With pink dresses and girl power galore, she performed tracks from both her albums ‘sweetener’ and ‘thank u, next.’ This past year has been career high for the singer — a Grammy win, two No. 1 singles, and now a sold out world tour — and it’s impossible to stop her.
Ariana will be on the road during until October, guaranteeing a plethora of powerful performances, and her first night showcased everything she has in store for her eight-month trek across the globe. It marks a huge step for the star: her first tour since the Manchester bombing.
While Ari left out some of her arguably most moving songs like ‘ghostin’ and ‘imagine (both tracks reference the singer’s relationship with the late Mac Miller), it was understandable. She told fans at soundcheck they would be “too heavy” to perform. However, the pre-show playlist featured Mac’s music while fans filtered in, a touching tribute from the pop star.
Despite the two fan-favorite tracks missing, Ariana still put on a 31-song setlist for a packed arena.
https://twitter.com/kaijosephkf/status/1107841421363560448
While she belted her heart out, the stage illuminated with unique setups, staying true to Ariana’s out-of-this-world persona.
https://twitter.com/ttiinnkerbell/status/1107838577734496256
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) March 19, 2019
She maintained a camaraderie with her backup dancers, showcasing that iconic girl power that shines through in ‘7 rings’ and ‘thank u, next.’ She even got up close and personal with fans onstage, showing her appreciation for her dedicated followers.
I literally pulled a muscle trying to get her to grab my hand the shit I do for you @ArianaGrande ALSO ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS OF ALL TIME pic.twitter.com/xDpZKChscu
— k⃞ y⃞ l⃞ e⃞ (@inmyheadkyle) March 19, 2019
https://twitter.com/badideakyle/status/1107847197209579520
Another video of “bloodline” #SWTAlbany (c: @thisroger_) pic.twitter.com/34HE331OOI
— Ariana Grande Today (@atncontent) March 19, 2019
Ariana closing the show with “thank u, next” #SWTAlbany pic.twitter.com/Rk7Zv00sHh
— Ariana Grande Today (@atncontent) March 19, 2019
While the show focused mainly on Ariana’s newer songs, she still managed to bring back classics from ‘Dangerous Woman,’ allowing fans to travel back to 2016.
Ariana performing “Dangerous Woman” tonight at the #SWTAlbany (c: @thisroger_) pic.twitter.com/dFOKNUZuDz
— Ariana Grande Today (@atncontent) March 19, 2019
Concertgoers were even able to register to vote before the show. Booths around the venue encouraged a younger demographic to make a change. And of course, the artist did it in true Ariana fashion.
https://twitter.com/g1veharryaoscar/status/1107894520304320512
The 25-year-old expressed her gratitude on social media, sharing videos and photos from the concert, calling the night “a dream come true.”
It was definitely a night to remember among the singer and her fans. We’re excited to see what else the Ari pulls out of her sleeve for this monumental world tour — it’s bound to be full of pop perfection.