TWICE Bring Long-Awaited Energy to Phoenix on Their First Ever Stop

TWICE’s Phoenix stop felt like more than just another tour date. As their first time performing in the city, the energy inside the arena was immediate and relentless. From the moment the show began, the crowd made it clear this night had been a long time coming. The screams barely died down, even during member introductions, to the point where it was hard to hear the group over the fans themselves. Phoenix showed up loud, passionate, and fully locked in for TWICE.

That intensity was not accidental. Many fans in attendance were long-time ONCE experiencing their very first TWICE concert. One fan captured that feeling perfectly, sharing,

“As soon as they were revealed, tears began. I cried for pretty much the whole concert as a huge long-time fan. This was my first time seeing them, and I couldn’t believe I was in the same room as my nine favorite girls.”
— Nia (@mangozini)

Phoenix matched that emotion with pure volume. As another attendee put it,

“The crowd was loud, energetic, and hyped. Phoenix went wild from the very start.”
— Ana

The stage design amplified that connection. TWICE’s 360-degree setup ensured that every section felt close to the performance, while moving screens and rising platforms added depth and motion throughout the night. Displays shifted up and down between songs, constantly changing the scale of the stage and keeping the visuals dynamic. Live camera work on the massive screens made sure fans in higher sections never felt disconnected from the performances happening below.

Musically, the setlist showcased TWICE’s impressive range. The slow, atmospheric opening of Moonlight transitioning into its live version felt smooth and intentional, while the sudden shift into darker tracks like Gone highlighted how comfortable the group is moving between emotional tones. That contrast made the pacing feel fresh and engaging. One of the biggest surprises of the night came with a rock-inspired version of Cry For Me, which hit especially hard live and caught many fans off guard in the best way.

Even during outfit changes, there was never a lull. The live band played throughout the entire concert, filling transitions with energy and keeping the momentum going. There were no dead moments, only anticipation for what came next.

The solo stages became a major highlight of the night, showcasing each member’s growth and individuality. Tzuyu opened the solo section with a confident performance that reflected noticeable growth in both presence and vocals. Mina followed with elegance and control, while Nayeon sent the arena into chaos with a playful tease before launching into her set. Dahyun, performing while injured, delivered chills as she transitioned from playing piano into singing. Chaeyoung brought a softer, city-pop inspired feel, Jihyo commanded the stage with undeniable power, Sana held the crowd’s attention effortlessly, and Momo closed the solo section with a performance that reminded everyone why she remains one of the strongest dancers in the industry.

As one fan summarized the solo stages,

“Seeing the solo stages live was everything. Each member felt confident and unique, and it showed how much they’ve grown.”
— Cezar (@cezarjgem)

Throughout the night, emotional moments consistently landed, especially during songs like What Is Love and Feel Special. For many fans, these tracks carried years of personal meaning. One attendee shared,

“I cried during all of ‘What Is Love.’ That song got me through some of my hardest moments growing up, and hearing it live felt unreal.”
— Elizabeth Rico

Jihyo, in particular, stood out as the emotional and energetic anchor of the show. Her stage presence, leadership, and constant interaction with the crowd were impossible to ignore. Fans repeatedly pointed to her ability to control the room and keep the energy high. As one ONCE put it,

“Jihyo stood out the most to me. Her stage presence is so strong, and it’s obvious she loves being on stage. She made sure everyone had an amazing time.”
— Anonymous ONCE

That connection extended beyond performances. Jihyo led waves of Candybongs across the arena, engaged in playful banter with fans, and helped turn the venue into a shared experience rather than a one-sided performance. Dance The Night Away felt like a full celebration, while crowd dance battles during breaks kept the atmosphere light and communal.

As the show reached its encore, TWICE playfully teased the crowd by mentioning BDZ, sending a wave of excitement through the arena before revealing the actual encore song. Alcohol-Free ultimately closed the night on a bright and celebratory note, with fans singing along and soaking in every last moment together.

Despite Jeongyeon being unable to perform and Dahyun visibly pushing through injury, fans expressed deep appreciation for the effort and care TWICE showed throughout the night. For many, the concert represented far more than music.

“TWICE is my safe place, my escape, and my peace. Their music has helped me through really hard times.”
— TWICEtheEFFORT

The night closed with One Spark earlier in the set and Alcohol-Free as the encore, with the energy never dipping. Fans were on their feet, voices still loud, and emotions running high until the very end. For Phoenix, this was not just TWICE’s first time in the city, it was a long-awaited moment that felt deeply personal for many in attendance. A night years in the making, finally realized.

Photo credit: JYP ENTERTAINMENT, KYLIE BRENNAN