On January 25, 2023, the BLACKPINK members attended the French Hospital Foundation Gala Concert at Le Zenith Arena in Paris, France. For the unversed, it is an event hosted by a charity organization that is headed by Brigitte Macron, the first lady of France. She also serves as the chairman of the board. Every year, the foundation continues to host various volunteer activities and fundraising events with the aim to improve hospitalization conditions for sick children.
The group’s performance
BLACKPINK officially became the first-ever K-pop artist to be invited to the popular concert in France. Other global pop stars such as Pharrell Williams and Mika were also witnessed at the event. As for BLACKPINK, they did the closing performance and performed the title song which is ‘Shut Down’, and the pre-release song ‘Pink Venom’ from their popular regular album.
The best part was when the orchestra melody was also added to BLACKPINK’s overwhelming performance, which gave it a thrilling impression. Gautier Capucon, a world-renowned French cellist contributed to the crooning of ‘Pink Venom.’ Moreover, Swedish violinist Daniel Lozakovich, who is also called the ‘classic royal’, excellently reproduced the melodious violin performance of Paganini’s ‘La Campanella’, including the original ‘Shut Down’ sampling, leaving a deep impression on the audience.
The Abu Dhabi concert
Fans of BLACKPINK were treated to an excellent concert at the group’s performance in Abu Dhabi last Saturday. The same day also marked the surprise birthday celebration for one of the band members, Rose.
The popular K-pop girl group hit the stage and performed a whopping number of all of their greatest hits, that included “Pink Venom” and “Lovesick Girls.” Talking about Korean-New Zealand singer Rose, she was surprised after having seen the multi-tiered cake on stage. She is all set to turn 26 this year. Later, another band member, Jennie, was also spotted visiting Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque before the group’s show.
Abu Dhabi is the second stop for the “BORN PINK” world tour in the Middle East after the BLACKPINK members performed in Riyadh on January 20, 2023.