Some performers can sing, some can dance, and some know how to command a stage. Then there’s TEN, who somehow does all three with effortless charisma that makes it nearly impossible to look away.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, the multitalented K-pop star brought his electrifying artistry to The Novo in Los Angeles, delivering a night filled with mesmerizing choreography, impressive live vocals, infectious humor and enough surprises to remind everyone why he’s one of the industry’s most captivating solo performers.
If there’s one thing TEN made abundantly clear throughout the evening, it’s that nobody moves quite like him. His dancing is in a league of its own, combining fluidity, precision and an almost hypnotic musicality that turns every performance into a visual experience.
(Photo credit: Maddy Myer)
Whether he was executing intricate choreography alongside his dancers, commanding attention during exhilarating dance breaks or incorporating sultry chair choreography into his routines, TEN made even the most technically demanding movements look effortless. Every gesture felt intentional, and every transition was seamless.
What made the night even more impressive was TEN’s determination to showcase his live vocals. At several points, he deliberately held his microphone in ways that emphasized he was singing live, seemingly reminding the audience that his talents extend far beyond his extraordinary dancing. It’s one thing to deliver flawless choreography, but maintaining vocal control while executing such physically demanding routines is another feat entirely. TEN proved more than capable of both, balancing explosive performance energy with moments that let his voice take center stage.
(Photo credit: Maddy Myer)
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Some of the night’s most memorable highlights came when TEN traded his signature high-energy arrangements for stripped-back interpretations of fan favorites. A slowed-down, piano-driven rendition of “New Heroes” offered a new perspective on the beloved track, letting its emotional weight and TEN’s vocals shine in a new way. He also treated the crowd to a new piano arrangement of “Water,” demonstrating how effortlessly he can reinvent his own music without losing what makes the originals so special.
(Photo credit: Maddy Myer)
In fact, these performances raised an important question: Where is the live album? Because if TEN ever decided to release a collection of the reimagined arrangements from this tour, it would be an immediate must-listen.
The piano versions alone deserve official releases, but TEN also teased another interpretation of “New Heroes,” this time with a rock-inspired arrangement and additional lyrics. That opens the door to an intriguing possibility: an entire EP dedicated to the many lives of “New Heroes.” Imagine the original recording alongside piano, rock and live concert versions, plus Thai, Korean and Mandarin interpretations. Throw in a rap feature from his fellow NCT and SuperM member TAEYONG, or even an NCT-style remix with the group’s signature experimental production iScreaM, and suddenly one song becomes an entire creative universe. If anyone could pull off that level of reinvention, it’s TEN.
Of course, the show wasn’t all intense choreography and emotional musical moments. TEN’s personality was as entertaining as his performances, with hilarious commentary and playful interactions delivering some of the night’s biggest laughs. Between songs, he showed the kind of natural comedic timing and genuine charm that makes fans feel like they’re spending time with a friend rather than watching an international superstar perform. His ability to switch from an effortlessly cool, magnetic performer to someone cracking jokes with the audience in seconds is part of what makes him so endearing.
One particularly entertaining moment came when TEN invited the audience to vote on which song they wanted to hear, presenting a lineup that included “Waves,” “Paint Me Naked,” “Dream in a Dream,” and “Lie to You.” “Paint Me Naked” ultimately won by the screams, but TEN wasn’t done teasing the crowd. He also playfully referenced SuperM’s iconic “Jopping” and offered a snippet of NCT U’s “Baby Don’t Stop,” sending fans into a frenzy.
And because TEN apparently believes in giving his audience everything they could possibly want, he eventually performed “Waves” anyway. It was the perfect example of his spontaneous approach to performing, where even the planned moments can turn into unexpected treats.
(Photo credit: Maddy Myer)
Another exciting addition to the evening was “Can I Be Honest,” a new song from his upcoming album. Offering fans a glimpse into his next musical chapter, the performance only heightened anticipation for what’s to come. TEN has consistently shown his willingness to experiment with different sounds, concepts and performance styles, and hearing new material live reinforced how much creative territory he still has to explore.
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Visually, the concert was equally compelling. Multiple outfit changes helped distinguish the different sections of the show, while TEN’s dedicated dancers elevated each performance without ever distracting from the man at the center of it all. Rather than staying confined to one area, TEN made full use of The Novo’s stage, moving effortlessly from one side to the other and ensuring fans throughout the venue felt included. His chemistry with his dancers was undeniable, with their synchronized movements and individual personalities adding another layer of excitement to the production.
TEN also made a point to recognize the people helping bring the show to life, taking time to introduce his dancers as well as his videographer and cameraman. It was a small but meaningful gesture that spoke volumes about his appreciation for the team behind the production. For an artist whose performances rely so heavily on movement, timing and visual storytelling, acknowledging the people contributing to that experience made the moment even more special.
Just when it seemed TEN had exhausted every possible way to impress the audience, he somehow found another gear for the finale. During “Out West,” additional dancers joined him onstage, transforming the performance into an even bigger celebration of movement and energy. Rather than ending there, TEN brought the track back for a remix that let the expanded dance crew freestyle, turning the stage into an impromptu dance party. The spontaneity was infectious, and watching the dancers showcase their individual styles alongside TEN made for one of the night’s most exhilarating sequences.
It was the kind of ending that perfectly encapsulated everything that makes TEN such a compelling live performer: technical excellence without sacrificing personality, carefully executed choreography balanced with spontaneous creativity, and an undeniable love for the art of performing. Before finally leaving the stage, he even tossed his sweatshirt into the audience, giving one lucky fan the ultimate souvenir from an already unforgettable night.
What stood out most about TEN’s Los Angeles performance wasn’t simply how talented he is; it was how naturally he connected every aspect of his artistry. His dancing never overshadowed his singing, his humor never disrupted the show’s momentum and his interactions with the audience never felt forced. Every element worked together to create a concert that was as entertaining as it was technically impressive.
There’s also something particularly exciting about watching an artist of TEN’s caliber perform in an intimate venue like The Novo. Being close enough to appreciate the intricacies of his choreography, hear the nuances of his live vocals and witness his playful personality firsthand made the experience feel especially personal. But it also reinforced one undeniable truth: TEN is ready for even bigger stages.
(Photo credit: Maddy Myer)
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With his commanding presence, versatility and ability to make even the largest choreography sequences feel intimate, it’s easy to envision him captivating audiences in theaters, arenas and beyond. He’s already established himself as one of K-pop’s most distinctive performers, and if this concert was any indication, his potential as a solo artist is nowhere near its ceiling.
Ultimately, TEN delivered much more than a concert. He gave Los Angeles a masterclass in performance, creativity and showmanship, proving that the best live experiences aren’t simply about recreating the songs fans already love, but finding new ways to make them fall in love with those songs all over again. NCT, WayV and SuperM genuinely struck gold with TEN, a once-in-a-generation talent.
The final verdict? A solid 10/10. No pun intended. Actually, considering everything TEN brought to the stage, let’s make that an 11/10.
For more from our favorite artists, read our interview with NCT WISH on their new I SPY EP.
