This was Olivia Rodrigo’s first concert in Omaha, and the crowd did not disappoint. Though there were a lot of empty seats, fans were very energetic. Everyone who came also dressed the part. The crowd was a sea of purple, her signature color, and sparkles.
The opener, Chappell Roan, was the perfect complement to the show. She appeared as another form of Rodrigo and got the audience on their feet even if they did not know the songs.
As for Rodrigo’s wardrobe, it is a mature step up from her first tour for her debut album “Sour.” Her outfits held true to her personal style and featured a signature color of hers, red. The clothing also had a resemblance to Taylor Swift’s “Eras” Tour outfits.
Like every concert artist, she transitions from song to song. Her transitions were beautiful and funny. They got the crowd excited for what was coming but also let them in on little secrets to each of her songs, like when they were written or the meaning behind them.
The dancers and instrumentalists of both the opener and Rodrigo were nothing short of incredible. The stage was full of talent, and it was showcased to the audience. Rodrigo herself played the piano and the guitar for two different songs in the show.
Something that stood out was the lighting. Flashing lights of white, purple and red often matched Rodrigo’s outfit and the beat of her song. She made the lights unique to the show, even at one point turning them all off so the audience could envision something that angered them for them to scream about it.
Rodrigo brought tears to eyes and smiles to faces. The concert was a perfect mix of deep feelings rooted in sadness and happiness. So many people, especially girls, relate to her music. She touched the hearts of all these girls at her show. Standing on stage, you find Rodrigo is just a person like the rest of us. She is relatable and, in her vulnerable state, amazing.
She is an inspiration to so many. As she walked around the lower bowl, fans reached out to touch her, and by just looking at their faces, you knew they felt like it was a dream come true. The entire stadium even sang happy birthday to a little girl, a moment she will remember for the rest of her life.
Being at the show was such a different experience than listening at home. You are surrounded by women who have experienced the same hardships you have. You form a bond with the person next to you, and they are your sister for the night.
Rodrigo makes people understand that it is okay to go through things. That it is okay to be angry, make mistakes, scream and cry. Everyone in the crowd listens to her music because they find themselves in it.
Being at the concert with everyone, you realize relating to her music makes you a real person. Going through things changes you and makes you grow. Though we often question why things are happening, we can find the answer to be that it’s what makes a human. It’s what makes us buy a ticket to Olivia Rodrigo. And it’s what brings us to this amazing crowd of strong people singing our hearts out.
By the end of the show, I felt like I could do anything, like I was at the top of the world, and she had taken me there.
