The Best Concerts Of 2025 (So Far) — Staff Picks

With festival season in full swing and monumental tours dominating arenas and stadiums around the globe, 2025 has already proven to be a great year for live music.

Whether it was homegrown artists taking over historic venues or global pop stars putting on productions you can’t forget, this year has delivered performances that felt larger than life and deeply personal all at once. Over the past six months, we’ve witnessed truly unforgettable moments —surreal stage designs, show-stopping vocals, and that pure, untamed rockstar energy that only a live performance can bring.

As we round out our round-up of the best music releases of the year, which our picks for the top songs, albums, and music videos of 2025, we’re looking back on some of the most memorable concerts we’ve seen across the region. From Lady Gaga‘s only Asia stop at the Singapore National Stadium to SB19‘s monumental takeover of the Philippine Arena, here are Billboard Philippines‘ picks for the best concerts of 2025 so far, in no particular order.

j-hope’s ‘HOPE ON THE STREET’ World Tour

When: April 12 and 13, 2025
Where: SM Mall Of Asia Arena, Manila

j-hope’s ‘HOPE ON THE STREET’ was an unforgettable dive into the depths of his artistry, marking a milestone as his first solo tour stop in the Philippines. Presented by Live Nation Philippines, the show — which was split into a five-part story — was a vibrant blend of stunning visuals, powerful storytelling, and jaw-dropping performances. From the opening notes of “What If…” to the closing beats of “Neuron,” j-hope’s meticulously crafted setlist took fans through his journey of artistic growth. Each chapter of the show highlighted a different facet of his artistry, fusing hip-hop, dance, and raw emotion into a production that felt both intimate and grand.

Whether he was reflecting about where he began, showcasing his unrelenting drive, or imagining a brighter future, ‘HOPE ON THE STREET‘ was a celebration of everything that makes j-hope a true icon. It wasn’t just a concert but rather a testament to his limitless artistry, proving that he truly belongs on the stage. — Franchesca Judine Basbas, Digital Editor

Lady Gaga’s ‘MAYHEM’ (The Art of Personal Chaos)

When: May 18, 19, 21, and 24, 2025
Where: Singapore National Stadium, Singapore

There’s no doubt that Lady Gaga is undeniably one of the greatest living performers of this generation, yet her sold-out set of shows in Singapore’s National Stadium for ‘MAYHEM SINGAPURA‘ has only driven that point home even further. The show was one massive celebration of Gaga’s ever-evolving artistry over the past decade, encompassing the influences of her various musical eras and even their corresponding genre shifts with it.

While jaw-dropping production and immersive stage design may have brought audiences into the world of MAYHEM with ease, it was solely Gaga’s musical capabilities, powerhouse vocals, and show stopping theatricality that made this concert such a strong demonstration of her artistic identity. There’s nobody else doing it quite like her, and it only reaffirms the fact that she has already cemented herself as one of the pop great’s of all time. — Gab Saulog, Lead Writer

Regine Velasquez-Alcasid’s ‘RESET’ Concert

When: February 14, 15, 21, and 22, 2025
Where: Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Manila

Almost four decades into her milestone-filled career, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid continues to showcase her long-lasting impact as Asia’s Songbird. At the first two shows of her fully sold-out ‘Reset’ Valentine’s concert last February, the OPM powerhouse brought in a diverse crowd of fans, proving her continued power as a Filipino music icon. For the second show of the concert, Velasquez-Alcasid delivered a nostalgic all-covers set list, chock full of timeless, fan-favorite hits that she has beautifully made her own.

With each track she sang that night, she showcased an unmistakable power in her singing that no amount of listening on streaming could ever do justice. With every note that escaped from her, there was an emotional touch that effortlessly entranced all of those in attendance. In addition, she also showcased her laidback and more humorous side of herself, going through spiels filled with witty remarks and relatable jokes.

Ultimately, the show was solid proof of the kind of artist that Regine Velasquez-Alcasid has become since beginning her career almost 40 years ago — an undisputed vocal powerhouse and a down-to-earth, humble performer at the same time. Ultimately, it comes as no surprise why she is, was, and continues to be the best-selling Filipino artist of all time. — Mayks Go, Writer and Photographer

G-Dragon’s ‘Übermensch’ World Tour

When: May 17, 2025
Where: Philippine Arena, Bulacan

Welcoming back the King of K-pop after his eight-year hiatus, ‘Übermensch‘ in concert was a masterclass of creative brilliance met with an unexpected vulnerability and honesty. From start to end of the show, G-DRAGON captivated the Philippine Arena in a flurry of song and dance – and a spectacular production to beat. Nostalgia washed over the audience with hits like “CRAYON” and “Heartbreaker,” while he showed his new vibrant pop hits like “POWER” and “TOO BAD.”

