief intermission provided a moment of lightheartedness as IU expressed concern for fans who braved the heavy rain to attend the concert, while also jokingly teasing some late fans for missing the "dope" opening. She then showcased her versatility with the R&B track "Obliviate", seemingly wiping away Singaenas' memories before transitioning into the second set, “Energetic”.
IU opened the third song, "Ah Puh", by highlighting the connection she feels with Singapore, praising the city's having the "Best Ocean and Seafood in the world." The playful song was followed by a thunderous roar of excitement for "Bbi Bbi." Singapore has earned the nickname "city of Bbi Bbi" due to IU's frequent praise for the energetic fan chants during this song.
A brief intermission provided a moment of lightheartedness as IU expressed concern for fans who braved the heavy rain to attend the concert, while also jokingly teasing some late fans for missing the "dope" opening. She then showcased her versatility with the R&B track "Obliviate", seemingly wiping away Singaenas' memories before transitioning into the second set, “Energetic”.
The introduction to IU's upbeat pop song "Celebrity" featured a young local actress dressed as a youthful IU, carrying a lit candle and navigating a darkened stage depicting a stormy night. As the darkness lifted and calming rainforest sounds filled the air, the scene transformed into a dreamlike rainforest, culminating in a star-filled sky. IU then emerged, captivating the audience with her flawless vocals in "Celebrity," followed by her masterpieces "Blueming", "Eight", and "Hold My Hand". Uaenas sang along passionately, their voices filling the stadium. IU acknowledged their dedication, saying, "There are so many reasons I like you, but the main reason is your voices. I really miss them, keep up the great job!" She concluded the second set with the powerful ballad "I Stan U".
During the break between sets, a video montage showcased the behind-the-scenes efforts of the concert staff and fans, highlighting the collaborative spirit that made the event a success. IU's generosity was further emphasised as the video concluded with her signing a golden ticket and placing it on the last seat in the arena, offering a lucky fan free signed merchandise and albums.
Reappearing in a floral blue dress for the third segment, "Romantic", IU launched into the set with "Havana". This was followed by a surprise performance of "Meaning of You", a song originally only included in her Korean setlist. IU had specifically added it for the Singapore concert and expressed her delight singing the chorus with Singaenas. Next came the widely popular "Strawberry Moon," delivered in a captivating acoustic rendition with a campfire vibe.
During the break between sets, a video montage showcased the behind-the-scenes efforts of the concert staff and fans, highlighting the collaborative spirit that made the event a success. IU's generosity was further emphasised as the video concluded with her signing a golden ticket and placing it on the last seat in the arena, offering a lucky fan free signed merchandise and albums.
Reappearing in a floral blue dress for the third segment, "Romantic", IU launched into the set with "Havana". This was followed by a surprise performance of "Meaning of You", a song originally only included in her Korean setlist. IU had specifically added it for the Singapore concert and expressed her delight singing the chorus with Singaenas. Next came the widely popular "Strawberry Moon," delivered in a captivating acoustic rendition with a campfire vibe.
IU then brought a touch of romance to the evening with a heartfelt performance of "Through The Night". Following this emotional moment, she reappeared in a pink dress, performing the title track from her newest album, "Shopper," instantly lifting the mood. She then transitioned back to a fairytale atmosphere with "Above the Time," followed by the critically acclaimed "You&I" and "Love Wins All". IU delivered a powerful performance, effortlessly hitting all the notes and showcasing her vocal prowess, solidifying her place as one of the "Queens" of K-POP. As a special treat for fans, she surprised everyone with a bonus scene featuring a cameo by BTS member "V" that was not included in the original "Love Wins All" music video, showing them riding away in a car lovingly and looking at each other with an inseparable gaze .
As all good things must come to an end, IU returned for a high-energy encore that left fans breathless. Clad in a chic black outfit and boots, she exuded coolness as she launched into "Heroic." This was followed by "Shh..”, “Twenty-three" and a rock rendition of "Holssi," showcasing her versatility and powerful vocals. It felt surreal that she could effortlessly deliver over 20 songs flawlessly throughout the night.
But for IU, the show wasn't over yet. Known for her extended encores, she thrives on genuine interactions with her fans. This time, to bring them closer, IU allowed requests for songs that were not on the setlist. A sea of fans held up banners, pleading for everything from "Leon" (her Infinite Challenge track) to the classic "Good Day". Through a voting system, the chosen songs for day one were "Windflower," "Drama," "Coin," "Lilac," and "Palette". IU even upped the ante by gifting a lucky fan the very coin used during the "Coin" performance!
Like all Singaenas, we eagerly await IU's next tour, yearning to witness this multitalented artist live again. We're hoping it happens soon!
As all good things must come to an end, IU returned for a high-energy encore that left fans breathless. Clad in a chic black outfit and boots, she exuded coolness as she launched into "Heroic." This was followed by "Shh..”, “Twenty-three" and a rock rendition of "Holssi," showcasing her versatility and powerful vocals. It felt surreal that she could effortlessly deliver over 20 songs flawlessly throughout the night.
But for IU, the show wasn't over yet. Known for her extended encores, she thrives on genuine interactions with her fans. This time, to bring them closer, IU allowed requests for songs that were not on the setlist. A sea of fans held up banners, pleading for everything from "Leon" (her Infinite Challenge track) to the classic "Good Day". Through a voting system, the chosen songs for day one were "Windflower," "Drama," "Coin," "Lilac," and "Palette". IU even upped the ante by gifting a lucky fan the very coin used during the "Coin" performance!
Like all Singaenas, we eagerly await IU's next tour, yearning to witness this multitalented artist live again. We're hoping it happens soon!