Jennie of BLACKPINK has once again found herself at the center of controversy, this time over her solo performance at Coachella 2025. While the Outdoor Theatre stage lit up on April 14 with her highly anticipated 45-minute set, social media quickly turned into a battleground of praise and criticism.
The Performance: Impactful Yet Contentious
Marking her solo debut at Coachella shortly after the release of her first album RUBY, Jennie performed 13 songs with fully reworked arrangements. The stage design was minimalist, intended to enhance the musical experience. However, her vocal performance didn’t fully meet audience expectations. From the opening song Filter to Mantra, Jennie appeared winded and skipped several challenging vocal and rap lines, choices that drew backlash online.
Though the final rap segment saw her regain momentum and engage more energetically with the crowd, critics accused her of relying too heavily on backtracks and even lip-syncing. In Western performance culture, where live vocals are held in high regard, such criticism can be particularly damaging.
BLACKPINK’s Lisa previously faced similar accusations of lip-syncing, and Jennie is now facing the same storm. Netizens on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) expressed disappointment, with some demanding she return home to “train more.” The topic went viral not only in the U.S. but across Asia, turning Jennie into a lightning rod for debate.
Double Standards in the Spotlight
Longtime fans of BLACKPINK are no strangers to the phrase, “It’s always Jennie’s fault.” Since debut, Jennie has been both the most popular and the most scrutinized member of the group. With her polished image as K-pop’s quintessential “it girl,” fans argue that public expectations for her are simply unrealistic.
Many supporters took to social media to defend Jennie, pointing out that her minimalist Coachella set was an artistic choice and that other global stars like Charli XCX also use backtracks, yet avoid similar backlash. A viral post on Threads summarized this sentiment:
U.S. fans praised Jennie nonstop, she even hit #1 trending. But here, people are nitpicking every second. Why is it okay for Western artists to use backtracks, but not Jennie? The double standards are insane.
Even during her performance, Jennie showed signs of physical strain, something long-time fans know is not new. She has often been noted as having the weakest stamina in BLACKPINK, a factor likely affecting her vocal consistency during high-energy sets.
What’s Next for Jennie?
Despite the controversy, many agree that Jennie’s Coachella performance was solid overall, if not flawless. With a history of being highly self-aware and growth-oriented, it’s expected that she will reflect on this feedback and return stronger. Her second appearance at Coachella is scheduled for April 21, giving her the perfect opportunity to silence critics and reclaim the spotlight.
Jennie may be used to scrutiny, but the disparity in how she is judged, especially compared to male idols and even her Western counterparts, continues to highlight the troubling double standards in global entertainment. Whether Coachella Week 2 brings redemption or more debate, one thing is certain: the world will be watching.