WR: With management, it was something I always wanted to go into. I saw it as a challenge. I always want in life to be challenged and take things head on, but also understood that there’s a chance it might go wrong as well. But I don’t mind taking that risk and challenge.
Some former players might wait for the perfect opportunity. The Derby County one… I was playing there and Phillip Cocu got sacked. We went into administration. It was a really tough start to management but I felt we did a really good job.
At DC United, when we went there, I felt we did a good job even though it doesn’t get portrayed that way. They had finished bottom the three seasons before we went there and we got them to within a point of the play-offs.
The Birmingham one, everything was wrong – the timing of it, the fans didn’t really give me an opportunity, we lost games. It felt right at the time but looking back at it, it wasn’t.
And at Plymouth, we were doing OK for what we had and then the decision was made. After that I thought, ‘I don’t know why I am putting myself in these positions’. I looked into doing punditry, did bits and enjoyed it and felt the time was right. So here I am!
Democrats on Friday released a proposed new California congressional map as they aim to counter Republican-led redistricting efforts in Texas.
The proposal was submitted to the state legislature by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and comes as the latest development in an intensifying redistricting fight.
“Earlier today, the DCCC submitted a proposed congressional map to the legislative public portal with collaborative input from stakeholders and legislators. We anticipate this proposal will have widespread support both among California office holders and various stakeholders across the state,” executive director Julie Merz said in a release. “We will not stand by as Republicans attempt to rig the election in their favor and choose their voters.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is vying to hold a special election this fall on a ballot measure that would suspend the state’s independent redistricting commission until the end of the decade in an effort to keep up with Republican gerrymandering.
Newsom has stressed that bypassing the commission, which Californians approved back in 2008 and 2010, would be temporary, and that redrawing the lines would only be triggered by redistricting in red states.
Democrats in the California legislature are expected to move the measure forward when they reconvene next week, teeing up a November special election.
The proposed maps are expected to effectively neutralize the would-be gains in Texas, where a plan backed by President Trump could net five GOP House seats, by creating five blue districts in California. The Republican incumbents effected by the new map are Reps. Kevin Kiley (R), Doug LaMalfa (R), Darrell Issa (R), Ken Calvert (R) and David Valadao (R).
“They do five seats, we do five seats,” Newsom has said.
Democrats in the Texas state legislature fled earlier this month in a desperate bid to stall the GOP plan from moving forward, but they’ve signaled they could return if, among other conditions, California introduced its maps to counter the Lone Star State.
“I love my current congressional district, but I understand the stakes. Democracy is on the line,” Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) said on X as news of the map broke.
“When this new map is approved by voters, I look forward to running in the new 42nd district, made up of my hometown of Long Beach, coastal OC, Costa Mesa & South Santa Ana. Let’s go!”
The National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC) backed the maps, calling California’s plan a “measured response” to counteract Trump’s “blatant power grab in Texas.
The Republicans’ congressional campaign arm blasted the redistricting moves on Friday, arguing Newsom “is shredding California’s Constitution and disenfranchising voters to prop up his Presidential ambitions.”
“The NRCC is prepared to fight this illegal power grab in the courts and at the ballot box to stop Newsom in his tracks,” said chairman Richard Hudson.
Buying a car is a rite of passage, and owning a car is a necessity in many places. But it’s not always the most straightforward process. From researching different cars and taking test drives to comparing loan interest rates, it’s even more complicated if you’re going into the car-buying process independently.
Having bought my first car in July, the process was nerve-racking, especially as a fresh college graduate with minimal credit history and new employment. Ultimately, though, I found success with a local dealership that offered lower interest rates to recent college grads (a program that many dealerships have an equivalent of).
Even if you can’t find a dealership with a similar program, there are plenty of other ways to buy a car without a co-signer. As long as you meet a few qualifying criteria, it’s possible to get a reasonable deal on a vehicle.
If you have a family member or close friend with good income and credit, they may qualify to serve as a co-signer for your car purchase. When someone co-signs your auto loan, they provide the dealership with their financial information and pledge to take responsibility if you fail to make a monthly payment.
