Singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo came to the area for her “Guts World Tour.” She performed at TD Garden in Boston on April 1, and then made her way to Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York, for four sold out shows on April 5, 6, 8 and 9.
The room was filled with high energy that Rodrigo radiated, with the fans reciprocating. In videos shared by her official Instagram and TikTok fan account, the crowd can be heard screaming the lyrics of various songs back to her as she performs.
Senior Grace Susanin, who attended her April 5 performance at MSG said, “My favorite part of my concert experience was definitely getting to see Olivia perform live. I was so impressed by how good her voice sounds live and how she was able to perform songs back to back without breaks while still sounding amazing and having high energy.”
Not only did she impress the crowd with her sustained energy, but fans like Susanin loved how interactive Rodrigo was with her fans, allowing for a more intimate feeling despite the large crowds.
Rodrigo’s multiple outfit changes were another highlight of her performances with most of them consisting of sparkles that shimmered under the light.
Source: Jessica Balogh, Assistant A&E Editor
Source: Jessica Balogh, Assistant A&E Editor
Source: Jessica Balogh, Assistant A&E Editor
Fans matched the aesthetic of Rodrigo’s style and albums by incorporating purple and sequins into their own outfits. However, these outfit changes were only an accessory to her fans’ favorite songs that they heard live.
“My favorite part of the concert was when she sang ‘Teenage Dream.’ While she sang, there was a video montage on the screen, showing several videos of her when she was younger, and growing up. I thought that gave the song even more of an emotional touch than it already had,” said sophomore Casey Trzcinski.
Rodrigo used the screen behind her in engaging ways by adding visuals to match with each of the songs performed, such as her silhouette in a moon displayed as she performed her song “Vampire.”
In addition to performing, Rodrigo has another project that she is passionate about her organization called “Fund 4 Good.” This fund supports women’s reproductive health.
According to Billboard, part of the proceeds from all her ticket sales will go toward her fund to support other organizations with the same values. Rodrigo also has had tables set up in the arenas with different resources for her fans that might not be easily available to them.
“I think it is very important that celebrities use their platform to spread awareness. I think it shows that Oliva cares a lot more about her fans than just that they enjoy her music,” said Trzcinski.
According to Rolling Stone, through the National Network of Abortion Funds groups, Rodrigo was handing out contraceptives at her concerts in places where abortion is illegal. According to the Hollywood Reporter, her management team later prohibited the abortion funds from handing out contraceptives as they were too accessible to the younger girls in attendance.
Although time has passed, fans are still left starstruck by Rodrigo and her performance. “Her concert was extremely fun and she knew how to get an audience excited. I would go again a million more times,” said Trzcinski.
Jessica Balogh contributed to this article.
