Lorde performed on Sept. 19 at Chicago’s United Center, marking the second night of her highly anticipated Ultrasound Tour. The concert spotlighted her most recent album “Virgin,” released on June 27, and showed how she is experimenting with sound while still giving fans the emotional connection she is known for. From start to finish, I was completely captivated by the performance, as it was unlike anything I have ever experienced before.
She opened the show with the track “Hammer,” setting a dramatic tone with dim lighting and a minimalistic stage design. The visuals stayed simple throughout the night, but the neon colors and shifting backdrops matched the mood of each song perfectly. The stage felt intimate despite the size of the arena, and I could feel every beat of the music resonate through me.
The setlist leaned heavily on “Virgin,” but she wove in fan favorites such as “Liability” and “Royals.” When those songs began, the stadium erupted into singalongs that proved just how much her earlier music still resonates with people.
The audience played a big role in the night’s electric atmosphere. During “Green Light” the energy turned upbeat, with fans dancing in their seats. Lorde often paused between songs to thank the crowd, and her genuine tone made the concert feel more personal despite the huge venue. I felt a true connection with her in those moments, and it made the entire experience feel life-changing, as I was seeing my favorite artist perform live for the first time.
Some fans may have wanted to hear more songs from her first two albums, but focusing on “Virgin” made sense, as it is the album that defines her current artistic moment. Personally, I loved this focus, it highlighted her growth as an artist and it helps that “Virgin” is one of my favorite albums.
Although her concert was sparse with older songs, she closed with an extended version of “Ribs,” on a small, alternate stage in the middle of the crowd. With a single light surrounding her, the entire crowd felt so emotionally connected listening to her sing one of her best songs.
The Ultrasound Tour so far proves that Lorde is both willing to take risks and is still able to captivate a massive audience. The concert was both vulnerable and high energy, making it clear that her music continues to resonate on both a personal and stadium-sized level.
