On May 13, AMPERS&ONE (pronounced “ampersand one”) had all eyes on them during the Chicago stop of their 2026 AMPERS&ONE LIVE TOUR ‘Born To Define.’ The group is no stranger to taking the stage in the Windy City, having made a stop in Chicago for their 2025 tour, My First_in North America, as well as supporting P1Harmony on the P1ustage H : MOST WANTED tour as the senior group’s opening act. This year, the seven-member boy group consisting of Kamden, Brian, Jiho, Siyun, Kyrell, Mackiah, and Seungmo are stopping in 17 cities across the United States to redefine themselves as a team.
Formed in 2023 under FNC Entertainment, AMPERS&ONE has proven they are ones to watch, only growing in popularity as the years go by. The group has sold out almost all stops on the ‘Born To Define’ Tour, been nominated for numerous Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), and reached new audiences by opening for P1Harmony. With members hailing from all across the globe, AMPERS&ONE is unique in the way they relate to their Gen Z audience with their viral humor as well as their increasing involvement in the music production process, as shown in their most recent EP, Definition, which boasted writing credits from Kamden and Mackiah on every track.
Inside the historic Studebaker Theater, their fans, known as Andear, buzzed with anticipation for the night’s show, mingling with fellow fans, handing out freebies, and taking pictures in front of the stage, which was donned with sweet lights reading “Welcome Andears.”
Soon, the lights dimmed, and the moment Andear had been waiting for had finally arrived. Fans screamed in excitement as AMPERS&ONE took their places on stage, donned in sleek all-black outfits that included traditional Korean overcoats known as durumagi, fitting for their opening number, “GOD.” The intense track, featuring classical Korean instrumentation and choreography that included a fan, was the perfect way to kick off the night and get the crowd hyped for what was to come.
After shedding themselves of their durumagi, AMPERS&ONE kept the energy going with the 90s hip-hop inspired track, “What You Talking About,” which featured passionate lyrics about living freely and calling out haters who talk behind your back. The rendition featured a dramatic dance solo from Jiho, who was able to show off his charismatic dance skills. “I’m Down” followed, showing off the group’s synchronicity and highlighting Siyun’s impressive vocals with stunning high notes.
The group took a second to catch their breath after three straight songs, using the time to greet the audience and introduce themselves. Despite the break, concertgoers were still full of excitement as they cheered for each member while they expressed their happiness at being back in the Windy City.
“That’s That” and “Did it” came next, the latter performance bringing the boys to the very front of the stage to interact with the crowd more closely. Andear on all sides of the theatre, as well as in the higher balconies, had a chance to jump around and dance with the group as they went back and forth to each side. “Hit Me Up,” another song from their most recent EP, Definition, showcased Mackiah’s powerful rapping and thunderous voice, proving that the mic was, in fact, on. Despite the nonstop energy, AMPERS&ONE kept up the momentum for “Slide,” jumping along with fans and hyping them up with constant yells of “Let’s go!” and “Come on!” between lines.
“Last year we went to Chicago as well, and you guys were on fire!” Mackiah recounted as the boys took a water break.” But today, I think you guys have more energy than last time!”
While some of the boys went backstage to change, Seungmo, Mackiah, and Siyun stayed back to continue engaging with Andear. The members shared their fascination with unique foods such as deep-fried Twinkies and Chicago-style hot dogs. They then asked for recommendations for sights to see in the area before declaring that the best sight to see would be Kamden and Jiho’s upcoming unit stage, perfectly transitioning into the next act of the concert.
Kamden and Jiho then returned to the stage to deliver a sensual cover of ENHYPEN’s “Fever.” Bathed in a sultry glow of red and blue lights, the duo performed the track’s erotic choreography while donned in white button-downs and well-fitting slacks that accentuated each of their fluid movements. Their version of the choreography had the members mirroring each other in a seductive game of cat-and-mouse. Each body roll and neck grab had Andear screeching and shaking in their boots as they watched the thrilling display.
The lights dimmed and rose once again to reveal the next pair, Kyrell and Brian, in a complete vibe switch for their performance of “Love Story”byTaylor Swift. In a romantic 180, the duo appeared wearing relaxed sweaters while soft pink light shone upon them. The boys serenaded Andear in the crowd with the fairytale-inspired love song as they promenaded along the stage. They flirted with the audience as well as occasionally stopping to flirt with each other before the song came to its iconic climax. Brian got on one knee and pulled out a ring as he sang the famous line, while Kyrell summoned a rose out of thin air to offer to Andear. They ended the adorable performance with saccharine harmonies that left fans with butterflies in their stomach.
Siyun, Mackiah, and Seungmo ended the section of unit performances with a cover of “Drag Me Down” by One Direction, equipped with standing mics and decked in casual boyband-esque outfits. The nostalgic track had fans all around the venue singing along with the trio as they showcased their vocal prowess. Mackiah once again flaunted his rap skills by performing an original verse in place of the song’s bridge, having the already hype crowd jumping even further out of their seats in excitement. Seungmo brought the song together by singing the track’s quintessential ending riffs, exhibiting his strong vocals with the clear runs.
The whole group returned to the stage to talk to Andear, sharing their process for preparing for their unit stages and cracking jokes with the audience. In a bit of competition, Mackiah declared that Andear would settle the score on which unit had the best performance. Each team gave attendees a chance to scream for which performance they liked best, with an eruption of cheers resounding throughout the entire theatre for each of them. In the end, the group called a three-way tie.