Having a co-signer can be a simple way to qualify for a good car deal, especially if your co-signer has an excellent credit history, but it doesn’t mean it’s the only way. If you don’t have anyone willing to co-sign your loan, you may still qualify for a car loan if you explore multiple lenders, make sure your credit and income are in good standing, and are open-minded about the type of car you purchase.
You don’t technically need a co-signer to buy a car. However, it can make you a more attractive buyer in the eyes of a lender, especially if you are a first-time buyer. If you have a limited or unfavorable employment or credit history, you’ll likely be deemed a risky buyer. Having a well-qualified co-signer reassures the lender that payments will continue to be made if you fail to do so for whatever reason.
While having a co-signer can be beneficial when applying for a car loan, it’s a big responsibility for the person co-signing, and sometimes even close family members or friends are unwilling to do it. Here are a few things you can do to improve your odds of successfully qualifying for a loan independently if you don’t have strong credit.
Credit unions can often be a good alternative to financing a car outside of an auto dealership or other lender. Many credit unions are known to have lower interest rates on loans and put a higher priority on flexibility and personal connection with their members compared to auto dealerships or other types of banks. However, be aware that some credit unions may still deny you if you have a limited credit history.
Even if you don’t secure a loan through your credit union, you can still get loan preapproval through your credit union. If you are preapproved with a low interest rate, you can use said rate as leverage with dealerships or other lenders as you shop around for a vehicle.
If you have a limited or unfavorable credit history, there are a few options outside of a traditional auto loan through a dealership or bank. Several online and in-person financing options market themselves with having high approval rates, no credit requirements, lower down payments, or longer payment terms, which in turn makes monthly payments lower.
For example, online lender Carvana offers financing to any prospective buyer over 18 without bankruptcies and a minimum annual income of $5,100, so long as you haven’t defaulted on a Carvana loan in the previous two years. For those who want a more traditional dealership experience, CarMax Auto Finance accommodates most credit profiles and offers prequalification online.
Be aware that while you may get approved with no credit or poor credit, the terms will likely be less favorable compared to other options.
Another alternative to traditional financing from an auto dealership, bank, or credit union is taking out a personal loan. Personal loans can be used for almost any purpose and are given in a lump sum, which you then pay off in fixed monthly increments. Personal loans also give you the freedom to shop around from a variety of different lenders.
While taking out a personal loan to finance your car can be beneficial to some, it’s generally not the best option for an auto loan. Because personal loans are unsecured, meaning there is no collateral on the loan, they typically have a higher interest rate than traditional auto loan options.
Furthermore, personal loans are typically unsecured; that means they’re often harder to get approved for, requiring a high credit score and good credit history. So if you are already struggling to get approved for a car loan via more traditional methods, you might also find it tough to qualify for a personal loan. There are personal loans specifically for people with bad or no credit history, but those loan terms are usually much less favorable.
Still, personal loans can be a good option for some first-time car buyers. For instance, if you’re purchasing an older car or a used vehicle with high mileage, you may have trouble getting a traditional auto loan. A personal loan could be a good option to pursue if you don’t have enough cash to secure the vehicle.
Once you have secured your financing or loan preapproval for your vehicle, it’s time to start shopping. After doing your research on what type of vehicle you are interested in and what features you are looking for, here are a few other things to consider when thinking about what cars you’ll best qualify for as an independent buyer:
Many dealerships, as well as banks and credit unions, offer first-time car-buyer programs. While most of these programs don’t expect you to have a co-signer or an extensive credit history, many will still require you to have a good credit score, a good existing credit history, and proof of income. Shop around with multiple lenders to see which first-time buyer programs in your area offer the best interest rate and lowest down payment for the vehicle you want.
A three-year-old vehicle is, on average, around $13,435 cheaper than a brand new car, according to Edmunds — and is often easier to qualify for compared to a new car. By shopping for low-mileage used cars, you could find a vehicle in good condition that is both less expensive and slower to depreciate compared to newer models.
