Photo Cr. EDAM Entertainment
The thrum of energy from fans was nearly tangible as they wait for soloist, IU, to take the State Farm Arena stage in Atlanta, Georgia on her first world tour.
Before she even graces the stage, her powerful pre-recorded vocals envelop the audience and are soon joined by her live voice and harmonies. IU emerges from the lifted stage and after the initial excitement plateaus into fans singing along, she is joined by a dance crew of kids, all from Atlanta, to take the first set to another level.
The stage itself is an intricate part of the storytelling she brings on this tour. Rather than an extended stage, three levels that lift from the center stage create depth, an aerial camera, laser effects, and panoramic jumbo screens produce an immersive environment whether the setting is a moonlit forest for "Strawberry Moon" (what she deemed "blueberry moon" for Atlanta's delicious blueberries), or for a bright and energetic summer-inspired number like "Havana."
Photo Cr. EDAM Entertainment
The stage itself is an intricate part of the storytelling she brings on this tour. Rather than an extended stage, three levels that lift from the center stage create depth, an aerial camera, laser effects, and panoramic jumbo screens produce an immersive environment whether the setting is a moonlit forest for "Strawberry Moon" (what she deemed "blueberry moon" for Atlanta's delicious blueberries), or for a bright and energetic summer-inspired number like "Havana."
Photo Cr. EDAM Entertainment
Inclusivity can sometimes be overlooked in the concert scene but IU includes lyrics to every song on the stage screens, both in Hangul and romanized, while she encourages everyone to sing and dance along. She also makes sure that it's a special experience, handing out props like a flower and coin from her performance to a lucky UAENA.
IU and her dancers use the stage space exceptionally well for both incredible choreography and interactions with fans. Between the introduction of the live band, the synergy IU not only shared with Atlanta UAENA but also her dancers, and sharing some of her most iconic collaboration tracks throughout the show, she is truly a singer of community and love.
She jokes with fans as the "final" song comes around and leaves the first encore as a predictable step in the itinerary, but says the "unofficial" surprise is what everyone should stick around for.
Her first encore is the opportunity to see another side of more rock-based songs after the ballad sets and genre varieties she shared in the main show.
Rather than screams that normally ring throughout a concert venue, IU arranges for another sing along paired with a video of her time in Atlanta with her team before she saunters back on stage for the true final encore. Taking requests from fans, IU closes the Atlanta show with "Hold My Hand," "Lilac," and "Epilogue."
IU and her dancers use the stage space exceptionally well for both incredible choreography and interactions with fans. Between the introduction of the live band, the synergy IU not only shared with Atlanta UAENA but also her dancers, and sharing some of her most iconic collaboration tracks throughout the show, she is truly a singer of community and love.
Photo Cr. EDAM Entertainment
Her first encore is the opportunity to see another side of more rock-based songs after the ballad sets and genre varieties she shared in the main show.
Rather than screams that normally ring throughout a concert venue, IU arranges for another sing along paired with a video of her time in Atlanta with her team before she saunters back on stage for the true final encore. Taking requests from fans, IU closes the Atlanta show with "Hold My Hand," "Lilac," and "Epilogue."
Photo Cr. EDAM Entertainment With warmth, her soft and steady vocals led fans into ripples of confetti, compliments about the energy of the room all night, and an overall feeling of celebrating something spectacular together. Like watching a princess do the Atlanta "A," for the final photos, IU and fans ended the night with silly smiles and love.
She still has a few more stops on the U.S. leg of the HEREH World Tour.
She still has a few more stops on the U.S. leg of the HEREH World Tour.
