Wang Leehom pushed the boundaries of live performance when humanoid robots joined him on stage during his Best Place Tour stop in Chengdu on 19 December, creating one of the most talked-about concert moments in China this year.
The jaw-dropping sequence took place during his performance of ‘Open Fire’, when six humanoid robots emerged as backup dancers alongside Wang Leehom’s human dance crew. Dressed in silver, sequin-like outfits that mirrored the show’s futuristic aesthetic, the robots executed tightly choreographed movements — from sharp arm swings and leg kicks to full acrobatic flips — all perfectly synced to the beat, lighting, and stage cues.
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The robots were identified as Unitree G1 humanoid robots, developed by Chinese robotics company Unitree Robotics. Designed for advanced mobility and balance, the machines were pre-programmed and remotely controlled to perform the routine safely on a live concert stage — a setting far more unpredictable than controlled tech demos or exhibitions.
Videos from the Chengdu show quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking global conversation. The performance even caught the attention of Elon Musk, who reshared a clip on X with a brief but telling reaction: “Impressive.”
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Online reactions ranged from amazement at how fluid and precise the robots appeared, to light-hearted jokes about whether machines might one day replace human dancers. Industry observers, however, noted that the moment felt less like a replacement and more like a creative collaboration — using robotics to enhance spectacle while keeping human performers at the centre of emotional expression.
For Wang Leehom, the Chengdu concert wasn’t just another tour stop. It was a glimpse into how pop concerts may evolve as music, technology, and performance art continue to collide.
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