Review by Jeff Smith – Performance Sunday 24 November, Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena
Australia’s own The Kid LAROI conquered the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Sunday night with a high-energy set that firmly cemented the 21-year-old superstar as one of the biggest names in global music. Despite the Sunday night, 9.30pm stage time, the all-ages crowd answered Laroi’s calls for energy in his biggest and best tour to date.
THE VIBE
A Kid LAROI show is an occasion with everyone here to see the singer and rapper in action. For the fans this tour has been a long time coming and the anticipation in the arena for the main event is unbelievable. Sets from TJ Mizelle and One Four set the scene for what would be a night to remember. Whether you were seated or in the pit you couldn’t help but be drawn into the atmosphere.
The stage production, complete with fire, live band and crowd interactions all helped create an experience that made everyone feel connected and invested in the high impact arena show.
A PARADE OF HITS
A Kid LAROI show brings the hits in a 75-minute set that keeps delivering. Opening with BABY I’M BACK, the show featured a parade of hits including GIRLS, LOVE AGAIN, fan favourite, BLEED which all saw the crowd lapping up his every note and move.
The biggest moments were saved for massive sing-alongs in WITHOUT YOU and the Justin Bieber collaboration, STAY. The roof almost lifted off the arena.
The show had a mix of big-energy tracks mixed with ballads including the heartfelt HEAVEN and WHERE DOES YOUR SPIRIT GO. These tender moments showcased his vocals on another level.
This was a great setlist matched with a light show that reflected the mood of each song.
The only downside was that the set went by too quickly and left us wanting more.
A GENUINE STAR AND TALENT
LAROI is a force to be reckoned with and it’s on the live stage that his music really comes to life. As an artist he is so many years ahead of his game thanks to his relentless hard work and dedication. Adelaide fans got a masterclass in live performance with his polished stage craft and incredible live vocals on show from the first second.
There is a reason why LAROI is commanding the biggest stages in the world and that is genuine talent and an epic stage show to boot.
LOCAL CONNECTION, REFLECTION AND APPRECIATION
LAROI loves Adelaide and the feeling is mutual. The admiration for the former Sacred Heart student is so strong. Sharing his love for our city and local haunts made the show feel even more special.
LAROI spoke of love, loss and not taking the moment and each other for granted as his Canadian singer girlfriend Tate McRae watched on in the crowd. An appreciation for his mentors and friends including Juice WRLD and Justin Bieber also reminded us how far he has come in his personal and artistic journey. LAROI has learnt hard lessons through life experience and loss.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The show showcased The Kid LAROI on a whole new level. The crowd got to witness the evolution of an artist in a production that captured this era of his career perfectly.
After tonight, the only way for LAROI is up as he continues to dominate the music scene as one of the biggest names in music.
The First Time Tour leaves us on a high and patiently waiting his return and the next chapter.