It’s been a four-year hiatus from touring, but pop sensation Lorde at last got her highly anticipated world tour underway on the 17th of September, 2025, much to the delight of fans worldwide. Taking the stage in support of her brand new album Virgin, New Zealand songstress Lorde delivered an unfiltered and emotive devotion to the performance that served as a reminder why she’s considered one of the most authentic voices in pop music today. We were lucky enough to see her perform at the Xfinity Live Center in Philadelphia, and here’s a close-up review of what made this concert stand out.
Opening Acts
Two talented performers got the crowd warmed up before Lorde appeared on stage. Japanese House and Blood Orange both played performances to remember, which set the tone for the evening really well. The crowds responded well, applauding the openers well and creating sufficient hype for the headliner. Their respective sounds—Japanese House’s ethereal indie-pop and Blood Orange’s sleek R&B rhythms—sounded good with Lorde’s style as well, so it was an integrated musical experience right from the start.
Outfits
Unlike most popular pop stars who are accustomed to flashy costumes and intricate dance routines, Lorde took a very minimalist approach to her performance. She stuck with the same plain jeans and T-shirt for the duration of the concert. No high-costume-changes or elaborate choreography—just Lorde, her voice, and her music. This plain-and-simple approach allowed her voice and songwriting to take center stage, showcasing the raw emotion and honesty in her lyrics. Fans clearly didn’t appreciate the lack of visual spectacle in the form of wardrobe; indeed, it only made the experience that much more intimate. The lack of distractions also helped bring out Lorde’s incredible ability as a singer and storyteller. It was a welcome relief to watch an artist who thrives on her music ability and connection with fans without showy production gimmicks.
Production
Though her wardrobe was simple, the concert’s production was anything but. One of the standout elements of the show was the incredible lighting design, which beautifully complemented the mood of each song. I’ve been to many concerts, but the light show at Lorde’s performance was truly exceptional. The lighting not only enhanced the emotional intensity of the music but also visually conveyed the themes and feelings Lorde’s songs explore. The peak of the performance was in “Green Light.” The entire stadium was illuminated by blindingly green flashing lights and powerful lasers that pounded out the same high-energy rhythm as the song, instantly energizing the audience. There was no escaping being caught up in the energy, and it felt like the lights were literally pushing people to jump and move.
Emotions
What is so lovable about Lorde isn’t so much her music—her attitude and ability to move fans on an emotional level. Throughout the 90-minute show, she was capable of bringing the crowd on an emotional rollercoaster, sending us into hysterics, tears, and screaming along with the same regularity. Her honest truth and relatable lyrics made it feel like an intimate affair, like she was telling family stories directly to each person present.
My own personal favorite songs were “Ribs,” “Favourite Daughter,” “The Louvre,” “Liability,” and “A World Alone.” These all sounded like diary entries or confessions, Lorde’s wistful voice slicing to the core of everything. Her raw emotional openness left the concert feeling like running into close friends and not a huge concert.
Nostalgic Elements
To cap the evening, Lorde performed “Ribs,” one of her first and most iconic anthems. The lyrics that mention aging, departing from town, and the uncertainty of giving up childhood struck true. It was especially meaningful to hear this song performed live all these years later, recalling the recognition of how much Lorde—and audiences—have grown up with time. The humor of ending her performance with an age-related song wasn’t lost on the crowd, adding an added dimension of reflective wistfulness to the evening.
Merchandise
No concert experience would be complete with some mementos, and Lorde’s merchandise was both vast and stylish. Two of the T-shirts from the range were purchased by us, but there were also hats, vinyl records, and postcards for fans to take away with them a memory of the evening. The merch was impressive due to being specifically designed and crafted well, so it made an excellent souvenir from an unforgettable show.
