I stuck it out last night, as I stayed up to watch 2Ne1‘s very first Inkigayo performance of ‘It Hurts‘ and let me just tell you, it was fucking worth the baggy eyes I woke up to in the morning.  The word flawless never had any relevance until last night.  2NE1 set every other idol in check WHILE sitting on motherfucking stools.  That’s serious ish right there.

What I really like about this song is that it divides the parts beautifully among the 4 (well, aside from Sandara, who, let’s face it, is a lost cause…no offense), giving each a perfect frame to shine without focusing too much or too little on one particular singer.

CL‘s way of blending her fierce stage presence and sturdy vocals was impressive in and of itself.  It gave this obvious soft song serious edge, which hell knew could happen!  Each member interpreted the same story in their own way, conveying all kinds of emotions.  From pain, to resentment and sadness, they connected with it and above all, engaged the audience from start to finish.  One thing I liked seeing was these ladies laying it out on stage, caring less about the cameras and just performing the hell out of the song.  There are definitely those singers who do it all for the camera, and then singers like 2NE1 who focus on performing for their audience, both live and at home.

Take maknae and dancing-extraordinaire Minji; cameras were nonexistent to her, and yet she sold this song like candy to kids. That’s really what it’s all about.

Vocally, they nailed it.  Especially Bom, who went as far as surrendering her emotions to the song.  That subtle connection allowed her to sound even better than when she’s just singing it to sing it and made this already emotional song a breathtaking thing to listen to.  I loved it.

And they sat down through the whole thing!  Guys, how epic was that?! Once you’re able to slay the competition without having to lift a nail, you know you’re in a league of your own.

Aesthetically, they either do it right or do it wrong, and last night, it was all win.  2NE1′s stylists this year have given this edgy group all the glitz and glam that every girl is deserving of.  Even if I like them looking totally urban a la – Fire 2009, this year’s girly take has been so-so for me.

That being said, they looked absolutely gorgeous on Inkigayo.  From CL’s grandma-droopy earrings to Minji’s killer hat thing, I thought they looked drop dead gorgggg.  I would have pealed that thing off of Dara’s face, but every thing else was ace.  Personally, Bom looked better than ever, with the pretty hair and all.  Get it, girl.

Overall, one of the best female stages in the history of Kpop.  A certain other girl group took on a ballad the same night, but it paled in comparison.  No, really, it did.  There’s no need to even get into that, as it would crimp the style of this post.

Here’s “It Hurts“