Just make sure you run an inspection before committing to a car to learn about any previous issues or accidents the vehicle has experienced, as well as any previous maintenance issues the owner had before you.
If you were previously a car owner or were gifted a car, you can trade in your older vehicle and put that cash back into your new vehicle. This can help you by allowing you to put down a larger down payment or lowering your monthly payments.
According to JD Power, someone buying a car can save $834 on a new car worth $42,000 by trading in their previous vehicle. The exact value you can expect on your vehicle depends on various factors, including the car’s condition, history, and depreciation rates.
If you don’t have a vehicle to trade in, you may have to put more money into your vehicle than you initially planned, either as a larger down payment to secure your car or by paying more into your car monthly. While experts recommend a down payment of 10% on a used car and 20% down on a new car, putting down a larger down payment can help you more easily secure the car you want.
As far as average monthly car payments, Experian’s 2025 State of the Automotive Finance Market report says auto loan payments averaged $745 per month for new cars and $521 per month for used cars. So expect to pay similar, or possibly even more, when buying your car without a co-signer.
If, after approaching multiple lenders and looking at more affordable car options, you still aren’t able to secure a car with a price tag you can stomach, here are some long-term solutions you can pursue to qualify for the car that fits your needs:
Most car lenders want applicants with a credit score of at least 661 and a lengthy credit history, which showcases responsible credit usage and financial management skills. If you don’t urgently need new transportation, spending a few more months or even one or two years improving your credit score can greatly help you qualify for the car you want.
Showing proof of stable income and references to your current place of employment is also a big part of qualifying for the car you want. Most auto sellers want independent buyers to have a full-time income (or at least part-time streams that equate to full-time income) to make sure they will be able to afford the car’s monthly payments.
If you are unable to secure a car through a traditional dealer, consider buying a car through private sellers such as local used car sales, auctions, or online listings. If you secure a car through a private seller, make sure to do your research on the vehicle’s history and previous ownership.
An auto loan is a type of secured loan used to finance your vehicle. When you buy a car with an auto loan, the lender pays the seller the full amount once the loan is issued. Then, you make monthly payments to the lender over a several-month term (usually somewhere between 36 to 96 months), paying off the original amount plus interest. If you miss multiple monthly payments or are otherwise unable to repay your loan, your lender can repossess your vehicle.
While it’s definitely possible to buy a car independently and even qualify for a good deal, there are a few things you might have to accept:
Used car: Unless you have the money for a large down payment and high monthly payment, it might be most logical for you to invest in a more affordable used car.
Higher monthly payment or down payment: Many dealerships view first-time buyers as risky, so you may have to accept putting more money into your car, either initially or through your monthly payment.
Higher interest rate: If you don’t get bogged down with higher payments up-front, your lender could offer you a deal with higher interest rates. On the other hand, many first-time buyer programs actually offer lower interest rates to certain favorable buyers, such as recent graduates or those with full-time work.
Watch: How the Trump-Putin summit unfolded… in under 2 minutes
Putin welcomed back on world stage with red carpet
When President Vladimir Putin landed back onto the world stage on Friday, the skies in Alaska were cloudy. Waiting with a red carpet spread across the tarmac of the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson was US President Donald Trump.
As Putin approached, Trump clapped. The two leaders warmly shook hands and smiled.
It was a remarkable moment for Putin – a leader who most Western nations have shunned since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. His international travel has since been largely limited to nations friendly to the Russian Federation, such as North Korea and Belarus.
The fact that the Alaska summit happened at all was a victory for Putin. But this welcome would have surpassed the Kremlin’s wildest dreams. In a short six months Putin went from being a pariah in the eyes of the West to being welcomed on US soil like a partner and friend.
To cap it off, in an apparently unscripted moment, Putin decided to accept a lift to the airbase in Trump’s armoured limousine instead of driving in his own Moscow-plated presidential state car.
