Thai artist TEN brought his first U.S. solo showcase tour to The Novo in downtown Los Angeles on Oct. 24, performing songs from different stages of his career while sharing playful moments with the audience and his dancers.
Under blue stage lights, fans waved bright green light sticks for the boy groups NCT and WayV throughout the venue. TEN then stepped onto the stage in a shimmering white suit, opening the show with “STUNNER,” followed by “Nightwalker,” “Birthday” and “ON TEN.”
In the opening songs, TEN showed his ability to interpret different musical genres and dance styles. “Nightwalker” featured intricate hand movements, while the R&B dance track “Birthday” highlighted his clean yet fluid choreography.
Born Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul, TEN debuted as a member of NCT U in 2016 before joining boy groups WayV and SuperM. Alongside his group activities, he released solo singles, including “Dream in a Dream,” “New Heroes” and “Birthday,” before making his official solo debut with his first mini-album, “TEN,” in 2024.
In April, TEN ended his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment while remaining a member of NCT and WayV. He later co-founded the music label ILLIMNT to pursue his independent solo career.
Despite stepping out as a solo artist, TEN did not distance himself from his group identity. During a talking segment, he recalled visiting Los Angeles with SuperM, describing it as the first American city he had visited with the group.
“I have so many memories during SuperM,” TEN said.
This time, rather than performing alongside his group members, TEN took center stage as a solo artist, accompanied by his dancers.
Concert attendee Gina Wang, who traveled from Orange County, became a fan of TEN about a year ago and had attended a premiere event for his single “STUNNER.” As a WayV fan, Wangsaid she was excited to see him perform his own music.
“He’s an incredible dancer, and you can tell he’s really dedicated to it and that he really loves the art and that he loves performing,” Wang said.
After a series of dance-heavy opening numbers, TEN traded his shimmering white suit for a casual blue jacket. Beginning with “New Heroes,” the show settled into a slower pace, leaving more room for his vocals.
During “Lie With You,” the camera shifted its focus from TEN to capture both him and the audience in the same frame, bringing the fans into the performance itself.
The upbeat rhythm of “IRL” added a livelier touch to the otherwise mellow stretch of performances. With “Enough for Me,” TEN shifted the focus back to dance, delivering powerful choreography that recalled the intensity of the opening songs.
The concert also offered fans an early preview of his upcoming music. Before performing the unreleased track “Can I Be Honest,” TEN introduced it as a sneak peek ahead of his next album.
Beyond the music, TEN made an effort to connect with fans. The Novo’s relatively small size allowed fans to watch his performances at close range, while his frequent interactions between songs gave the evening a more casual and intimate atmosphere.
At one point, TEN said his friends had told him that Los Angeles audiences were “nonchalant.”
“I’ll give my 100%,” he told the crowd, asking fans to match his energy.
He joked that he would bring anyone who broke their agreement onstage, before quickly adding, “Don’t break the rules.”
TEN also said he wanted to see the fans who had come to see him.
“Can I have some light on the crowd for me? Just a little so I can see,” he said to the stage crew.
Turning his attention to the balcony, he joked that the fans on the second floor were “very bougie,” teasing them for sitting while those downstairs stood and cheered. He then encouraged them to stand up as well.
For 22-year-old concert attendee Simone Lavik, the concert held a more personal meaning. Having celebrated her birthday the previous day, she described the shows as a birthday present to herself.
Lavik first became a fan of TEN through NCT in 2020. She said his music and videos had helped her through difficult periods in high school and college.
“He brings me so much joy,” Lavik said.
TEN’s playful interactions with the crowd also revealed a more spontaneous side of him. Lavik recalled how he occasionally lost his train of thought while speaking onstage.
“I didn’t realize how relatable he was,” Lavik said.
Toward the end of the concert, TEN turned the attention to the dancers accompanying him.
During an extended finale featuring “OUTWEST,” the dancers took turns performing, incorporating different styles including voguing, before TEN’s own freestyle.
Both Lavik and Wang singled out the finale featuring TEN and his dancers as a highlight of the night.
Lavik particularly enjoyed the dancers’ different styles and their interactions with TEN.
“He called them his friends,” Lavik said. “And I thought that was sweet.”
Wang recalled how TEN and his dancers appeared to be having fun together onstage.
“I think he did a good job of making us all feel like we were part of it,” Wang said.
TEN will continue his U.S. showcase tour in Minneapolis on Oct. 31, followed by Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore and Boston, before wrapping up in New York on Nov. 10.
Edited by Justin Ha