On March 10, NCT 127 became the first K-pop group to perform at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The Rodeo is an annual event that was set to run from March 3-22 this year with concerts every night.

Unfortunately, due to coronavirus concerns, NCT 127 was the last concert of the season, and the rodeo shut down the day after. Nevertheless, they gave a flawless performance that captivated the 60k plus crowd.

NCT 127 has been making waves in America as of late. They were announced to perform at the rodeo earlier in the year and recently announced their second North American tour along with releasing their second full album on March 6.

On March 10, around 9 p.m., the star stage was fully set up in the middle of NRG Stadium. Two black SUVs came out transporting the nine superstars of NCT 127. Mark, Jungwoo, Taeyong, Johhny, Taeil, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Yuta and Haechan took the stage as a video introduction began.

While the lights were still dimmed, all you could see was green. NCT 127’s color is green and many of the audience members had green light sticks or clothing in support.

Soon over the screams, you could hear the startup of music. NCT 127 began with one of their hits “Cherry Bomb,” one of their few English songs.

I witnessed some of the audience’s look of surprise as the song carried on. Right after the conclusion of that song, the group started with another, “Simon Says.” Another English version of one of their songs, this time “Regular,” followed before their first break.

NCT 127 then introduced themselves one by one, got a quick break and talked to the crowd. The arms of the star stage expanded out as they began their next two slower songs.

The group grabbed their own lightsticks and went to the edges of the spinning stage to interact with the crowd. Somehow it seemed the arena became even more green with the group encouraging fans.

The members then took another quick break to thank all the spectators as well as the Houston rodeo. Three more hype songs, including the “Highway to Heaven” English version which they also performed at events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and MTV EMA awards, followed before their big finale.

NCT 127 began teasing the crowd with hints of closing the show with a song from their new album.

Mark, main rapper, main dancer and vocalist, addressed the crowd. “Well I don’t know if I should say this right now, but just in case they didn’t know, we need a song from our most recent album,” Mark said.

Screams could be heard for the new song “Kick It” after his speech and the song soon began with a heavy beat that got the crowd to light up once again.

I could feel the vibrations around me as I tried to sing along and record at the same time. This was the first time they performed the new song live outside of Korea.

Ironically the beginning lines of the song, “yeah, let me introduce you to some new things” were accurate. Those in attendance that were not already aware of the hype of K-pop surely found out. NCT 127 certainly left an impact as the last performers for the 2020 Houston Rodeo.