The stage itself took into many transformations throughout the night, with massive inflatable figures resembling the two figures in the album’s cover, shifting LED screens, grand floral arrangements, and lasers galore. More than just an album showcase, ‘Übermensch’ at the Philippine Arena was a living, breathing portrait of G-DRAGON’s duality, showing us the person behind the mask of his grand title as the King of K-pop. — Rome Saenz, Regional Music Writer

St. Vincent’s ‘All Born Screaming’ Tour

When: January 8, 2025
Where: The Filinvest Tent, Manila

For her debut performance in the Philippines, St. Vincent didn’t give audiences their usual type of rock show — but a religious musical experience that transcended the genre’s usual expressiveness. Annie Clark and her insanely talented band transformed the Filinvest Tent into one communal celebration of her craft that allowed us to feel, to release, and to truly live in the moment.

True to the name of her tour, the night wasn’t short of feral screams from the crowd that acted as a means of catharsis from everything that was outside the confines of the venue. Because as even as many (like myself) had enjoyed the well-rounded setlist that Clark had prepared for the night, the show served as a communal exorcism of bottled-up emotions — a unique space of its own where we could shed our worries and embrace the liberating power of Clark’s music unfiltered. — Gab Saulog

Ado’s ‘Hibana’ World Tour

When: May 8, 2025
Where: SM Mall Of Asia Arena, Manila

Without a doubt, Ado’s first time performing in Manila was more than just another concert; it was an impressive audiovisual and emotional experience from start to finish.

Last May 8, 2025, the anonymous Japanese singer performed in the Philippines for the first time, bringing the ‘Hibana’ world tour experience to thousands of her die-hards at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and showcasing just how much of a spectacular performer she really is. Clearly, the concert was a showcase of Ado’s innate ability to deeply resonate with her listeners, whoever they are or wherever they’re from, as she drew in an eclectic crowd of devoted followers who have been patiently waiting for her arrival.

Overall, in witnessing the countless in attendance that night, it’s absolutely evident that Ado has greatly touched the lives of many of them, in more ways than one. Combining this with her renowned caliber as a top-tier artist and performer, Ado’s first time in Manila was, undeniably, nothing short of unforgettable. — Mayks Go

JENNIE’s ‘The Ruby Experience’ Concert

When: March 15, 2025
Where: Inspire Arena, Incheon

JENNIE’s ‘The Ruby Experience‘ in Korea marked one of those rare performances wherein you feel like you’re witnessing an artist come into their full potential. A lot has been said about the BLACKPINK members’ performing capabilities over the years, yet what I and many others have witnessed at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, Korea, could arguably be described as her most inspired performance to date.

For not only was the concert a mere showcase of JENNIE’s tracks from her debut album, it was also a defining moment in her career that embodied just how empowered she’s become as a solo artist. Whether it was the crowd-pleasing anthems like “like JENNIE,” or even the more emotive and sensitive tracks like “F.T.S.” or “starlight,” the 29-year-old K-pop icon’s artistry was on full display as she gave audiences a stellar example of her ability to evoke swagger and confidence, alongside a sense of sensitivity behind her onstage persona. — Gab Saulog

Cup Of Joe’s ‘SILAKBO’ Concert

When: February 8 and 9, 2025
Where: Araneta Coliseum, Manila

In their largest show to date, Baguio-bred five-piece Cup of Joe pulled out all the stops. Fleshing out a three-hour show where each member paid homage to their roots, Cup of Joe brought their wildest dreams to life through ‘SILAKBO.’ In their two-night sold-out concert, the independent pop band was able to perform for an audience of over 30,000 — an extraordinary feat for a band formed from a talent show in high school.

Special performances with KZ Tandingan, Moira, and more brought a sentimental atmosphere to the venue, as each special guest applauded Cup of Joe for their journey thus far. Overall, the show was not only a celebration of their debut album of the same name, but also a testament to their growth and their ongoing dominance over the Philippine soundscape.

As Cup of Joe continues to reign over the charts, create hits, and transform as a whole, we can only expect more shows like ‘SILAKBO’ — if not bigger and better. — Rome Saenz

SB19’s ‘Simula At Wakas’ World Tour Kickoff

When: May 31 – June 1, 2025
Where: Philippine Arena, Bulacan

Making history at the Philippine Arena is quite an immense feat, especially when you’re selling out two consecutive shows at the world’s biggest indoor arena. Such is the case for SB19, as their ‘Simula At Wakas’ set of concerts has proven not just how many people are willing to pay and show up for them, but just how far they’ve gone to be ahead of the curve in terms of their performing capabilities and on-stage artistry.

Beyond highlighting their array of hit songs, SB19’s ‘Simula At Wakas’ (the show) takes a step further and tells its own story of the group’s growth and evolution within the scene, with various points of its setlist marking different chapters of their journey thus far. Yet from what audiences got to witness on both shows, the story that was written only proves that the Kings of P-pop have conquered a whole lot, with the Philippine Arena stage being the beginning of what else is to come from the fruits of their labor. — Gab Saulog