On October 15, 2025, TWICE made history as the second K-pop group to perform at the prestigious Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City. The group delivered renditions of “Strategy” and “This Is For,” captivating the audience with their visuals and stage presence. However, their live performance has sparked controversy online, with many viewers criticizing their vocal abilities and drawing comparisons to BLACKPINK’s Lisa, who faced similar scrutiny for her performance at the same event the previous year
Criticism of TWICE’s Live Performance
Despite the polished choreography and glamorous visuals, online reactions quickly turned critical. Several social media users commented on the group’s live vocals, with some claiming the singing distracted from the models. One viral post read, “Omg who is singing this sounds awful,” while others echoed similar sentiments, remarking, “She looks good but goddamn the vocals…” and “I thought the tweets were exaggerating with TWICE’s horrible vocals but dear God”.
A number of these reactions singled out Tzuyu, accusing her of having “weak vocals.” In response, Tzuyu addressed fans directly through Bubble, expressing regret and explaining her condition. She wrote, “ONCE, I’m sorry.. Before coming to New York, I practised well with my vocal coach, but after arriving, my throat started getting worse and worse… During rehearsal, I could still make sounds, but it got much worse during the main performance, and my throat was completely hoarse, so I couldn’t make any sound at all.” Tzuyu added that she drank honey tea and tried various remedies to soothe her throat but was unable to recover in time for the show.
Comparison to BLACKPINK’s Lisa
The criticism of TWICE’s performance has led to comparisons with BLACKPINK’s Lisa, who faced similar backlash for her performance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024. Many netizens are pointing out a perceived double standard in how TWICE is being praised while Lisa was previously judged harshly for a similar opportunity. This situation has fueled online debates about fairness, public perception, and treatment of K-pop idols in global events.
While TWICE’s performance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 showcased their star power and stage presence, the criticism of their live vocals highlights the challenges K-pop idols face when performing in international settings. As the group continues to expand their global reach, it is essential for them to address these concerns and work towards improving their live performances to meet the high expectations of international audiences.
