Arizona K-pop fans’ dreams became reality when ATEEZ’s 2025 World Tour [In Your Fantasy] landed at Desert Diamond Arena last week. The eight-member powerhouse group visited the States last year as well, continuing their love affair with Phoenix fans at yet another sold out spectacular.
For longtime fans of the group, this tour skirted the line of fantasy and fever dream, with elevated production, a setlist dominated by deep cuts and solo performances that let each member shine in their own unique way before bringing it back to the center. Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho emerged from behind the stage’s massive LED screen, drawing shrieks of delight as they launched right into “Bouncy (K-Hot Chili Peppers)” and set the tone for the rest of what became a truly wild show.
ATEEZ’s synchronization is top tier, with each member showing their own flair while never failing to fall back in step with the group- smiling at each other all the while. After the Latin-influenced dance break in “Blind” and the blistering “Man on Fire”, Yunho stepped up first the first solo performance of the show on the sensual “Slide to Me”. Showing off his deep vocals and enthralling dance moves, this was only the first of eight stunning performances that gave every member the spotlight. Seonghwa was up next, shedding metaphorical “Skin” and literal clothes as the screams reached deafening decibels.
Yeosang was backed by ATEEZ’s dance team on “Legacy” but his performance was so forceful and magnetic that every eye in the room was glued to center stage. The solo stages were intermittently interrupted to break the wall on “Guerilla” and cheers to “Lemon Drop” while the choreography on “Shaboom” had fans’ jaws on the floor.
With eight members, the solo stages took up the middle of the setlist- Wooyoung’s “Sagittarius” production brought a clear night sky into the arena while Jongho’s soaring vocals on “To Be Your Light” filled the room (and everyone’s hearts) to the brim. The group has definitely been showcasing their sexier side with their latest comebacks, with San leaning into the concept on “Creep”. Hongjoong’s live DJ mix on “NO1” turned the arena into a club while Mingi smirked as the room barked along to “Roar”.
ATEEZ’s onstage energy is nearly unmatched in the world of K-pop and the members threw body and soul into the entirety of the night’s performance. Beyond that, their visible, tangible joy permeated into the audience for a room filled with piles of confetti and impeccably happy vibes. Of course the members spoke to their fans between songs, with each one commenting on Arizona’s extreme heat- but even the sweltering summer wasn’t as hot as the love between ATEEZ and their ATINYs.
As the night began drawing to a reluctant close, ATEEZ once again shook the audience awake with a triple threat of title tracks that left the room breathless. “Work”, “Ice on My Teeth” and “In Your Fantasy” encapsulated the last three releases and had the venue glowing from floor to ceiling with the group’s signature lightstick. The group also performed a seamless mashup of older favorites from their discography right into the sentimental “Now This House Ain’t a Home”.
A brief interlude preceded the night’s final encore of “The Real” as ATEEZ left everything out on the arena’s stage. This tour followed on the heels of the previous run and fans who attended both were thrilled at the inclusion of more deep cuts from the group’s impressive and extensive catalogue. Just watching the faces of each member, it was crystal clear that this tour gave them the chance to stretch creatively and their pride in the work was palpable. ATINYs aren’t sure of the next time they’ll reunite with ATEEZ but the members solemnly swore that they won’t be away for too long- and Arizona’s fantasy is that the group will return very soon.
