For most, Halloween was a day filled with candy, costumes, and great parties. Now, for those residing in Tampa, Florida and visitors to the area, their day was spent in preparation for one of the greatest parties happening in the Tampa Bay Area. Taylor Swift performed her final concert in North America for her 1989 World Tour, and the city of Tampa was buzzing with excitement. The concert held at Raymond James Stadium was a sold-out crowd capping off at 55,000 people. Everyone gathered for the show and packed into the stadium to witness one of the greatest artists in the music industry, along with some surprise guests.
Taylor Swift's 1989 album was released over a year ago, and hit singles like "Shake It Off," "Blank Space," "Style," and "Bad Blood" have been swarming radio stations everywhere. Known for her early works when she was producing music with a more country style, Taylor Swift has made a switch to a new pop sound that was well-received with her album "Red" and has stolen the hearts of fans even more now with "1989."
Her music draws listeners in, her lyrics hook the audience to keep listening, and her charisma makes her audience want to stay, and her loyal fan base only keeps growing.
Her concert in Tampa was an accurate depiction of just that including a huge crowd jamming out to their favorite songs and dancing along with every beat. Taylor Swift mesmerized her crowd from the very first note she sang from "Welcome to New York."
Taylor Swift radiated with confidence, finesse, style, happiness, and an energy that the audience fed off of, which the crowd reciprocated with roars of cheering and applause. To really amp up the crowd, Taylor Swift provided each ticket holder with a bracelet that would light up throughout the show. The bracelets would light up simultaneously to create a sea of light in the crowd, they would light up to the beat of the song, and they would light up randomly causing the stadium to shimmer and twinkle. This little touch allowed the audience to feel part of the magic. Taylor Swift commented how being able to see every one of the 55,000 lights made her feel like she was performing for 55,000 individuals and not just a dark shadow.
Not only did Taylor Swift perform her current hits from the 1989 album, but she threw in some great recognizable throwbacks as well. Ranging from her first song that she wrote when she was fifteen titled "Fifteen" to "Love Story" to "I Knew You Were Trouble," she took us down memory lane to remember where Taylor Swift started and how she got to the point she is now. Each song she performed highlighted her talents and really gave the audience something to cheer for.
Now at the previous concerts in the tour, Taylor Swift has always provided her audience with special guests, ranging from other popular artists such as Selena Gomez and Mick Jagger to actors like Julia Roberts and Lisa Kudrow and even professional athletes like Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade. The Tampa concert was no exception. The first guest was Alessia Cara who is a new and upcoming artist who sang her single, "Here." The crowd received Alessia Cara extremely well and loved the Taylor/Alessia duo rocking it on stage together.
Being that it was Halloween, everyone anticipated that there would be some crazy costumes. But I don't think anyone would guess that Taylor Swift herself would come out sporting an Olaf costume. Believe it or not, THE Taylor Swift came out on stage wearing the famed snowman suit. However, what may have seemed hilarious and odd at first made sense as Taylor Swift introduced her second guest, the voice of Elsa from Frozen, Idina Menzel.
Together, Idina Menzel and Taylor Swift belted the beloved song, "Let It Go." Now if the crowd wasn't already loving the show, the introduction of Idina Menzel made everyone swoon. To add to the amazing performance, in the middle of the song both Swift and Menzel did a quick change transforming from the Disney costumes into new glamorous and eye-catching ensembles. The two singers collaborating were definitely a crowd pleaser and a lovely addition to the show.
The fun and spontaneity never ceased. The atmosphere and energy that was surging from the time of the shows commencement to the playing of the final chord was alive and thriving. We all expect great things from the young 25 year old phenomenon, but Taylor Swift was nothing but perfection and surpassed expectations.
Taylor Swift not only created the music that speaks to audiences around the globe, but she brought those songs to life and gave them further meaning live on Halloween night in Tampa, Florida. She allowed us to take a look inside to who she is as a musician, a writer, a friend, and person. Taylor Swift has developed and evolved into a beloved icon, and all eyes are on her to see what she does next.
Love your concert experience? Comment your favorite part of the show below!
