K-pop girl group TWICE kicked off the North American leg of their tour on June 10, bringing their Ready To Be tour to eager fans. After setting the record last year as the first female K-pop artist to hold a stadium concert in the U.S., the nine-member ensemble became the first-ever girl group and first Asian female act to sell out  Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium.

An inspirational group that needs no introduction, nine-member ensemble TWICE has returned to the United States for their fifth world tour, Ready To Be. As they enter their eighth year together, TWICE strives to show the world they are ready to embrace their authentic soul and are capable of taking on any challenge that stands before them.  

With continuous success since their 2015 debut, TWICE have helped shape the landscape in K-pop and pave the way for the next generation of female artists. For their efforts, TWICE were honored with the Breakthrough Award at the 2023 Billboard Women in Music Awards — becoming the first Korean group to receive this feat. Tzuyu summarized their gratitude: "This accomplishment will forever motivate us to challenge ourselves and break more barriers." 

On their Ready To Be tour  — which includes 17 shows around the globe — TWICE continue to show the world they are ready to embrace authenticity and take on any challenge. TWICE kicked off their U.S. tour with a number of surprises; read on for some exciting moments from TWICE's L.A. show that will encourage fans to attend their remaining American stops.  

There's An Important Thematic Takeaway

The theme and title of the tour follows a mini-album of the same name, released in March.  Jihyo asked the audience if they knew the meaning behind the title, and Dahyun chimed in to explain its significance.  

"It means we are ready to show you who we are, just as we are," she said. "As time goes by, we became more comfortable being ourselves…We are ready to be happy with you right now tonight through this stage!" 

With encouragement and love from their fans, TWICE have become more confident in themselves. This strength blossoms even more the longer they are together — and was evident throughout the 3-hour show.  

An Ocean Of Lightsticks Sync Up At The Show

Synchronized light sticks are often used at K-pop concerts to create an interactive experience between the artist and their fans. Hours before showtime, Live Nation’s announced that TWICE’s lightsticks will synchronize at their U.S. concert dates — a pleasant surprise for fans attending the tour.  

This feature hasn’t always been made available for K-pop artists’ U.S. shows. The colors of TWICE’s lightsticks changed throughout the show, coordinating with talking points, and features on various stages. During songs like "MORE & MORE" and "MOONLIGHT SUNRISE," the glowing light sticks elevated the already energetic party — encouraging fans to get on their feet and dance with all their might.  

There's A Live Band For The Very First Time 

In the second half of the show, Dahyun asked fans if they noticed anything new or different about this tour. As she takes a glance into the audience and with a huge smile on her face, she responds, "You have a live band for the first time this tour!"  

With the addition of a guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, and drummer on-stage, TWICE’s concert setlist now has an addictive depth that changes the way fans hear their favorite songs. Songs like "FANCY" and "Queen of Hearts" now have an amplified and addictive rock twist that will have attendees headbanging to the beat. 

In past tours, fans remained hopeful that TWICE would one day invite a live band for their concerts as previous concerts incorporated newly arranged instrumentals for live performances. Thankfully, it’s worth the wait.

Each Member Has A Solo Stage And Unique Theme

Following their goal of showcasing their authentic individuality, each member of TWICE performed were highlighted with their own solo stage. There, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu performed a range of covers, singles (including unreleased tracks), or a dance piece. 

These solo performances featured specific colors to reflect the auras they carry as both individuals and idols. Each member also explained the meaning behind their song choice, and connected it with a personal, but relatable, message.

While the ambiance changed for each member’s performances, they all shared one thing in common: a tenacious and self-assured stage presence with undeniably alluring visuals. 

You May Hear A Never-Before Experienced Japanese Track 

Fans who have attended previous TWICE shows know that the ensemble ends the night with songs decided by a roulette wheel featuring fan-favorite or never-before-performed hits.  

The wheel itself has a bit of a humorous and chaotic reputation for being rigged by the members, specifically by Nayeon. At one point during their Los Angeles show, she asked fans, "Should I cheat or no?".

But TWICE always gives their fans a chance to pick based on their cheers. With a loud and resounding chant, everyone in the audience pleaded for the only Japanese track on the wheel that night: "Doughnut." The Los Angeles crowd got their wish — making this the first time a Japanese track from their discography is performed in the U.S. As the introduction of "Doughnut" began, each member took off their ear pieces and looked in awe at the crowd’s overjoyed energy.

There’s no guarantee a randomly selected Japanese track will be performed at every stop left of their U.S. tour dates, but there’s hope. 

If there’s one conclusion to draw from attending TWICE’s Ready To Be tour, it’s that their enthralling spirit and chemistry will make anyone in attendance — young or old — an instantaneous fan. 

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