This year, we have seen a lot of solo idols releasing great music, many making their official solo debut, while others making a much-awaited comeback. While this article spotlights the best stage performances, we also take into consideration various elements of these comebacks or debuts, from the concept of their songs and their music videos, the lyrics, vocals or rap, and the choreography. Here are our picks for the top 12 best solo stage performances from January to June 2022.
1. WOODZ
If there is an artist that has been exceptional this year, it has to be WOODZ. Perhaps one of the best songs (and albums) to be released so far this year. WOODZ showed us a refreshingly different side to not just his sound but also breaking free from the quintessential style we have seen with K-Pop over the years. Amazing vocals as always, his elevation as a vocalist, performer, songwriter, and a well-rounded artist, is certain and he truly deserves all the praises he has received. WOODZ’s energy on stage is one of his biggest traits as a performer, well that and his exceptional live vocals make him so unique as he clearly stands out as one of the best artists in K-Pop today.
2. Jessi
Lights, camera, action. All eyes and lenses continue to be on Jessi as she keeps dropping hits back to back. ‘Zoom’ was a massive success not just for its catchy rhythm or vibes, but just for how it highlighted her incredible talents. And despite the fact that she didn’t promote week after week on music shows, just these 2 were enough to have a massive impact as she left us zooming in and out to spot every detail of the performance, from her outfits to her expressions, her fiery flows, and her dance moves.
3. WonHo
WonHo is not resting on his laurels as being one of the best soloists today whose stage performances always leave many both in awe and extremely satisfied. With 2 successful comebacks this year (and it’s only being 6 months into the year) he brings the same energy (or frankly more) that you’d expect from the lyrics and music video of the song to life on stage.
With his appealing outfits that have many glued to his physique, his soft soothing vocals that are so pleasing to the ear, his dance moves that make you wonder how he moves so well with all those muscles, and his all-around captivating stage presence that feels up the stage, WonHo’s performances are always great but these performances for ‘EYE ON YOU’ and ‘CRAZY’ take the cake as we simply cannot stop watching them on loop.
4. MONSTA X’s KiHyun
MONSTA X’s KiHyun had one of the most anticipated solo debuts this year and taking us on his journey with “Voyager”, he truly didn’t disappoint as he expressively showed off his emotions by creating a realistic story with his lyrics, and his vocals! There are simply no words to describe that level of maturity and power they hold. His stage performances for this song were quite amazing but there was something extra special about this particular stage that made it most memorable.
5. EXO’s SuHo
Right after his exit from the military EXO’s SuHo released a magical healing art piece that was ‘Grey Suit’ perhaps it can be described as his gift to the world after we have been starved of his music for close to 2 years. A gift well-received by fans, with more depth to his lyrics and an amazing portrayal of his emotions, this song had a lasting impact on its listener. And with this performance, every emotion he emoted was duly felt as he brilliantly fosters a connection between the song, himself, and the viewers.
The contrast between ‘Grey Suit’ and ‘Hurdle’ is quite amazing as while one heals you, the other gets you dancing. Its infectious rhythm, SuHo’s magic touch, and its cool stage setting made this performance exciting to watch.
6. Kang Daniel
Even though it is barely half of the year. It is safe to say Kang Daniel had one of the best solo comebacks this year. His album created a deep and resounding effect in the minds of his listeners. With thoughtful lyrics, his soft and sultry vocals, an amazing and fun concept, as well as the catchy rhythm of the song, many expectantly waited for the stage performances of this song, and no one was disappointed. Everything you’d expect from the talented idol was displayed with sheer flair, passion, and skillfulness. And with a solo dance break that brought back B-boy Kang Daniel, we join in the excited screams of fans as this stage performance was absolutely thrilling to watch.
7. Girl’s Generation’s TaeYeon
She came to slay and conquer and she did that with so much finesse that we are left floored by how talented she is. Reminding everyone that she is still one of the best vocalists and performers in K-Pop, perhaps her handbook needs to be written and titled “Stage Performance: How to do it the TaeYeon (right) way”. ‘INVU’ is a bop and this performance is simply perfect. From the intro that looked like the trailer of a blockbuster action movie to her bright and euphonic live vocals, and her clean choreography. Clearly, her longevity as one of the best soloist in K-Pop speaks so much to her refined skill and talents that keeps improving every single time.
8. WEi’s Kim YoHan
With his solo album, Kim YoHan showed off his individuality as an artist, one that is filled with various layers that are colorful and has no problem vividly showcasing them. ‘Dessert’ was (is) an amazing song that captures his exciting talent as a vocalist and performer. And his stage performances of this song were just as sweet as dessert as he fully satisfied our senses with his impeccable performances, giving off the same delight as one would when taking the first bite of their favorite dessert.
9. PSY
There is no artist with the artistic caliber that PSY possesses. A genius musician and an exhilarating performer, on every stage that PSY steps on, fans are left with a glow that is emanated from the profuse sweat from dancing so hard and just the happiness that his songs give people. Energetic, vibrant, and entertaining, PSY’s comeback with the mega-hit ‘That That’ featuring BTS’ incredible rapper Suga was the much-needed breath of fresh air that music lovers deserved as it served its purpose, making people dance, feel happy, and enjoy life.
10. MAMAMOO’s Solar
The song title, the concept, and the colors of this stage performance really suit Solar whose vocals really do feel as sweet as honey. Her ability to fit seamlessly into any genre needs to be applauded as we have seen her done so timelessly with MAMAMOO’s songs and now with her solo comeback too. She has clearly learned a thing or two from MoonByul as she slayed with her rap verse. Perhaps she would thrill us with a full rap song soon.
11. SHINee’s Onew
SHINee members have always shown that when it comes to music and live performances, they are one of the standards, and either as a group or individual, they seem to ensure that they shift their positioning as the best a bit further. ‘Dice’ was already an amazing bop and one of the best comebacks this year, with its bright and cheery theme complimented by Onew’s outstanding vocals, and striking visuals, we found ourselves watching the video on loop. Added to the fact that he performs this song live, with so much clarity and stability in his vocals, still hitting his signature high notes and blessing our ears with his beautiful vocal tones, all the while delivering a very clean choreography, our hats are tipped in respect of the talented idol that is named Onew.
12. (G)I-DLE’s MiYeon
MiYeon’s solo debut was just as refreshing as the air that is felt when going on a drive. There were so many elements that made this stage performance excellent. The song already is a bop with his groovy rhythm and its catchy chorus, but on stage, she added an extra flair to its sound that made it somehow better. Her choreography was as pretty and clean as the concept of the song, her fairy-like visuals and the switch of the dress were a brilliant addition to the performance as they added another layer of charm that made it really enjoyable to watch. K-Pop Idols And Groups That Have Shared Vlogs From Their Concerts In The US So Far This Year KPOP STORIES|Jun 22, 2022 MONSTA X I.M’s Music Show Outfits That Are Simply Unforgettable KPOP STORIES|Jun 17, 2022 5 Performances Of VICTON’s SeJun That Live Rent Free In Our Minds KPOP STORIES|Apr 28, 2022
