“This Is For ONCE”: TWICE Delivers an Unforgettable Show in St. Paul
- Rebecca Ackerman
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: a few seconds ago
4.12.26 - St. Paul, MN
After declaring April 12th, “TWICE Day” in St. Paul, the excitement in the air was palpable, and the freebies were flowing. Known as one of the most influential acts in K-pop, TWICE took over Grand Casino Arena and brought K-pop to the venue for the first time. With 11 years together as a band, TWICE’s chemistry and talent ooze from every stage they conquer together.
TWICE is composed of 9 members: Jihyo, Nayeon, Sana, Momo, Mina, Tzuyu, Chaeyoung, Jeongyeon, and Dahyun. Even though two of the members, Chaeyoung and Dahyun, were out on injury, the rest of the group seamlessly filled the gaps. As we neared closer to the start of the show, fans’ light sticks started to glow and change color.
Even before arriving, I was excited to see the way their stage was designed. From pictures, I could tell their stage was impressive: 360 degrees, platforms that rose up and down, two large catwalks extending to either side of the arena, and massive screens that displayed visuals to aid in their performance. Seeing it live? That was an entirely different story. It was more than I could ever imagine, and I spent a large portion of time internally freaking out at the screens and the way the stage moved.
As the center screen lifted from the stage, the members of TWICE appeared in white outfits. Opening their set with the tour’s namesake, “THIS IS FOR,” the group started off the night with strong and upbeat energy. They moved seamlessly into “Strategy” and “MAKE ME GO.” The fans screamed louder than I have heard at Grand Casino Arena. One piece about the 360-degree stage is they had to ensure they never had their backs turned too long to one side, so their choreography kept that in mind as they moved around and down the catwalks. Their dance moves are something to marvel at. These songs showed just how tight and in sync they are.
After the first few songs, the members introduced themselves and expressed their enthusiasm for the show. K-pop concerts are unique for many reasons; one of them is having interpreters. This allows for the members to speak comfortably in Korean but still communicate with their audience.
Between their outfit changes, the screens played visuals like fire, starry skies, and other content that showcased the members in various outfits and sets. These were also prime moments where the crowd got to sit and preserve their energy for the rest of the show.
In addition to their group performances, each member got the chance to showcase their talents during their solo stages. They performed a shortened version of their song from their 2025 album, TEN: The Story Goes On, where each of them had a song credited only to them. Each song had different outfits and vibes ranging from hip-hop to country.
Photos by Joe Lemke
If you only know TWICE for one song, it’s likely for their version of “TAKEDOWN” from K-Pop Demon Hunters. The word “TAKEDOWN” flashed on the screen and sent the fans into a frenzy. Despite missing Chaeyoung for this song, Jihyo and Jeongyeon still crushed their parts and danced around the raised platforms while Chaeyoung’s part played.
They closed out their regular set with some of their most popular songs, “What is Love?” “Yes or Yes,” and “One Spark.” Right before the encore, the large screens were broadcasting dance battles between fans in the audience. Dubbed “Oncevision,” fans danced the choreography to the TWICE songs being played. The fans were so excited to be on the big screen, and St. Paul had some stunning dancers.
When TWICE came back onstage for the encore, they closed out with “Feel Special” and “Signal.” During the last two songs, a ton of pink confetti was released, and Jeongyeon, Sana, and Momo took turns burying Nayeon under it. They had extra confetti for the night because the members missed out on seeing the cherry blossoms in South Korea while being on tour and wanted to bring that to the fans.
Being in that venue, I felt the immense love and appreciation shared between TWICE and their fans who, appropriately (and cutely), are called “Onces.” During the show, TWICE would chant, “This is for ONCE,” and the fans responded, “This is for TWICE.” The members of TWICE would stop and pose for fans, send hearts, learn new trends, and call people out in the audience that they spotted (massive shoutout to the person who Jihyo pointed out that was in a full Genie from Aladdin outfit).
The show closed out, and all around me people were collecting confetti, taking photos, and talking to their friends about how amazing the show was. All the hours of rehearsal and preparation leading up to this tour were evident in the way they moved and performed. Fans left the show the same way they came in: happy and handing out their leftover freebies to other fans.