As the vehicle pulled away, the cameras zoomed in on Putin, sitting in the backseat and laughing.
Getty Images
Putin faced with questions he never gets asked
In his 25 years as Russian president, Putin has achieved complete control over the media, crushing journalistic freedoms and replacing information with propaganda. Within Russia he doesn’t often – if ever – come up against unfriendly reporters.
Yet it was only minutes after landing in Alaska that one journalist shouted in his direction: “Will you stop killing civilians?” If the question bothered him, he didn’t show it, appearing instead to shrug and diverting his gaze.
During a brief and somewhat chaotic photo op, more questions were shouted, including one in Russian about whether Putin would be ready to meet President Zelensky for a trilateral summit. Again, there was no obvious reaction from the Russian president beyond a cryptic smirk.
What was said when talks ended earlier than expected
The world’s media gathered in the room with Putin and Trump had been led to expect a press conference; instead, the two leaders gave statements and took no questions from reporters.
Unusually, Putin was the first to speak. He praised the “constructive atmosphere of mutual respect” of the “neighbourly” talks, and then launching into a condensed history of Alaska’s past as a Russian territory.
As Putin spoke, Trump stood in silence. It was several minutes before the Russian president mentioned what he called the “situation in Ukraine” – ostensibly the catalyst for the summit. When he did, it was to state that although an unspecified “agreement” had been reached, the “root causes” of the conflict had to be eliminated before peace could be achieved.
The phrase will have set off alarm bells in Kyiv and beyond. Since the start of the war it has become shorthand for a series of intractable and maximalist demands that Putin say stand in the way of a ceasefire.
They include recognition of Russian sovereignty over the Ukrainian regions of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson as well as Ukraine agreeing to demilitarisation, neutrality, no foreign military involvement and new elections. Essentially, they amount to capitulation – unacceptable to Kyiv, but clearly – even after three and a half years of bloody conflict – still paramount to Moscow.
With this, it was clear that there was no deal.
Getty Images
And what was not said
Extraordinarily – given the context and the premise for the summit – when it was Trump’s turn to speak he did not mention Ukraine or the possibility of a ceasefire once. The closest he came to referencing the conflict was saying that “five, six, seven thousand people a week” are killed and noting that Putin too wanted to see an end to the bloodshed.
The usually loquacious Trump seemed to have less to say than Putin. His statement was notable for its relative, and unusual, brevity – but primarily for its vagueness. “There were many, many points that we agreed on,” Trump said, adding that “great progress” had been made in an “extremely productive meeting”.
But he did not share any details and it did not appear that any concrete steps taken towards a resolution of the Ukrainian conflict. No major agreements or a trilateral meeting with President Zelensky were announced.
And – to Moscow’s relief – there was no mention of any “severe consequences” that Trump threatened would follow if a ceasefire wasn’t reached.
“We didn’t get there,” Trump admitted.
Then, optimistically though vaguely, he added: “But we have a very good chance of getting there.”
Watch: ‘A long way for nothing?’ Anthony Zurcher and Steve Rosenberg assess what the summit achieved
‘Next time in Moscow’ – Putin makes rare aside in English
The summit may have failed to yield any tangible progress towards peace in Ukraine, but it cemented the rapprochement between Russia and the US.
Pictures of the two presidents repeatedly shaking hands and grinning travelled far and wide on social media – as did images of American servicemen kneeling as they rolled out the red carpet at the foot of Putin’s plane.
Before wrapping up his statement, Putin referenced one of the US president’s frequent talking points – that the conflict in Ukraine would have never started had Trump been in power.
Despite Trump’s assertion of “great progress”, nothing of substance was unveiled at the Alaska summit – yet the two leaders left the door open for another meeting, this time on Russian soil. “I’ll probably see you again very soon,” Trump said.
Rounding off a joint statement where he had to make no promises, no concessions and no compromises, Putin may have felt at ease enough to break into English – a rare occurrence. Chuckling, he looked at Trump and said: “Next time in Moscow.”
