Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour Tour was anything but “Brutal.”
When my friend Bella texted me on Feb. 8 asking what I was doing on April 23, I thought she was inviting me to a sorority event. To my surprise, she acquired an extra ticket to Rodrigo’s Detroit concert. I was in College Writing II discussing World War II when I got the news and had to hold back my excitement. I texted Bella back ASAP that of course, I would go with her.
I had two months to get the “perfect” outfit and yet I waited until the day before and took four different options. I had two short options and two pants options, depending on the weather. It was a nice day that was about 70 degrees so I wore the flowy pants (shown in pictures 2,4,5,7 and 8).
The problem is, the day before Rodrigo decided to tweet out that the theme was now Sour Prom and people should wear prom dresses. Mind you, I don’t have any prom dresses that would fit and I was not with my normal clothing since I was home and not at my apartment. I called Bella panicking, but we just decided to take our choices we planned out and be off theme.
Bella picked me up the morning of the concert and we drove to Toledo where we stayed because it was closer to the event than home was for us. We got to the hotel and started getting ready. After getting all ready we headed to the venue around 5 because doors opened at 6:30 p.m. and it took about an hour to get there.
When we got to the venue, it was eventful. First off parking was $40, which in hindsight truly was not that bad, but at the moment, it was bad. Then on top of everything I forgot my vaccination card and it was required to go into the show. I was freaking out and started tearing up! Luckily I had my records on my phone (thank you Walgreens) and the person checking them was so understanding and took it as proof. Crisis averted. The last problem was the length of the line. The line was wrapped around at least three blocks. I probably am under explaining, but it took us an hour and a half to get into the venue. We were on the opposite side of the building and had to walk all the blocks to get in on the entrance side.
Bella and I made friends with four girls in line for the hour and a half we were in it. We didn’t get their socials but Grace, Caroline, Blue and Lauren, y’all made the line better and I hope y’all enjoyed the concert.
We did not get in the venue until 8 p.m. and that’s when the opener’s, Gracie Abrams, set started. Bella and I wanted merch, so we sadly missed most of Abrams’ set. The good news is that by the merch station there was a backdrop that said “Sour Prom” so Bella and I got the cutest of pictures. However, we did see Abrams perform “I miss you, I’m sorry” which is my favorite song so I was not mad.
The only problem with the venue was it was general admission but even if you were on the floor you had to be in a “seat.” The ceilings of the building were tilted and people behind us did not have the best view, but we somehow got lucky. I wish we were closer but I was just glad to be there.
Rodrigo came out around 9:15 p.m. and I am not gonna lie, I was exhausted and hungry by the time she came on. Her setlist and stage presence were AMAZING. The only problem is she was losing her voice since it was her thirteenth show in a row. I could barely hear her because of everyone else screaming the lyrics and the lack of her voice. I even asked people in the pit if they could hear her and they even said “no.” The only time I could truly hear her is when she performed a cover that no one knew and I don’t even remember the name of it now.
She also performed “All I Want” from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and that almost broke me. That song hits HARD and especially the feelings I was in that day, I am shocked I did not cry. She truly has not performed that song live before so we were all in shock. I am so grateful I got to see her perform it, just wish I heard her sing it more.
Rodrigo and Abrams announced two prom queens during the show and I was beyond jealous of them. On top of that, I felt that Rodrigo truly did have a connection with her fans that I have not seen before in a performer. Someone did a fan project and she found out who did it and thanked them personally during the show. It was so adorable and pure.
Her set was only around an hour but for only having one album and performing three covers, I could not be too mad. The quality of the audio was not the best but the vibes certainly were.
After the concert, Bella and I waited outside with others for two hours trying to see Rodrigo. Sadly we did not see her but we did make some friends. So hi Garrett, Grace and Maya, miss y’all already.
Pros:
- I saw Olivia Rodrigo
- I made new connections with people
- I had the best prom date
- I got to go to Michigan for the first time
- I screamed my lungs out
- I did not cry
Cons:
- Long long line
- No food or water while waiting or when there
- Exhausted as ever
- Didn’t get everyone’s socials
- I did not cry
The moral of the story is to go to any concert you can and have fun. Who cares if you’re screaming lyrics? Live your moment.