Hwasa took the stage by storm at Bayou Music Center on Friday, March 21st, 2025, and let’s be real–she owned it. From the moment the lights dimmed and the crowd’s anticipation hit fever pitch, it was game on. Fans were already setting the mood, passing out banners that read, “It’s a shining night for our beautiful Maria,” ready to surprise her during the group photo. And when Hwasa finally stepped onto the stage, kicking things off with her self-titled track “HWASA,” followed by “Chili” and “TWIT,” the energy in the room shot through the roof.
“What’s up, Houston! This is HWASA! Thank you so much!” she greeted her Twits, her fandom, with that signature mix of confidence and warmth. And here’s where she really stood out–her interludes weren’t just filler; they were raw, funny and disarmingly real. After “TWIT,” she playfully confessed:
“I love you so damn much. Next time, I’ll learn how to say it even more strongly. Actually, in Korean, I don’t really curse much. No, really, please don’t misunderstand. But ever since I was younger, I think the movies and songs I listened to tended to have a lot of curse words in them, so I assumed it was normal. ‘You know what I’m saying?’ I really love that expression. Okay! So we gotta get started, but I think we are going to start with something a little refreshing, okay? So let’s just enjoy it and have fun! Okay, H-Town!”
And with that, she launched into “Somebody!”– a track that kept the crowd moving. Hwasa didn’t just perform; she connected, weaving personal anecdotes between songs and showing fans that she really was beyond the stage persona.
The VCR segments between her performances? Pure gold. We saw Hwasa at Bu-cee’s, diving into a brisket sandwich like it was the best thing ever. Another had her struggling through a DIY ‘diva’ makeup tutorial, her ring light giving up on her mid-eyeliner attempt (relatable). Near the end, a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her intense rehearsals, with none other than PSY dropping in to check on her. These weren’t just cute clips–they were a window into her world, reinforcing that she’s not just a performer but someone grinding to perfect her craft.
And let’s talk about the highlights. Houston was personal for Hwasa–after all, this is Beyoncé’s hometown. Her “Mother Medley” of iconic pop hits–“Diva” by Beyoncé, “Hung Up” by Madonna, “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez and “Toxic” by Britney Spears–was a high-energy tribute to the legends who shaped her artistry. “Maria” was another electrifying moment, the crowd singing every word back to her. Then, a shift–she reappeared, walking through the audience as she sang an emotional cover of “Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga, stopping to hug fans.
The night wasn’t over yet. After “Dingga” and “HIP,” she closed the main set with “I Love My Body.” But Twits weren’t done. A giant orange meter of the tour name appeared, tracking the noise level in the venue, taunting fans as they screamed for an encore. When it finally hit max, Hwasa returned saying, “I know, I know–I said it was the end. But I lied.” She closed the night with a powerful cover of “LUNCH” by Billie Eilish before delivering one final message:
“Now it’s really over, okay, Houston! Now, team Hwasa, cheer louder! Louder! Let’s never forget this energy and have fun as we journey on in life. I’ll be rooting you on! Good afternoon, good evening,…” And the crowd? “…and goodnight!” (Yes, she hit us with The Truman Show reference.)
The night was a full-on experience, where fans got to see the fearless performer, the jokester, the powerhouse–Hwasa, unfiltered and all in.
I am a creative based in Houston, Texas. I am a University of Houston Alumni working as a Marketing and Communications Specialist for a local agency. I enjoy discovering new music, regardless of genre, as music is the universal language. In my free time, I enjoy thrifting and discovering new stories waiting to be explored.
