Jay Park lifts up Melbourne’s theatre roof

It is Thursday 27^th September here in Melbourne and the time is 6:30pm. There is already a swarm of anxious fans waiting to be seated inside Dallas Brooks Centre, although we all know clearly that Jay isn’t due to perform until later tonight. The media is everywhere and I notice that the crowd had brought their own food and blankets, waiting since 6AM for this moment.

Fans have arrived with various banners in support of their idol, with words of encouragement such as “JWALKER’s got your back.” Posters of “JP stars” posters are also found among the audience. It is said that the Australian Jwalkers created the JP star posters, but what makes it even more unique is that it glows in the dark!

The atmosphere is on an all-time high and when the first announcement is made, the fans go wild. The atmosphere is roaring and the smiles could get no larger with each second of anticipation.

YouTube sensation Mychonny was the MC for the night, bringing his comical laugh and bold personality to the stage. He does a good job cracking jokes and breaking the ice which by then, the crowd has already warmed up their lungs.

The opening act and new idol group, CHILL, makes their appearance on stage and fans just go berserk, immediately. Members D, K.E.N and B.Shock, unleash their individual talents and showcase their charismatic and bubbly pop debut song, I Like It.  It is noted that their debut song will be available for download on iTunes by the next two weeks.

Their debut performance is a big ‘WOW’ to me. The trio is able to perform confidently well whilst embracing the moment that they have been working so hard toward to. The performances include an ensemble of rap and pop. I admit that this group has the awesome stage presence to keep them going on!

On their second set of songs, they flaunt their raw talents with an Acapella song of So Sick by Ne-Yo, but to make it even more electrifying, they show off by introducing hip hop with beatboxing and rapping into the song. The crowd screams with satisfaction as CHILL continue with their third performance “Nothing on you” by B.O.B.

I am in awe with the group’s leader singer B.Shock’s strong vocal talents. I am also amazed by K.E.N’s charismatic rapping as I find it truly energetic and uplifting. Who can forget, D? Also known as Darren or Darren TP, fans will be familiar to the angelic and cute face from his YouTube channel which features K-pop cover dances. With a solid track records in performing K-Pop dance and song covers, there is no surprise that this guy has unbelievable potential in the entertainment industry.

Korean dance crew, Prepix, is Jay Park’s backup dancers who come out performing liquid and pop, locking in coloured silken shirts and just like the natural elements, they flow with no boundaries.

The ball is rolling and you can hear Jay’s name repeating over and over again, with the roars bursting the roof of the stadium.

Jay opens with “Nothing On You” by B.o.B, the song which shot him right into the YouTube spotlight. From witnessing his performance, you can easily see that this young artiste draws his inspiration from the legend Michael Jackson as he swings his body and points to the crowd.

He continues with the next song “Abandon”, with his dance synchronizing the beats while our hearts beats along with the rhythm.

Taking a quick break, Jay takes a slip of water and points out that staying hydrated is important and to be healthy.

Next up, Jay raps out “Aom&1llionaire” , followed by “I Got Your Back”, “Star”, “I Love You” and “Care Free.” 

Prepix then performs with masks and build up a mysterious and scary ambience during Jay’s costume change. Their secret identity adds a playful touch to the well-synced moves and on the stage, shining with their formalized Chinese inspired costumes. Prepix is truly a talented group of professional dancers.

Jay Park returns and rocks a yellow fluro varsity jacket as he performs “Enjoy the Show”. Fans cannot resist but to bop their heads and hands to the infectious beat.

He then does a memorable cover of “Down” by Jay Sean and  seductive version of “U Got it Bad” by Usher, caressing his body and pop locking his body before he tears off his shirt.

View our full gallery of the concert here!

As effortlessly as possible, he closes with “Know Your Name”, and then assure to fans that he will return and may even come and stay! I heard it live with everyone in the concert hall, so I would like to clarify that no, he isn’t paid to say so!

Be sure to stay tuned to hellokpop’s exclusive interview with Jay Park, as he talks about collaboration with BIGBANG and 2NE1, and his relationship with G.NA!

Reviewed by Sira Sous
Photo credits: Vincent Heng, Jason Puy & Paul Sin

View our full gallery of the concert here!