CL Proves Her Versatility and Promise at North American Tour Kickoff in New York

When CL announced her first North American solo tour for the fall, many fans wondered what to expect given the timing. The singer-rapper had just released her first full-fledged U.S. single "Lifted"—which recently became a Billboard Hot 100 hit—and had done a few features, but seemingly not enough for an entire concert. Luckily for ticket holders, the Hello Bi+ches Tour kickoff on Oct. 29 in New York City brought a set that spotlighted CL's versatility as a performer and gave an exciting preview of what she's capable of on her own.

Despite this being her very first solo concert, CL surprisingly greeted the sold-out Hammerstein Ballroom saying, "I'm CL of 2NE1." No, the singer hasn't forgotten her K-pop girl group roots nor from where her initial fanbase sprouted. She opened with 2NE1's debut single "Fire," blasting into a slew of the band's bangers as she vamped around the stage in a long latex coat, black leather leotard and tall black boots. 

The show could be divided into three segments, with the first two parts focused on CL's seven years with 2NE1 and the final portion based around her new solo work. Along with "Fire," the opening section brought the group's most-well known songs like "I Am the Best" and "I Don't Care," plus deeper album cuts like "Scream" off 2014's Crush album. While CL's main role in 2NE1 was lead rapper, she handled all the different parts of their songs. She proved she's been clearly working on her vocals as her roars filled the theater, impressively belting through more challenging cuts like "Come Back Home" and "Gotta Be You."