Sporting a new set of polished grey outfits, AMPERS&ONE then dove straight into the next part of the show, starting with “My Mistake,” taking a break from their previously intense choreography to opt for a more relaxed vibe. The cuter, more lovey-dovey fan favorite tracks “Over the Moon” and “He + She = We” from their first EP ONE HEARTED followed.
“Kick Start,” the high-spirited title track of their second EP, WILD & FREE, had the members bringing the energy back, with a rap solo from Kamden that displayed his husky voice and expert rap flow. As the leader of the group, he constantly commanded the stage with his presence, demonstrating his duality with both cute poses and fierce, precise dance moves.
After another bender of songs, the members stole a moment to rest. Mackiah inquired about Andear’s thoughts on the members’ new outfits, particularly pointing out Jiho, who was scantily clad in a cropped blazer and diamond waist chain that caught the light with every one of his movements.
“Jiho’s not wearing half his shirt! What do you guys think of that?” Mackiah questioned fans, to a slew of barking from the crowd.
Kamden spoke up to ask fans where the group should eat while exploring Chicago. When he brought up trying deep-dish pizza, an assortment of boos resounded throughout the theatre. With that, the group knew it was time to get attendees pumped up with another performance.
“Seesaw” had Andear grooving along to the addictive Afrobeats on the track. As the beat dropped for the chorus, fans sang along in a roar to the English lyrics, the echo of their voices resounding throughout the venue. The explosive ending of the song showed the group at their best as they displayed their charming aura with coordinated moves.
The dynamism continued with the next powerful track, “Broken Heart,” that had the members slipping in energetic ad-libs to fire up the audience. “My Way,” another recent release, came after. The hip-hop track that features drill elements had the members singing and rapping about carving their own path and ignoring opinions to reach their goals.
“Chicago, that was fire!” Mackiah exclaimed, complimenting the audience as they introduced their final song. “We’ll see you guys again!”
AMPERS&ONE closed out the show with “Get Famous,” an impassioned song with a rock influence that showcased the members’ cohesive energy. As the lights dimmed and the seven members made their way backstage, Andear thunderously chanted for an encore, with some fans coming together to bark in unison to possibly get the attention of the members.
In a sweet turn of events, the instrumental track of the endearing love song “All Eyes On You” began playing, prompting Andear to sing along. Even without the guidance of the members or a teleprompter providing lyrics, fans knew all the words, singing along in harmony as a fandom. This proved effective in getting the members to come back out for a few more songs, with Kyrell recounting how impressive the fan rendition was. This time, “All On Eyes On You” was sung with the group and fans alike, emphasizing their love for each other.
Sadly, it was almost the real end of the group’s show. The members took a moment to share their thoughts and gratitude before heading into the closing songs.
“Thanks for coming! Thanks for enjoying our show and thanks for bringing big energy for us! We will come back, for sure,” Seungmo smiled, kicking off the final goodbyes.
“Where my hot people at?” Kyrell declared, earning a roar from the crowd. “I think Chicago’s actually one of my favorite cities to visit. I feel like it’s full of beautiful things. The food is great, the architecture is great, and of course, our Andear is great!”
When it was Mackiah’s turn to speak, he took the time to hype up the crowd by repeatedly busting out the “whip” and “nae nae” along with fans. “You guys have so much energy, I really appreciate it. Tonight was so much fun. I really wanted to come back to Chicago, it’s such a beautiful city, and next time we come, it’s going to be even greater!”
“You know how the weather’s been cold outside? Well, I don’t think it’s going to be cold anymore. Chicago is filled with such hotties,” Kamden joked with the audience. “I enjoyed today by watching you guys having fun. I love you guys more than Chicago deep-dish pizza!”
Brian added, “I really appreciate every single one of you, and I’m so blessed to be on stage today. I love every single one of you. Thanks for coming tonight!”
After everyone had shared their remarks, AMPERS&ONE performed their debut track, “On And On,” accompanied by Andear as they recited the song’s fanchant. As the mysterious instrumental for “I Know You” began, members slowly crept up to the edge of the stage, smirking at fans before jumping into the aisles of the theatre, running up and down to closely interact with fans as they sang. Fans were left in awe as members completed hand hearts, sang directly into Andear’s cameras, and danced along with them. The group concluded the night with the pop-EDM party anthem, “Crazy, Stupid, Fun,” turning the theatre into a club with flashing lights and getting concertgoers jumping along as they continued to interact with the audience. Some members went extra crazy, spraying fans in the front with water and jumping into the crowd once again.
When the stupid fun died down, the members said their ultimate farewells, waving as they retreated from the stage, and the lights went up. Thinking it was truly the end of the show, many Andear began gathering their belongings and getting ready to leave.
Of course, AMPERS&ONE had another surprise up their sleeve, running back out onto the stage as the techno-drill beat of “My Way” started back up once again. Fans clammered back to their seats in surprise and elation that they were receiving yet another encore. Foregoing choreography, the members simply vibed with each other and Andear, spraying more water onto fans and running around the entire first floor of the theatre, resulting in delightful chaos. With flashing strobe lights, headbanging, and bouncing around the venue, AMPERS&ONE truly finished out the Chicago stop of their tour with a bang.
Finally, the boys said one last goodbye, waving at the audience before heading backstage to prepare for the post-show VIP activities. While Chicago Andear were sad that the show had to end, it surely will be a night to remember.
AMPERS&ONE truly defined themselves with their concert in the Windy City, showing extreme growth in their performance skills and confidence as a group. ‘Born To Define’ still has a few stops left in North America, but tickets are running out fast. If you’re interested in attending, tickets can be found here.