How many sequins are too many sequins? Taylor Swift proved the limit truly does not exist on Friday night in Chicago. Playing her first of three sold out shows at Soldier Field, the 33 year old performer was met by a sea of bedazzled fans.
With a one minute countdown projected on the big screen, the eruption of cheers was near deafening as the crowd buckled up for a staggering three and a half hours of music. Opening with a shortened version of “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince” and “Cruel Summer,” Taylor’s dancers emerged wearing pastel fans as the singer effortlessly strutted the stage. Moving on to perform “The Man” on a three story high scaffolding, Taylor’s dancers adorned her with a dazzling blazer—one of many costume additions throughout the night that would make audiences swoon.
“Thank you for spending so much… effort… to get here tonight…” the singer joked, referring to the heavily reported Ticketmaster affair that left many fans spending thousands on tickets. Despite the cost to attend, every fan I spoke to has affirmed they have zero regrets forking out a hefty chunk of change for the unforgettable, and often deeply meaningful experience.
Pausing between songs to recognize the beginning of Pride Month, Taylor expressed her admiration for the “brilliant crowds of people who are living their authentic lives,” going on to affirm that “…this is a safe space for you. This is a celebratory space for you. And one of the things that makes me feel so prideful is getting to be with you, and watching you interact with each other and being so loving, and so thoughtful, and so caring.”
Despite selling more than 190,000 tickets over the three day span, the pop star created an intimate, authentic, and high production show that showcased her musical talent throughout the years. Meticulously planned and executed to a T, it was a night that is hard to fully express in words. Tears were shed, friendship bracelets were exchanged, and parents were happily converted to Swifties.
Whether to reminisce on her 13 year discography of music or experience the theatrics of the Broadway-worthy production, I would highly recommend trying to snag a ticket to an upcoming show on the remainder of The Eras Tour.
