Billie Eilish is arguably one of the most influential artists of our generation. She released her first hit album, “don’t smile at me” in 2017, at 15 years old. Throughout her career, she has accumulated 9 Grammy Awards, 2 Oscars, 2 American Music Awards, 20 Guinness World Records… the list goes on and on. Whether or not Eilish is your cup of tea, her talent is undeniable. Her latest album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft”, is a storytelling album of heartbreak, angst, and liberation. The songs inspire feelings of a wide range, from deep despair to sweet nostalgia. Her lyricism is nothing short of brilliant, to be frank. Aside from her remarkable lyrics, she puts on a show like no other. From audience interaction to overall stage presence, Eilish’s performances are insurmountable. 

There is a segment of her show where she requests the audience to be completely silent for her to be able to record her vocals and loop them as she harmonizes over them repeatedly for one of her most popular songs, “when the party’s over”. It takes a special type of person to have such control over an audience that would allow her to subdue a room of nearly 14,000 to complete silence. To be quite honest, witnessing such greatness is an out-of-body experience. 

My time at the show was filled with laughter, screams, and tears. Eilish effortlessly captivates the audience. There is something so human about gathering all together to celebrate your love of the music. It felt so unifying and magical. The rockstar quality she possesses is a forgotten art. I think she brings something back to music that we haven’t seen in a long time. The concert was truly one of the most memorable days of my life. I may be biased as I have listened to her music since the sixth grade, but beyond that bias- it is indisputable to say that she knows what she’s doing and was born for the spotlight. 

I have recounted my experience at the Hit Me Hard and Soft tour almost every day since. Eilish does a great job of making a personal connection with the audience. She makes you feel seen and welcome. Her voice is beyond compare, her lyrics cut so deep, and her ability to own a stage is out of this world. I hope to experience her again in my lifetime. I am a firm believer that she should be on everyone’s “must-see” list. Billie Eilish is a star, and there is no doubt about it.