Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Once the dazzling festival lights dimmed at the 8Wonder Winter Festival held in Phu Quoc, the iconic pop-rock sensations Maroon 5, accompanied by a lineup of esteemed Vietnamese stars, delivered an extraordinary series of performances lasting over 6 hours. Drawing in a global audience of over 4 million online viewers, the headlining show captivated the 11,500-strong crowd gathered at the Phu Quoc United Center, leaving them awe-inspired.
Maroon 5’s electrifying 75-minute set left attendees stunned.
As the familiar beats of ‘Moves Like Jagger’ echoed through the air, an enthusiastic and animated audience at Phu Quoc Grand World Square erupted with excitement upon the band’s entrance. Against the backdrop of the colossal “Heavenly Sphere” stage themed “from twilight till first light,” the six-member legendary group illuminated the entire Grand World Square with stunning visuals.
Their 75-minute performance showcased a selection of Maroon 5’s cherished classics, taking the audience on a musical voyage spanning three decades. Alongside the dynamic opening track, the setlist included hits like ‘This Love,’ ‘Sunday Morning,’ ‘Payphone,’ ‘One More Night,’ and ‘Sugar.’
For both the fervent on-site fans and the online viewers, the exceptional skill and dedication of the band members were palpable. Maroon 5 tirelessly ensured that the adoring crowd relished every moment. It was an inaugural opportunity for Vietnamese audiences to intimately witness the talents of each band member, from Matt Flynn’s energetic drumming to the intricate guitar work of James Valentine & Jesse Carmichael, the pulsating bass of Sam Farrar, and the keyboard arrangements of PJ Morton. The Grand World Square metamorphosed into a world-class “music paradise,” echoing with cheers as the familiar tunes echoed.
Throughout the setlist, Adam Levine engaged the Phu Quoc audience, inviting their participation in backing vocals on tracks like ‘This Love,’ ‘Memories,’ ‘Animals,’ ‘Maps,’ and ‘Don’t Wanna Know.’
However, the pinnacle of the evening unfolded during an impromptu interaction with the audience as Levine, accompanied by guitarist Valentine, serenaded lucky fans with ‘She Will Be Loved.’ Levine’s effortless charm shone as he paused mid-song to take a selfie video with a fan’s phone, creating an indelible memory at the 8Wonder Winter Festival.
Addressing the crowd, Levine expressed his joy in Vietnam and the band’s gratitude for being part of the festival: “We’re incredibly honored to be here in beautiful Vietnam for our debut show. It took us 20 years to get here, but we promise to return, and much sooner next time!”
Vietnamese artists infused their talent, energy, and passion, contributing to an unforgettable night of music alongside the international sensation Maroon 5. Explosive performances from renowned Vietnamese acts like Toc Tien, GreyD, Phuong Ly, JustaTee, Double2T, Xe Xe, and the band Mau Nuoc electrified the stage, delighting local music enthusiasts.
A notable highlight of the 8Wonder Winter Festival was the striking debut performance featuring the VF 7 Dragon Forged model alongside EDM virtuoso Touliver and the Hoang Thong dance group. This limited edition VinFast VF 7, with only 68 cars available, will be on sale starting January 1, 2024.
This year’s rendition of the 8Wonder Winter Festival served as a remarkable platform to elevate Phu Quoc’s stature—a tropical island paradise boasting world-class beach resorts, sunny skies, and breathtaking sunsets. Moreover, the festival and its array of events spotlight Vietnam’s burgeoning status as a premier destination for global travelers, positioning Phu Quoc as an idyllic beach retreat.
Juergen Doerr, CEO of Vinpearl, emphasized before the festival, “With major events like 8Wonder, we aim for international tourists to recognize Vietnam as a country with beautiful, welcoming, and distinct tourist spots. With the added allure of global music stars and an enhanced event experience, 8Wonder will propel Phu Quoc and Vietnam to worldwide recognition, making them beloved and appealing destinations for visitors.”
The substantial investment in top-tier facilities, coupled with the event’s proficient crew, sound, lighting, and stage equipment, exceeded all expectations. The festival’s holistic offerings in cuisine, entertainment, and discovery ensured a superlative experience for the multitudes that flocked to Phu Quoc for this year’s extravaganza.
Industry experts note that Vietnam’s capacity to organize world-class music events has been solidified with two editions of the 8Wonder Festival. With Charlie Puth headlining in Nha Trang earlier and Maroon 5 in Phu Quoc, 8Wonder has ascended to an elite echelon among global entertainment events and music festivals, akin to Tomorrowland and Coachella.
As the curtains close on this year’s 8Wonder festival, organizers can reflect with pride on witnessing 6 hours of entertainment history in Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Maroon 5’s spectacular performance, complemented by acclaimed Vietnamese artists, crafted an odyssey of “Infinity Wonder” against Vietnam’s stunning sunset backdrop, paving the way for more world-class events. Undoubtedly, this will further elevate Vietnam’s allure and cement its status as one of the world’s most enticing tourist destinations.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
