Within seconds of hearing WOODZ’s impressive vocal abilities, it was clear why there was such grand anticipation from fans, known as MOODZ, and casual listeners alike when the ‘OO-LI and’ tour was announced. WOODZ, the Korean soloist and former member of UNIQ and X1, made his Houston debut with the fourth U.S. stop on his ‘OO-LI and’ 2023 World Tour. During his time on Produce X 101, he was often referred to by viewers as an all-rounder, and there was never a moment in the show where that title was ever questioned. The tour’s jam-packed setlist was driven by multiple genres and styles ranging from rock to hip-hop to pop, with each one of them executed perfectly.

The show started off with a sharp introduction from his band, which consisted of a guitarist, bassist, drummer, and keyboard player, followed by two electric back-to-back performances of “Busted” and “HIJACK” in a style that makes them sound like one long song rather than two individual songs. If there was ever a possibility for a dull moment between songs, WOODZ crushed it immediately, taking a cowboy hat from a fan and donning it like a true Texan before performing his third song, “Love Me Harder.”

Photo Cr: Andy Cantu

Although this was his first tour in the U.S., if he was in any way nervous, he didn’t show it! Confidently interacting with the audience without a translator, he told fans anything and everything, from how much he loved and appreciated them to his experience eating at an American McDonald’s for the first time. This enthusiasm to connect with MOODZ continued throughout the show, surely leaving a warm feeling in everyone that lingered as they went home.

Ease and charisma were equally felt in each of his performances. Many of his songs included opportunities to show off his vocal prowess, like in “WAITING” and “Chaser,” but all of his songs required a level of comfort in himself and his movement that he was more than happy to provide. When he wasn’t hitting a high note or rapping faster than the drum beat, he was flashing a smile at fans at each end of the stage or making use of his fringe vest to captivate the crowd.

Halfway through the show, WOODZ decided to take requests directly from the audience, making fans happy as well as proving that his vocals are, indeed, live. Fans requested songs through signs, resulting in him singing “Lullaby,” “Accident” (which got a very strong reception from fans when requested), “Touché,” and “Rebound.” A funny interaction happened between him and the audience when he delayed the start of “Rebound” and rushed the ending because he couldn’t remember the lyrics, causing fans to laugh affectionately as he tried to excuse himself.

Aside from the signs requesting specific songs, other signs were read aloud by WOODZ, including one reading “the bassist is a baddie” and one informing him that it was the fan’s birthday. WOODZ responded by getting the audience to sing for them, followed by his own sultry rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

Photo Cr: Andy Cantu

WOODZ did his best to showcase his love for the city of Houston in any way he could. During his performance of “Multiply,” he shouted out the city in a lyric, earning extra loud cheers from fans as they waved their lightsticks around. Additionally, he performed a cover of “Listen” by Houston native Beyoncé, leaving everyone impressed as he made the track his own.

If that wasn’t enough to win the hearts of the entire Smart Financial Center audience, he also showcased his kind heart by stopping a song after he noticed a fan appeared unwell. When he realized that the fan needed water, he quickly took one of the bottles left on stage for him, handed it to them, and asked security to give water to anyone who looked like they needed it. Another fan yelled, asking him if he was okay, and he responded that he was fine, but he was very worried about his fan. Refusing to start the show until they were okay, he suggested they sit down for a bit and recover. It was a moment sure to stick in the hearts of everyone around to witness it.

If you’ve been to a concert in this century, you know about the fake goodbyes artists do before their eventual encore, and MOODZ were quick to call WOODZ out when he announced that “Journey” was his last song. Still, WOODZ played along, taking the time to thank his band, whose performances elevated the show from great to excellent, and the staff who worked tirelessly to make the show happen.

The promised encore was four songs long, filled with hand-hearts and singing into phone cameras. One fan handed him a doll that one can only assume is supposed to look like him, with blonde hair resembling that of his OO-LI era. He used the time between the first and last two songs to admit that he has to lie before the encore and knows fans are aware it’s not really the last song, and before closing the show, he asked the audience not to forget the memories they made together that day.

Have you seen WOODZ on tour? What was your highlight of the concert? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by reaching out on Instagram or X (Twitter)!

Edited by Zoe Selesi

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