LISA Lights Up The Tonight Show With New Music, Thai Culture and a Glimpse Into Her Next Chapter

Lalisa Manobal, better known around the world as LISA of BLACKPINK, made a highly anticipated return to late-night television when she appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in an episode that aired September 16, 2026.

It marked LISA’s first appearance on the show since her 2021 solo debut performance of “LALISA,” and the global superstar arrived with the same confidence and energy that have helped transform her from a K-pop trainee into one of the biggest solo artists in the world.

For the occasion, LISA turned heads in a striking red Blumarine micro minidress, featuring sheer sleeves, ruched detailing and a fur-trimmed hem. She completed the look with matching patent leather mules, delivering a bold, high-fashion appearance that quickly became a talking point among fans.

But fashion was only part of the conversation.

LISA Talks About “SaWaDiKa” and PRESS PLAY

During her appearance, LISA discussed her latest single, “SaWaDiKa,” the lead track from her upcoming six-song EP PRESS PLAY, scheduled for release October 23.

Released September 3, the hip-hop-driven track takes its name from the Thai greeting “sawasdee ka” and incorporates strong elements of LISA’s Thai heritage.

The song quickly attracted enormous attention online, reportedly surpassing 70 million YouTube views within its first 24 hours and later reaching No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100.

LISA appeared genuinely surprised by the response, describing the numbers as “crazy” while explaining how important the Thai influence was to the project.

From the music and styling to the choreography, “SaWaDiKa” represents a deliberate connection to the culture she grew up with.

For LISA, PRESS PLAY is intended to feel like a cinematic journey through different stages of her life.

She described the project as a journey “from my roots to where I am right now,” explaining that each song has its own personality, character and atmosphere.

Fans still have plenty to discover. LISA teased that the fourth track will be another single, but its title — beginning with the letter “T” — remains a secret.

For now, she is keeping the surprise under wraps.

A Taste of Thailand for Jimmy Fallon

One of the most entertaining moments of the interview came when LISA introduced Jimmy Fallon to some of her favorite Thai flavors.

She brought som tam, the famous Thai green papaya salad traditionally prepared with ingredients including dried shrimp and chili.

The segment gave LISA an opportunity to share an authentic piece of Thai culture with the American audience while also creating one of the more playful moments of the night.

She also introduced Fallon to her own “special tea,” a combination involving soju, Thai beer and Sprite.

The lesson continued with a Thai drinking toast: “mot kaeo,” meaning to finish the drink or “bottoms up.”

The exchange highlighted one of the themes that has increasingly become part of LISA’s solo identity: bringing elements of Thailand into her global career.

From BLACKPINK to a Global Solo Career

LISA’s appearance on The Tonight Show also reflected just how dramatically her career has evolved since BLACKPINK debuted in 2016.

As the group’s main dancer and rapper, she quickly established herself as one of K-pop’s most recognizable performers.

Her solo breakthrough arrived in 2021 with the Lalisa single album. The title track became a major global hit, while “Money” developed a huge international following and became one of the defining solo songs of her early career.

In 2024, LISA entered a new phase of independence.

She established her own management company, LLOUD, while signing with RCA Records for her solo music activities.

That year brought a series of major releases, including “Rockstar,” “New Woman” featuring Rosalía and “Moonlit Floor.”

Her solo ambitions expanded further in 2025 with the release of her debut studio album, Alter Ego.

The album reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top Album Sales chart, reinforcing LISA’s position as a major global solo artist outside the BLACKPINK framework.

The project also included “Born Again,” featuring Doja Cat and Raye.

From Music to Acting

LISA’s career has also expanded beyond music.

In 2025, she made her acting debut in the acclaimed HBO series The White Lotus, adding another dimension to her growing entertainment career.

During her Fallon appearance, she also discussed her upcoming documentary, Always Lalisa.

The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 12 following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

For fans who have followed LISA since her trainee days, the documentary promises another opportunity to see the person behind the international superstar image.

BLACKPINK Is Still Part of Her Future

Despite the extraordinary growth of her solo career, LISA continues to emphasize the importance of BLACKPINK.

The group reunited for the ambitious Deadline world tour, which ran from July 2025 through January 2026, followed by the release of the Deadline EP in February 2026.

After the group’s activities, the four members continued developing their individual careers.

LISA has made it clear that her solo success does not mean she wants to leave BLACKPINK behind.

In fact, she has expressed a desire for the group to continue performing together far into the future, even joking about wanting BLACKPINK to still be together when she is 50.

That balance between group identity and individual ambition has become one of the defining features of LISA’s current career.

A Busy 2026

LISA’s 2026 schedule has been packed.

She performed “Bad Angel” with Anyma at Coachella and also contributed to “Goals,” featuring Anitta and Rema, for the FIFA World Cup 2026 soundtrack.

Now she is preparing for another major milestone: her upcoming VIVA LA LISA residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

The four-show residency is sold out, marking another historic moment in her career and further expanding her presence beyond the traditional K-pop market.

She is also continuing her relationship with Louis Vuitton as a global ambassador, reinforcing her status not only as a music star but also as a major fashion figure.

If K-Pop Hadn’t Worked Out…

Perhaps one of the most charming revelations from her conversation with Fallon was LISA’s alternative career plan.

If her K-pop dream had not worked out, she said she could have pursued a career as a dance teacher or even become a Disneyland princess performer.

It is a surprisingly relatable glimpse into the person behind the global superstar.

Today, however, there is little question that LISA’s original dream has taken her much further than even she could have imagined.

From a young Thai dancer dreaming of a career in entertainment to a BLACKPINK superstar, successful solo artist, actress, fashion icon and global performer, LISA has built a career that continues to expand.

And with PRESS PLAY, Always Lalisa, her Las Vegas residency and more music still ahead, her next chapter is already underway.

For LISA, the journey is no longer simply about becoming a K-pop star. It is about showing the world every side of who she is — while carrying her Thai roots with her wherever the spotlight takes her.