“Oh, that’s an interesting one,” Trump said. “I’ll get a little heat on that one, but I – I could see it possibly happening.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Friday predicted that the Russia-Ukraine war could end before Christmas — if there’s a trilateral meeting between President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Make no mistake, this war is a war of aggression by Putin against Ukraine. However, I have always said Ukraine will not evict every Russian soldier and Putin is not going to take Kyiv,” Graham, a Trump ally and a staunch supporter of Ukraine, said in a post on social media platform X. “The key to ending this war honorably and justly is to create an infrastructure of deterrence that Biden and Obama failed to do — which will prevent a third invasion,”
“If in fact there is a trilateral meeting between President Trump, President Zelensky and Putin, then I am cautiously optimistic that this war will end well before Christmas,” the South Carolina Republican predicted.
Trump, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, on Friday met with Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and top foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, for a closed-door meeting at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson near Anchorage, Alaska.
The president said after the meeting that both sides made progress on key points during the huddle, but he did not share any details or what sticking points remain in efforts to reach a possible ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
“We didn’t get there, but we have a good chance,” Trump said.
Later, during an interview with Fox News’s Sean Hannity, Trump said that it is up to Zelensky to get a peace deal done, indicating that there are “one to two” sticking points to hammer out before a potential truce is implemented.
“I mean, we were together almost three hours, and it was very extensive, and we agreed on a lot of points. I mean, a lot of points were agreed on, but there’s not that much, as you know, one or two pretty significant items, but I think they can be reached,” Trump said Friday night while on “Hannity.”
Trump said he will likely attend any meeting between Putin and Zelensky.
“And if they’d like, I’d be at that next meeting. They’re going to set up a meeting now … not that I want to be there, but I want to make sure it gets done,” the president said. “And we have a pretty good shot of getting it done.”
Graham, who has spearheaded a sanctions bill against Russia that would slap a 500 percent tariff on imports from any country that purchases Moscow’s uranium, gas and oil, said if the potential trilateral meeting does not take place, Trump “may have to go all in to punish those who buy cheap Russian oil and gas, propping up Putin’s war machine.”
“Well done, Mr. President,” the South Carolina senator added.
Graham also predicted on Friday that land swaps between the two Eastern European countries will likely be part of any brokered deal.
“There will be land swaps. You can’t evict every Russian, but the Ukrainians will make that deal, not the U.S., Ukraine will make that deal, and Trump set in motion the end of this war. Now,” the GOP senator said on Fox News. “I’ve never been more optimistic than I am right now.”
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is one of the Trending AI Stocks on Wall Street.On August 11, BofA Securities analyst Justin Post reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $217.00 price target.
According to the investment bank, chrome divestiture, Google’s traffic acquisition cost (TAC) payments for default placement, and search data sharing requirements are three key aspects of the DoJ’s remedy requests that could impact Google.
“We highlight potential remedies scenarios around three key aspects of the DoJ’s remedy requests: 1) Chrome divestiture, 2) Google’s payments of TAC for default placement, and 3) Search data sharing requirements. Structural remedies, including Chrome divestiture would be more disruptive to Alphabet; though rare in US precedent, such a move would reduce synergies and scale advantages across Google’s ecosystem. For behavioral remedies, based on our client conversations we think the Street expects elimination of exclusive search deals and required implementation of some choice screens. “
Alphabet Stock (GOOGL) Gets Buy Reaffirmation as DoJ Case Looms
A businesswoman in a suit carrying a briefcase and walking through a busy banking hall.
“The biggest concern for Google is potentially mandated changes in the US TAC agreements (we estimate $17.5bn to Apple in US in 2026), which could reduce Google’s search query share and incentivize mobile OEMs to pursue partnerships with AI competitors. Finally, new data sharing requirements could dilute Google’s data advantage, undermining the company’s differentiated ad stack and intensifying search competition.”
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is an American multinational technology conglomerate holding company wholly owning the internet giant Google, amongst other businesses.
