BABYMONSTER’s ‘Golden’ stage at 2025 MAMA draws mixed reactions amid live vocals debate

BABYMONSTER received a wave of mixed reactions following their performance of “GOLDEN” at the 2025 MAMA Awards.

The group took the stage on November 29 with Ahyeon, Rora, and Pharita performing as HUNTR/X from the film K-pop Demon Hunters in a highly anticipated special stage.

Some viewers praised the trio for their vocal power, noting their ability to deliver challenging high notes live and maintain control during one of the event’s most demanding songs. Several comments commended the strength of their vocal tones and the confidence displayed in front of an audience of 50,000 people, with one viewer saying, “They did an amazing job, I'm so proud of them.”

However, criticism also surfaced quickly, with many focusing on the song’s high range and the members’ technique. One comment stated, “Ahyeon sings way too high. ‘Golden’ is already high, but this is just painful to listen to,” while another argued, “It seems like BABYMONSTER thinks good singing only means singing high notes. If they really want to sing well, they have to change their singing style.”

Concerns extended to how the performance sounded live, with remarks such as, “It was like the high notes were just screaming,” and “Ahyeon's voice is too uncomfortable to listen to.”

Others defended the group, noting the difficulty of the song and the pressure placed on young performers. One user wrote, “Come on, isn't Ahyeon still in her teens? She has a lot of time to grow, of course her skills aren't perfect yet.”

A broader debate also emerged about expectations for live vocals, with comments including, “No one would be saying anything if they lip-synced and didn't bother to sing live,” and, “I only see female idols who sing live get criticized like this... never male idols.”

The discussion reflects the intense scrutiny placed on live K-pop performances, especially when artists attempt vocally demanding material.