On a cool Saturday evening on November 1st, 2025, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium buzzed with anticipation as fans gathered for Wendy’s highly awaited solo concert, part of her “w:ealive” tour. Known globally as the powerhouse vocalist of Red Velvet, Wendy has carved out her own identity — and this night, she proved that she’s not just surviving the spotlight, she’s thriving in it.
A Fiery Start
The show opened with “Fireproof,” “Hate²,” and “Queen of the Party,” a trio that immediately showcased Wendy’s live vocals. Dressed elegantly in fire red, yet with her signature approachable warmth, she greeted the audience with a bright smile: “I’m Wendy of Red Velvet, and welcome to my concert!”
Ever candid, she admitted there was a technical issue right at the start — “and it was the acappella part!” she laughed, nervously but playfully adding, “I think I ate it anyway!” Her charm filled the hall, breaking any tension. She reminisced that six years ago, she stood on this very stage with Red Velvet, making the moment feel full-circle.
The pre-show playlist, she revealed, was handpicked by her — a lively mix that mirrored her “w:ealive” concert theme. Backed by a full live band, she set the tone for a night that was both musically rich and emotionally intimate.
A Shift to Softness
The energy softened as the stage lights dimmed to pinks and blues for “Why Can’t You Love Me?” “Best Ever,” and “Chapter You.” The latter, one of only two English tracks on her December album, was a highlight — tender and raw, with Wendy walking closer to the crowd, bridging the performer-fan divide.
Ever the storyteller, she shared a Halloween anecdote: the night before, she went out for boba in disguise — or, rather, in ‘no’ disguise. The barista said, “You look like Wendy,” and she simply replied, “Thanks,” prompting laughter from the crowd. “I was only half Wendy yesterday,” she joked. “But today, I’m definitely Wendy!”
At one point, she asked the house to dim the lights so fans could lift their lightsticks closer to their faces. “Now I can see you better,” she said, beaming. The connection between artist and audience was definitely there.
Into the Deep End
The tone shifted again for an emotional suite — “His Car Isn’t Yours,” “Better Judgement On,” and “Vermilion.” Before diving in, she playfully told the audience, “This next part is emotional, so I need to get into the mood.” When a fan fake-cried, she pointed and laughed, “That’s it! That mood!”
Her emotional control was stunning, moving effortlessly between melancholy and power. The live band elevated every nuance, giving her room to soar vocally.
Blue, Ballads, and Gratitude
After a quick change, Wendy returned in a flowing blue dress. “Blue is my color,” she said with a grin, before performing “Like Water,” “When This Rain Stops,” and “Believe.” The moment turned special when she said the composers of “Believe” were in the audience and offered them a deep, genuine thanks.
Her OST Medley — including “Goodbye” and “Because I Love You” — paid tribute to the songs that first made solo listeners fall in love with her voice. “These are the OSTs that people know me for,” she said. “I had to include them.”
Nostalgia and New Energy
The next segment blended nostalgia and freshness — “What If Love,” “Two Words” (from K drama Start-Up), and “Airport Goodbyes,” written by The Black Skirts. Then came a delightful surprise: “Light Me Up” from Red Velvet’s discography. “It feels that I’m meant to sing this here,” she said, clearly savoring the memory.
After introducing her talented band, she closed the main set with “Wish You Hell” and “Sunkiss”. There are two fan-favorite tracks that show her message of self-acceptance and resilience.
The Encore: Raw Emotion and Existential Honesty
The lights dimmed, but fans’ chants grew louder until Wendy returned for a three-song encore: “Best Friend,” “The Road,” and “Existential Crisis.” The final song title might sound heavy, but Wendy filled it with hope and humor. She gave a reminder that being “alive,” as her concert theme suggested, means embracing both joy and chaos.
As she waved goodbye, she promised, “If you see me around LA, say hi! Maybe I’ll buy you boba.” Judging by the cheers that followed, thousands of fans will be keeping an eye out. Not just for Wendy, the superstar, but for Wendy, the special human who made them all feel alive.
The fans also were excited as the LA Dodgers had just won the 2025 World Series. This game was happening at the same time of the concert. There was a lot of excitement happening as the audience filtered into the streets of Pasadena that night.
Photos by: Aaron Velarde | Written by: Diana Kamel
