Written by Samantha Firmin & Lorenzo dela Cruz | September 17, 2025

Photo Credit: YG Entertainment

The lights in Dickies Arena dimmed and were replaced by the red and white glow of devil-horned lightsticks waving throughout the venue. “We are the monsters! The baby monsters!” boomed through the speakers announcing the arrival of the South Korean girl group, BABYMONSTER. Members, Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Ahyeon, Rora, and Chiquita (with seventh member Rami currently on hiatus) certainly knew how to make an entrance as they were lifted high into the air on an elevated platform, with a show of pyrotechnics decorating the front of the stage.

BABYMONSTER kicked off the Texas stop of their ‘Hello Monsters World Tour’ with “Drip,” a perfect showcase of their confidence and charisma from the very start. The next few tracks, “Batter Up,” “Clik Clak,” and “Sheesh,” leaned more into the hip-hop sound they’ve come to be known for. The girls hail from YG Entertainment, a company credited for bringing hip-hop mainstream in South Korea, so it’s no surprise they possess a natural swag that lends well to their performances.

After taking a brief moment to greet their fans, Monstiez, the girls went backstage to prepare for their next section while the audience took a trip down memory lane. The first VCR was a compilation of clips from their pre-debut reality show, Last Evaluation, featuring the members discussing their struggles and memories from training. From physical injuries to the cultural shocks of moving to a foreign country, to finally being announced as a group, it was heartwarming to watch them achieve their dreams in real time.

The nostalgia didn’t end there. The next section consisted of solo performances the girls had previously done in their trainee days. Every cover shifted the mood dramatically and served as a chance for each member to display their unique style, talent, and growth. Standout covers were Pharita’s emotional rendition of “What Other People Say,” Ahyeon’s powerful vocals in “Dangerously,” and Asa’s skillful rap in “Godzilla.” BABYMON’s Japan line, Asa and Ruka, also treated fans to a performance of their duet, “Woke Up in Tokyo.”

During the next VCR, the girls sat down for an interview, expressing their joy at finally meeting Texas Monstiez while also reflecting on their solo performances. They shared how each state on the tour had a different kind of fan energy, each with its own unique vibe and personality. For Texas, name-drops of F1 Racing in Austin and their eagerness to try authentic Texas BBQ immediately sent fans buzzing with excitement. Later, they revealed they had visited the Fort Worth Stockyards, where they “stocked” up on boots and cowboy hats for the show. True to form, Monstiez at the barricade came prepared too, holding up a wide range of creations, hats, and thoughtful gifts for the girls.

One of the night’s biggest highlights came when the group surprised the crowd with covers of two BLACKPINK hits: “Kill This Love” and “As If It’s Your Last.” As an homage to their YG sunbaes, the performance struck a perfect balance—honoring the originals while reshaping them by adding their own flair. Despite having more members than BLACKPINK, the group’s harmonies and stage presence blended into something fresh, bringing new elements and feel to the songs.

From L to R: Rora, Pharita, Chiquita, Asa, Ruka, Ahyeon

The encore unfolded like a karaoke session shared between artist and audience, with “Forever” and a remixed “Batter Up” turning the arena into a full-on celebration. Donning their newly acquired cowboy hats and boots, the girls moved toward the front of the stage, creating a more intimate atmosphere. A playful moment had Chiquita raising her lightstick like a wand and joking, “Avada Kedavra!” before bursting into song, much to the crowd’s delight. This lighthearted spirit carried through until the very end, underscoring just how much BABYMONSTER have grown as performers, especially in their ability to connect with each and every person out in the crowd.

Before wrapping up, the group made sure to spotlight INSPIRE BAND—Injae (guitar), Koo Bonam (bass), Jim Seungho (drums), and Kim Changhyun (keys)—whose live energy gave each song a new edge that elevated the night beyond the studio versions.

As confetti rained down over Dickies Arena, BABYMONSTER’s Texas stop stood as a resounding success, sending Monstiez of all ages buzzing as they headed out into the night. Beyond the pyrotechnics, booming vocals, razor-sharp rap lines, and playful moments, the concert became a space of true community, welcoming both die-hard fans and first-time listeners. It was proof of the group’s growing reach and their unwavering bond with every soul they manage to touch.