Stray Kids made their Rock in Rio debut on Friday, September 11, headlining a day of the festival dedicated to k-pop. The South Korean boy band ran through hits from across their career, worked in a snippet of Michel Teló's Brazilian hit "Ai Se Eu Te Pego," and even attempted the "Passinho do Jamal," a viral Brazilian dance trend.
The group arrived at Rio de Janeiro's Cidade do Rock as part of "Straycity," a tour leg focused on Latin America. Hours before taking the stage, leader Bang Chan posted a string of messages on Bubble, the chat app run by the group's label, JYP Entertainment, that lets artists message fans directly, describing his nerves ahead of the show.
Bang Chan also asked that rain hold off during the performance. His request appeared to be granted: unlike on other nights of the festival, the band did not need rain ponchos when they took the stage.
Setlist and surprises
The show opened with "Topline," one of Stray Kids' best-known songs, followed by "S-Class," "Maniac" and "Domino," tracks known for the group's heavy, intense sound.
Between songs, members paused to speak with the crowd and thank fans for the chance to play Rock in Rio. They later surprised the audience with an alternate version of "Chk Chk Boom" that opened with a samba-style rhythm.
Fireworks lit up the sky as the band played "Side Effects," "After You" and "Miroh," older songs that sent longtime fans into a frenzy. During that stretch, member Felix ran across the stage performing the "Passinho do Jamal," a brega funk dance choreography that has taken over social media. Felix had already referenced the dance on the group's official accounts and used the live show to prove he could pull it off in person.
The set closed with festival versions of "This & That" and "Chk Chk Boom," reworked into more upbeat, remixed arrangements for the live show. Before leaving the stage, the members went out to greet fans in the crowd and finished the night with "Hall of Fame," a surprise addition to the setlist.
A callback to 2025
Bang Chan also sang the chorus of "Ai Se Eu Te Pego," the global hit by Brazilian sertanejo singer Michel Teló. It was not the first time he had done so: Bang Chan performed the same song during Stray Kids' first visit to Brazil in April 2025, a moment that went viral at the time and reached Teló himself. The singer joined in on the joke and said he hoped for a collaboration with the k-pop star.
Reactions after the show
After coming off stage, members of Stray Kids returned to Bubble to share their reactions. Changbin said the show would stay in his memory forever. Jeongin said he was on the verge of tears while singing "Stray Kids," a song that shares its title with the group. Lee Know thanked fans for their energy and for the chance to perform on such a large stage.
What's next at Rock in Rio
Rock in Rio's lineup for the rest of the weekend includes Maroon 5, Demi Lovato, Halsey, J Balvin and Twenty One Pilots, among other acts.
