Billie Eilish's Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour has been electrifying audiences across North America, culminating in her recent shows at the Kia Forum, her hometown venue. While many pop stars are known for elaborate staging, costume changes, and grand spectacles, Eilish commands attention with her powerful voice and minimalistic approach. Dressed simply yet stylishly, she engages fans in meaningful ways, bringing her introspective songs from her latest album to life.
Kicking off the opening night with the song "Chihiro," which pays homage to the character from the beloved animated film Spirited Away, Eilish quickly transformed the atmosphere of the Forum. Despite its melancholic tone, she encouraged the audience to join her, resulting in several moments of exhilarating fan participation. The sound was palpable as her followers sang along passionately, reminiscent of the fervor seen during Harry Styles’ performances the previous year.
This tour marks another significant chapter for the 23-year-old artist, who has released about 66 songs since she first burst onto the music scene nearly a decade ago. Approximately 40% of these songs made it to the setlist of her recent concert, showcasing her impressive catalog. Previous performances at the Forum saw her working alongside her brother Finneas, amplifying their sibling chemistry with shared musical passion. This time, Eilish took the center stage, treating fans to eye-popping visuals and lighting effects, reminiscent of her iconic “Bad Guy” performance on Saturday Night Live five years ago.
The stage setup itself was captivating—a digital performance floor and screens added layers to her performance as she moved with agility across the space. One remarkable moment featured her running energetically like it was her personal gym during the song "Lunch," and the audience was there for every second. Fans roared as she laid on the stage or dodged pyrotechnics, heightening the connection between artist and crowd during more upbeat tracks.
But not all moments were perfect. During her performance of "What Was I Made For?," Eilish faced an uncomfortable incident when someone threw a necklace on stage, hitting her. According to footage posted by fans, she appeared visibly annoyed at the disrespectful throw but chose to continue her song. This situation evoked considerable regret among fans online, with many expressing disappointment at the audience's behavior. Eilish herself addressed the issue of items being tossed on stage during earlier interviews, stating, "I’ve been hit on stage with various things for six years. I don’t know why this is happening; people get excited, and it can be dangerous."
Yet, Eilish’s fortitude as both performer and crowd leader continued to shine through. After performing several songs, she often momentarily pauses, locking eyes with the audience, allowing them to lose themselves completely before teasing them with simple expressions, like her signature lip smile.
Further enriching the tour experience was Eilish’s charitable initiative of collaborating with Support+Feed and American Express to support small businesses across the country. This partnership has provided over 30,000 meals to communities in need during her tour stops, emphasizing her commitment to social responsibility. "I’m really excited to support small businesses at the heart of our communities and deliver healthy meals where they're most needed this winter," Eilish announced. Her mother, Maggie Baird, the founder of Support+Feed, noted the mutual benefits of the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of feeding those facing food insecurity.
The crowds at the Kia Forum were significantly larger than during her last visit, during the Happier Than Ever tour. Reportedly, fans camped outside the venue for several days, indicative of Eilish's increasing popularity. A bartender at the venue remarked on the swell of attendees, comparing it to Styles’ residency the year before, observing, "I think she’s just gotten bigger." Eilish's recent setlist included numerous fan favorites such as "NDA," "Bad Guy," and her Oscar-winning collaboration with Finneas, "What Was I Made For?." It was clear the audience was more than ready for the show, celebrating her music with overwhelming enthusiasm.
Finneas made special appearances during the tour, including singing alongside his sister, making the experience even more heartfelt. Their collaboration on the Grammy-nominated song "Birds of a Feather" was particularly memorable as it closed the concert with confetti raining down, highlighting their enduring partnership.
With two sold-out days remaining at the Kia Forum, Eilish is set to take her tour international with dates planned for Australia and Europe. Currently, she is nominated for seven Grammy awards, with Hit Me Hard and Soft up for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. Her efforts during this tour have undoubtedly showcased her artistic depth, community spirit, and unwavering connection with fans as she continues to leave her mark on both the music industry and society.