While we acknowledge the potential of GOOGL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on thebest short-term AI stock.
US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held what was billed as a joint press conference after their meeting in Alaska on Friday.
After the leaders left the room, BBC North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher and Russia editor Steve Rosenberg stayed on to unpack the takeaways.
NewsNation spoke with Adam Swart, the CEO of Crowds on Demand, about his company that provides services “for impactful advocacy campaigns, demonstrations, PR stunts, crowds for hire and corporate events,” according to its website.
“All of our protesters are sincere advocates for the cause at hand. We’ve been in business 13 years, so we have a large roster of people we know and have networks of others we can call upon to be compensated for expressing their sincere points of view,” Swart said.
Swart said compensation for protests is typically in the low hundreds of dollars, depending on the assignment. He said organizing a protest “is like buying an ad.”
He said his company receives requests for both conservative and liberal causes.
“We have been clear that we work with both liberals and conservatives on causes that align with common-sense values. Democrats are hiring our company, and so are Republicans,” he said.
He did not disclose what protests his company has been asked to be a part of.
Swart previously told NewsNation that he turned down $20 million to provide protesters for “Good Trouble Lives On” protests in July.
“I’m rejecting it not because I don’t want to take the business, but because frankly, this is going to be ineffective; it’s going to make us all look bad,” Swart said of the anti-Trump protests at the time.
Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) is one of the Trending AI Stocks on Wall Street. On August 11, BMO Capital analyst James Thalacker raised the price target on the stock to $375.00 (from $350.00) while maintaining an Outperform rating.
The rating affirmation follows Constellation’s Q2 earnings beat, where the management also reaffirmed its full-year 2025 adjusted operating earnings range outlook largely in-line with the consensus estimate.
“Higher Sustainable FCFbG Looking Better With CPN Close and OBBBA Tailwinds; CEG reported 2Q25 EPS of $1.91, above both our own/consensus expectations of $1.80/$1.85. Management reaffirmed full-year 2025 adjusted operating earnings range of $8.90-9.60/share ($9.25 midpoint), which is largely consistent with the $9.38 consensus estimate. Management continues to anticipate standalone Constellation adjusted operating earnings growth of 13%+ on base earnings through 2030 (2024 base of $5.50/share).”
Constellation Energy (CEG) Price Target Raised to $375 After Q2 Beat and Strong Outlook
A financial analyst presenting a chart of insurance solutions to a boardroom.
Based on the closing of the Calpine transaction in Q4 which was driven by rising electricity demand from AI and electrification; and the benefits to cash flow from the provisions in the OBBBA, the firm sees a “materially higher” free cash flow outlook as well.
Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) is an energy provider specializing in clean, carbon-free energy solutions.
While we acknowledge the potential of CEG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on thebest short-term AI stock.
Blackpink are the first K-pop girl band to sell a million albums, and the first to headline Wembley Stadium.
South Korean pop band Blackpink reasserted their position as the world’s biggest girl group, with a riotous two-and-a-half hour show at Wembley Stadium.
The quartet – comprised of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa – became the first K-pop girl band to headline the venue, following in the footsteps of Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, BTS and Oasis.
They rewarded fans with a high-voltage set, full of delirious hooks and crisp choreography, while highlighting their sisterly bond.
“What an absolute honour to be performing here at Wembley Stadium,” said Lisa, dedicating the concert to the 70,000-strong audience. “We’re absolutely in awe at all of you guys [for] rocking up and making this possible.”
“It’s an epic dream,” added her bandmate Jennie. “And it still feels a little unreal.”
“The last time we were here [in London] was insane but this was just a whole other level,” concluded Rosé.
“We’re really grateful that you guys stuck around and supported us.”
YG Entertainment
The band recently released their rave-flavoured comeback single, Jump
The show was the first of two nights at Wembley Stadium, wrapping up the European leg of the band’s Deadline tour, which will see them play 31 dates in 16 cities worldwide.
