Taylor Swift came to town August 7, drawing massive amounts of her fans, aka ‘Swifties’ and filling Heinz Field to perform her latest release Reputation. A massive crowd of 56,445 people filled the stadium. Her show overall was explosive and dynamic, every song portraying a different aspect of her personality, and presenting a new opportunity to connect with her fans. The performance was outstanding, better than I originally thought it was going to be, from the lighting to the pyrotechnics to the energy that her fans brought to the stadium. Her two-hour performance had her fans staying until the very end, passionately singing/screaming the lyrics to her songs. Many donned her infamous apparel and a multitude of handmade signs floated above the crowds on the floor. Her connection with her fans was unlike most artists–– it was very personal and uplifting.

As every fan entered the stadium, they were given a light up wristband. Later in the show they were to illuminate the stadium so Swift could see each and every one of her fans that had come to see her perform. She took about ten minutes to interrupt her show and explain how it all began for her, as it had in that very stadium. She highlighted her debut at Heinz Field signing the National Anthem, and then fast forwarded to her numerous tours. As the show continued through the night, Swift herself transitioned across three stages, flying above her fans on various platforms. In between, she brought out both of her opening acts, Charlie XCX and Camila Cabello, to join her in signing her hit Shake it Off. All this occurring as three different pyrotechnic snakes emerged through the gaps in the stage floors, towering high above her fans, casting a light on her more vengeful side. This came alongside a video of the comedian, Tiffany Haddish, answering the telephone saying “the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right, -she’s dead”. This was Taylor’s version of retaliation towards the hate she has been receiving over the years from both Kanye and Kim West. As the show began to wind down for the night, she sat alone at a piano and began to play some of her more melodically songs, praising her days where she used to sit in a room just her and the piano. She left the concert on a high note, praising her fans endlessly for their passion and affection towards her and her music.

This Taylor Swift experience was brought by Go Moxie Music, which has brought music experiences to local high school students since 1997.