[MALAYSIA] Ailee’s Heavenly Vocals Descends Kuala Lumpur with ‘I AM: Here’

11 years after Ailee first visited Malaysia for the Golden Disk Awards 2013, she is now back in town for her highly anticipated solo concert ‘I AM: HERE’ on June 22, 2024. The event started with a press conference attended by the local media at Mega Star Arena, Kuala Lumpur.

Ailee was very excited to perform for her Malaysian Aileeans as she was well aware of her fans’ unwavering support since her last visit in 2013 and kept looking for opportunities to come back here again, and finally she is here. Ailee picked her debut track Heaven as the song that had a special meaning to her, as without the song, she wouldn’t be where she was right now. Ailee also shared her reasoning behind having the I AM concert series, where ultimately she wanted to show different sides of herself to the fans, and hoped that the fans liked what she had prepared for them tonight.

As the K-Drama OST queen, Ailee said that she loved singing them as she liked being able to tell a story through her music, and by having the drama materials as a reference, it helped her to convey the song’s message to the audience. She also shared her approach on singing OSTs where she acts like the drama’s character and tries to portray as much emotion as possible when singing the songs. When asked about what she wanted her legacy to be, Ailee mentioned that she wanted to be remembered as an artist that connects with her listeners as best as she could while maintaining the balance on who she was as a person, as well as an artist who brought joy to the listeners who listened to her songs.

A Night of Hits and Connection

From the moment she stepped on stage, Ailee had 3,500 audiences on their feet, kicking off the show with the electrifying I Will Show You and flawlessly transitioning into hits like Don’t Teach Me and B-side track No No No. Fans sang along to every song, showing their love and support for the talented artist. The show continues with another upbeat song Don’t Touch Me, followed by by Singing Got Better which warms fans’ hearts. The OST queen dedicated Breaking Down, an OST from a Korean drama Doom at Your Service, which she added into the setlist exclusively for Malaysian Aileeans!

The crowd roared with approval as she belted out the powerful RA TA TA. Ailee showcased her versatility with a heartfelt rendition of I Will Go To You Like the First Snow, which is Malaysia’s top-charted karaoke song and dedicated the OST title as Malaysia, I Will One Day Come Back To You Like The First Snow as appreciation for her Malaysian Aileeans. She later surprised fans with another energetic hit such as Mind Your Own Business, ballad track If You and the iconic U&I.

Malaysians Go Above and Beyond with Heartfelt Tribute

Malaysian Aileeans showered Ailee with love beyond the concert especially with the surprise video showcasing Ailee’s 13-year journey in the music industry played during the event, creating a deeply touching moment. This emotional tribute was further amplified as fans united in a powerful rendition of Heaven, a song dedicated to Ailee’s debut anniversary. This display of unwavering support solidified the special bond between Ailee and her Malaysian fanbase.

Local pastry chef Edwin Chan and fashion designer Ashley Wong created a special three-tiered cake and a stunning sequined kebaya, both inspired by the concert. Ailee, touched by the gesture, promised a swift return to Malaysia with even more music, energy, and affection for the city that stole her heart. LOL Asia CEO, Rizal Kamal expressed his delight at working with Ailee and thanked fans from Malaysia and beyond. Looking to capitalize on the momentum, LOL Asia plans to collaborate with Ailee on future events outside Malaysia, furthering her global recognition as a K-pop powerhouse.

Electrifying Night Until The End

In addition to her chart-topping hits, Ailee treated her fans to a delightful surprise by performing some of her lesser-known side tracks. The crowd went wild as she belted out energetic songs like Big It Up from her RA TA TA album, showcasing her versatile range and delivering a performance filled with infectious energy. Ailee also showcased a more vulnerable side with heartfelt ballads such as Ain’t That Pretty and Heartcrusher from her butterFLY album. Her soulful vocals struck a chord with the audience, evoking raw emotions and leaving not a dry eye in the house.

Fans were also treated to Ailee’s own rendition of Juncoco X Advanced’s SM STATION track Atmosphere, where she was featured in the original track. Her vocal was undeniable as she pulled off the song alone, delivering a mesmerizing performance that left the audience in awe. Furthermore, Ailee took the opportunity to showcase her versatility as an artist by performing Evening Sky from her Invitation album. The haunting melody and Ailee’s impeccable vocals created a captivating atmosphere, drawing the crowd in and leaving them enchanted. Returning to the stage, she brought back memories as she sang her debut song Heaven, a beloved classic that launched her career. The crowd erupted in cheers, singing along to every word and swaying to the nostalgic melody.

A Night to Remember

As the final notes faded away and the lights dimmed, Ailee took a moment to express her gratitude to the crowd, thanking them for their unwavering support throughout her singing journey. The concert had been a true celebration of Ailee’s talent, charisma, and the deep connection she shares with her fans. The concert was a breathtaking spectacle featuring a diverse repertoire of songs, exceptional performances, and an undeniable connection between the artist and her fans. It was a night that will be cherished and remembered by all who had the pleasure of attending.

The Seoul Story would like to thank LOL Asia and Think Geek Media for the invitation to experience Ailee ‘I AM: Here’ in Kuala Lumpur.

Written by: Nur Hidayati

Photos by: LOL Asia

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