The trek began in Seoul last month, shrewdly accompanied by a new single, Jump – which set a new milestone on YouTube for the most-watched video in a single day, with 26 million views.
By the end of the run, the band are expected to break their own record for the highest-grossing tour by a female group. They previously snatched that title from the Spice Girls, during their 2022-2023 Born Pink world tour.
Blackpink’s London show opened in a blaze of laser light and pyrotechnics, with three muscle-flexing pop anthems in a row: Kill This Love, How You Like That and Pink Venom.
The stadium was immediately awash with pink, as the audience flew to their feet and waved lightsticks that flashed in time with the pounding beats.
On stage, the dance moves were intricate and precise. Blackpink lined up in formation, peeling off as each member took a vocal line, before recombining like a 16-limbed pop colossus.
During Playing With Fire, the massive video wall at the back of the stage split into four, allowing for close-ups for all of the members, each followed by their own camera, as they danced around the circular catwalk for the first time.
That segued perfectly into Shut Down (complete with a sample of Paganini’s second violin concerto, La Campanella), with killer choreography mirrored flawlessly by hundreds of hardcore fans.
The innovative staging allowed fans to focus on their favourite member, with each receiving their own follow-cam
Deadline is billed as a reunion tour, even though it’s only two years since Blackpink last played in London.
Rosé teamed up with Bruno Mars for the global smash APT, Lisa starred in The White Lotus, Jennie went viral for her self-referential club hit Like Jennie and Jisoo took the lead role on K-drama Snowdrop.
As a result, the tour alternates between group and solo sections – with British pop star FKA Twigs making a brief cameo eating a scone during a backstage prelude Rosé’s set, for some reason.
But if fans feared that time apart would weaken the band, the tour is proving them wrong.
If anything, the singers’ personalities come through stronger now that they’ve had the opportunity to spread their wings.
Lisa is the rabble-rousing rock star, responsible for Blackpink’s signature attitude, which she undercuts with a few well-timed winks to the camera.
New Zealand-born Rosé is the cheerleader, handling most of the on-stage chat, while harbouring secret ambitions to be Taylor Swift, judging by the semi-acoustic ballads she belts out during her solo set.
Jennie could be your cool older sister, all dark sunglasses and leather jackets, as she swats away her choreography like a pesky house fly.
Jisoo, meanwhile, is the most reserved member, saying precious few words but taking the lion’s share of the high notes and tricky vocal lines.
Like all the best girl groups, every fan can pick a favourite – or bias, in K-pop parlance – who aligns with their own personality.
So while each solo set has a stand-out moment (Like Jennie is so dynamic it could power a small city; and Rosé’s APT is built for a stadium-sized singalong), it’s when they come together as the “One True 4” that Blackpink really shine.
“All gas, no brakes,” as they put it in their comeback single.
Jisoo / Instagram
Jisoo has been posting candid photographs from behind the scenes of the tour on her Instagram page
Early hits like Whistle and DDU-DU-DDU-DU are treated with the same energy and focus as recent favourites such as Lovesick Girls.
Pretty Savage has some of the night’s best staging, with the four singers floating in and out of picture frames, before ending the song at a golden ballet barre; while an effervescent Forever Young feels like a hymn to their friendship.
The band’s chemistry is particularly evident during Don’t Know What To Do, as Lisa and Rosé deliberately bump into each other on the catwalk and collapse in a fit of giggles.
When the song ends, the band spend several minutes chaotically ad libbing to the crowd as Rosé struggles to tie an errant shoelace.
Then, during a reprise of Jump (surely a contender for song of the summer?) the band ditch their prescribed dance moves and toss their heads back and forth like they’re in a Wayne’s World parody.
And when Rosé asks Jisoo for her verdict on the night, Blackpink’s most reticent member simply holds aloft her thumbs.
“Two thumbs up? That’s huge!” her bandmates laugh – then squeeze together for a hug, with all eight of their thumbs raised skywards.
In that moment, Blackpink promise this is more than just a comeback. It’s the start of a new chapter.
