When you’re part of a collective and massively successful musical ensemble, going solo can be an exceedingly difficult thing. You have this huge group of fans who adore you within a specific context, and you must have an immense amount of courage to willfully step outside of that box and hope that some of those fans might come with you along the way.
Justin Timberlake accomplished it, Harry Styles accomplished it, and now, judging by the fervent crowd present at BMO Stadium for J-Hope’s final solo tour date, he has also achieved this. Wrapping up his first-ever solo stadium concerts with a two-day run at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, held on April 4th and 6th, the final stop of the North American leg of his inaugural solo world tour, Hope on the Stage, was a defining moment in the artist’s career.
J-Hope made history by becoming the first South Korean male artist to headline a stadium concert in North America. He kicked off the event with songs from his debut solo album, Jack In The Box, instantly energizing the stadium with a roar of applause against the shimmering backdrop of Army Bombs, BTS’s official light stick.
Working the Audience Into a Frenzy
The excitement soared when groundbreaking, genre-blending, Grammy-winning R&B artist Miguel unexpectedly took the stage for an exceptional performance of “Sweet Dreams,” J-Hope’s hit single from March 2025. As the two performers showcased their undeniable chemistry, the crowd erupted in a massive sing-along. The energy was palpable, with thousands of fans swaying together, wholly absorbed in the experience.
J-Hope enthralled the audience with a striking rendition of “Mona Lisa,” radiating self-assured charisma with a touch of sensuality. The encore showcased a reinterpreted mix of “= (Equal Sign),” “Future,” and the climactic “Neuron,” all delivered in a New Jack Swing style, creating an impactful and emotional ending to an unforgettable performance. The event affirmed J-Hope’s status as one of today’s most sought-after performers.
The tour name represents J-Hope on stage and the idea of hope, wishes, and dreams taking shape in various forms on stage. The concert is arranged into five sections: Ambition, Dream, Expectation, Fantasy, and Wish, with each section reflecting the narrative he has woven throughout his solo career.
Going Solo, Flying Free
As his first solo world tour since debuting 12 years ago, Hope on the Stage is a deeply personal project for J-Hope. He actively participated in the concert’s overall planning, composition, and direction, ensuring his creative vision was embedded throughout.
The concert provided an immersive visual and auditory experience elevated by stunning production values. The main stage lifts adjusted their height and configuration in real time, perfectly aligning with J-Hope’s music and choreography. At moments, they created a box shape, while at other times, they transformed into staircases that lifted him higher.
During performances of songs from J-Hope’s special album, Hope on the Street Vol 1, which explores his musical origins in street dance, the stage became a lively, retro dance floor. Coupled with an exciting dance break, J-Hope displayed his exceptional skill in movement, exuding his signature energy that captivated the audience.
Resounding Success of Hope on Stage
J-Hope launched the North American leg of the tour on March 13 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. During the Brooklyn show, he debuted his latest single, “Mona Lisa,” which rapidly inspired numerous viral dance challenge videos. After Brooklyn, the tour visited major cities, including Chicago, Mexico City, San Antonio, Oakland, and Los Angeles.
The tour features 31 shows in 15 cities worldwide and will continue in Asia through June.
