Photos by Rebecca Rowe ; Written by Bella Lee

As the lights dim in the silent auditorium, Wendy’s voice rises. A pure and resonant tone opens the show with a breathtaking a cappella. Pasadena welcomes Wendy with warm energy. She beams brightly and starts the show in a stunning flower-like red dress. 

Wendy originally debuted in 2014 with Red Velvet, a five-member girl group from South Korea. From Red Velvet, she began to release music as a solo artist in 2021. As a solo artist, Wendy showed how powerful her voice can be. Her vocal tone has always stood out in Red Velvet, but as a soloist, she can express her range in new ways. 

The show began with a powerhouse opening set. “Fireproof,” “Hate2,” and “Queen of the Party” were the first numbers, bringing the audience to a state of wonder. Wendy was backed by a live band, who played beautifully and without a flaw. Wendy addressed the audience with a gorgeous smile. “Welcome to W:ealive. The energy here is very good.” The crowd cheered with support as she continued to introduce the show. “W:ealive comes from ‘Wendy’ and ‘alive.’ A meaning of wanting to exist and breathe with the audience through music.” 

Wendy performed with both grace and confidence. The whole concert showed her years of experience and dedication to her art. Every note was clear, every audience member watched in awe of her poise and talent. Most K-Pop artists who perform include a lot of dance, but Wendy did not need it to entertain her audience. Her voice drew the crowd in and her charisma shined brighter than the stage lights. 

The night continued with incredible numbers like “His Car Isn’t Yours,” “Best Ever,” and “Sunkiss.” With every song, Wendy delivered powerful vocals unlike any other. From power ballads to intimate love songs, she proved no genre can take her down. “Believe,” “Like Water,” and “Wish You Hell” were incredible live performances. Wendy is a wonder to experience live. Her stage presence instantly brings the audience to a sense of peace and intimacy. And her voice can fill a room unlike any other. 

The audience energy really gave Wendy confidence to be herself on stage. She lovingly addressed her fans and interacted with them so that everyone felt at home in the auditorium. Anyone could tell that she adored her fans and could freely enjoy the night. Seeing Wendy live is a heavenly experience, and no one can forget it.