Upon arriving at the University of Phoenix Stadium, the size and scope of this show struck me. To say the place is huge is an understatement—announced attendance was 60,000. The show started with a high-energy set from Charli XCX, followed by Camila Cabello, who had fans across the stadium dancing and singing along to her hit “Havana.”
The venue was buzzing with excitement as Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” blasted through the PA and the house lights dimmed. As the pulsing rhythm of “Ready For It” played, Taylor Swift appeared center stage.
For two hours, Swift took us on an amazing ride, with epic moments that included massive snakes, sets on two small satellite stages, and incredible choreography, sound and lights. With all the show spectacle aside, the highlight songs began with a performance of "Don't Blame Me," including a soaring guitar solo and Swift putting down a vocal performance befitting a diva. This quickly transitioned to her solo at the piano. What followed was an incredibly vulnerable and deeply personal moment with Swift speaking on how comments on social media had affected her. "And I think the lesson," she said, "is that you shouldn't care so much if you feel misunderstood by a lot of people who don't know you, as long as you feel understood by the people who do know you, the people who see you as a human being."
With that said, Swift led us through the wonderful “Long Live / New Years Day” that was in my opinion the greatest segment of the show. Swift's ability to collectively take 60,000 people into a moment was nothing short of magical. Let there be no doubt, Taylor Swift and her team were more than “Ready For It,” as they delivered a performance of a lifetime.
