K-pop phenomenon Seventeen made history as the only K-pop act to headline Lollapalooza Berlin on Sunday, closing the festival with a high-energy 90-minute set at Berlin’s Olympiastadion. The group captivated the audience with an impressive performance of 19 tracks, delivering both vibrant and heartfelt moments that showcased their exceptional versatility and star power. With 12 dancers accompanying them on stage, the set felt like one of Seventeen’s grand standalone concerts, perfectly reflecting their reputation for well-choreographed, large-scale performances.

Seventeen kicked off the show with electrifying tracks such as “Super” and “Don Quixote,” followed by fan favorites like “Darl+ing,” “Ready to Love,” “Rock With You,” and “Left & Right,” which highlighted their signature bright and energetic sound. The crowd was equally enthralled by more intense numbers like “Clap,” “Maestro,” and “Hot,” which demonstrated the group’s diverse musical appeal. The performance was further elevated by a live band collaboration, especially during special unit BSS’ powerful rendition of “Fighting,” adding an extra layer of dynamism to the already energetic show.

Throughout the set, the international audience enthusiastically sang along not only to Seventeen’s English songs but also their Korean lyrics, waving banners with members’ names and messages of support written in Korean. The encore performance of “Very Nice” saw the crowd erupt in cheers, shouting along in Korean and marking a special connection between the band and their global fans. According to Pledis Entertainment, Seventeen expressed their gratitude, saying, “We are so happy and thrilled to finally be here after knowing how long you have waited for us. We didn’t expect you to sing along so well. It’s truly amazing and touching. We will never forget you.”

Lollapalooza Berlin, an annual festival that hosts top international artists, featured Seventeen alongside headliners such as Sam Smith, Martin Garrix, Burna Boy, and The Chainsmokers. The group’s performance was broadcast live via Seventeen’s official YouTube channel, allowing fans worldwide to join in the excitement. With their 12th mini album set to be released in October and a world tour on the horizon, Seventeen continues to solidify their global presence. In addition, the group has been nominated for Best Group at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, scheduled to take place at the UBS Arena in New York this Wednesday.

Sayart / Chloe Kim, 2022chloe.k@gmil.com