Venues flood with fans in Los Angeles as headlining artists excel in phenomenal performances broadcast across platforms. With many fans and popularity, the buzz has spread across social media, where concert footage fulfills excitement and archetypal moments within each setlist. Specifying on global artists like the lyrical Taylor Swift, rap superstar Drake, and the iconic ‘Queen B’ Beyonce, have conjoined to produce remarkable concerts this summer. Each of these artists has their own WOW factor alongside their intricate discography. With all that being said, the question arises: Which artist has the concert of the year?
An eventful August of continuously packed days of high-production performances satisfied fans globally. Often referred to as the top artists of the music industry, their concerts took place this summer at various arenas in Los Angeles. Swift has 6 sold-out shows at SoFi-Stadium, Drake with 4 at the Crypto Arena, and 2 Beyonce concerts at SoFi-Stadium. These highly-anticipated tours had fans scrambling to purchase tickets.
The Era’s Tour broke many records as Taylor Swift put on a phenomenal show for her devoted fans. The month of August held a six-night, completely sold-out stadium full of squeals and reminiscing moments of the astonished artist. A three-hour show with various costume changes, a variety of song genres, and the anticipated surprise element, Swift’s surprise songs.
Attendee, Jessica Guardado, 11, made the trip to Swift City and retells her astonishing visual of the start of The Eras Tour.
“My experience at the tour was quite literally the best experience I’ve had at a concert! Everyone was extremely friendly, her stage presence was insanely good, and the light-up bracelets they gave us made it all really like magical. Plus her diving into the stage was crazy!” Guardado says, “Her songs are never a miss and she’s such a kind, dedicated and smart artist! Ever since I was little I wanted to see her perform at least once in my life, and her dedication and creativity to her job makes me love her so much more, as well as how much of a lyrical genius she is!”
Los Angeles was visited for a four-night production put on by the core of hip-hop. In late August, Drake performed alongside collaborator 21 Savage, a variety of his sought-after pieces. Throughout his setlist, the rap-based artist showcased his vocals, changing the tone of a few songs in the It’s All A Blur tour. Attendees took to social media to post certain moments of Drakes’s generosity for his devoted fans, giving out name-brand items to the crowd.
The iconic Beyonce brought her Renaissance tour to L.A. this August putting on a praising performance. Divided into sections, she provided a diverse discography of past songs and her most recent high-energized album, Renaissance. Often deemed as the “Celebrity of the Celebrities” as stated on social media, Beyonce put on a rhinestone-filled show for everyone to enjoy.
Fortunate enough to attend all three shows, Marissa Vallejo, 12, shares her experience and opinions on all three artists’ performances. As Vallejo details every show experience, her final verdict is revealed.
“I went to the Taylor Swift one first and it was really amazing, she gave a very long show with very little breaks and she performed the whole night, which made me really happy. Just experiencing all the emotions made it a great show. She was literally surreal. The Drake concert was really amazing; I got to touch 21 Savages’ hand, and Drake and I made eye contact! He did give a good show, but I wanted more from his other sets,” Vallejo says. “Beyonce had a cool and fun show, I know more older Beyonce, but I’m actually surprised I had such a great time for somebody who knew like half the songs, just because of the energy and the crowd was just so hyped and they all loved her. Her dances and her music, the way she sang, was really nice.
Although, for Taylor Swift, my expectations were definitely surpassed, it was a really great show.
I by far believe the concert of the year goes to Taylor Swift!”
Whether it’s Taylor Swift’s climactic surprise songs rising from the past, Drake’s generous giving of name-brand items to his devoted fans, or Beyonce’s detailed choreography alongside her daughter, Blue Ivy, every artist put on a phenomenal performance that will live out to be the top concerts of 2023.
