A Historic Night in London
On August 16, 2025, London’s iconic Wembley Stadium witnessed another landmark moment in music history. BLACKPINK, the world’s biggest girl group, became only the second female act after the legendary Spice Girls to completely fill the stadium. With more than 90,000 fans in attendance, the energy was electric. Yet the true highlight of the evening came as an unexpected gift—BLACKPINK’s surprise cover of the Spice Girls’ timeless anthem “Wannabe.”
In one performance, BLACKPINK didn’t just entertain; they built a bridge between generations, linking the girl-power movement of the 1990s with the global K-pop phenomenon of today.
Wembley – The Stage of Legends
Performing at Wembley is a dream reserved for only the greatest. Artists like Queen, BTS, Beyoncé, and now BLACKPINK have left their mark on this historic stage. For a K-pop girl group to stand shoulder to shoulder with such legendary acts is proof of how far the genre has traveled beyond Korea’s borders.
The fact that BLACKPINK filled Wembley for two consecutive nights underscores their unique position in global music: not just as K-pop idols, but as cultural icons who unite fans from every corner of the world.
The ‘Wannabe’ Moment – A Perfect Tribute
When the opening notes of “Wannabe” rang through the stadium, the audience erupted in disbelief. The Spice Girls’ track, released in 1996, is one of the most recognizable girl-power anthems in history. Seeing BLACKPINK breathe new life into it nearly three decades later was both nostalgic and revolutionary.
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Jisoo took the opening lines with her steady and warm vocals, instantly drawing fans into the tribute.
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Jennie added her fierce rap-infused edge, blending K-pop charisma with 90s pop charm.
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Rosé’s soaring voice elevated the chorus, making it sound fresh yet familiar.
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Lisa brought energy with her playful ad-libs, dancing across the stage with a mischievous sparkle that matched the song’s original spirit.
Fans waved light sticks in unison, and many older concertgoers admitted they felt transported back to their teenage years, singing along word-for-word.
Girl Power Then and Now
The Spice Girls revolutionized the 1990s with their message of “girl power,” encouraging young women to embrace confidence, independence, and friendship. BLACKPINK’s decision to honor them at Wembley was no accident—it was a deliberate recognition of shared values.
BLACKPINK, too, has become a symbol of empowerment. Their journey as four women navigating the pressures of a male-dominated industry mirrors the struggles of their Spice Girls predecessors. By performing “Wannabe,” they essentially declared: “The baton has been passed, and we are carrying it forward.”
Fan Reactions – From Shock to Tears
The online fan response was immediate and overwhelming:
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On Twitter/X, hashtags like #BLACKPINKWannabe and #GirlPowerLivesOn trended within minutes.
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TikTok was flooded with reaction clips of fans crying, screaming, and dancing during the performance.
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Longtime Spice Girls fans praised BLACKPINK for respecting the legacy while adding their own unique flavor.
One viral comment read: “In the 90s, the Spice Girls taught us to believe in girl power. In the 2020s, BLACKPINK is showing us what it looks like when that power takes the global stage.”
The Setlist Highlight – Why It Worked
BLACKPINK’s cover wasn’t just an isolated surprise—it was carefully woven into the concert setlist. Following high-energy performances like “Pink Venom” and “DDU-DU DDU-DU”, the nostalgic shift gave fans a moment to breathe, sing, and connect across cultures and generations.
The timing made it feel less like a cover song and more like a celebration, a moment of unity that transformed Wembley into a giant, glowing choir.
What This Means for BLACKPINK’s Legacy
Performing at Wembley already cements BLACKPINK’s place in history. But by honoring the Spice Girls, they also positioned themselves as heirs to a legacy larger than K-pop. They’re not just part of Korean music history—they’re now woven into the global narrative of female empowerment in music.
This performance will likely be remembered as a defining moment of the Deadline World Tour, a reminder that BLACKPINK isn’t just riding trends—they’re making history with every stage they conquer.
Wrap-up – More Than a Concert
The Wembley performance was more than just another stop on the Deadline World Tour. It was a cultural dialogue, a handshake across time between two girl groups who, though decades apart, share the same mission: to inspire, empower, and entertain.
As fans filed out of the stadium, the echo of “Wannabe” still in the air, one truth was undeniable: BLACKPINK has taken “girl power” global, and the world is singing along.
