The sold-out show at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena was a mesmerizing blend of indie rock and theatrical pop, featuring Beach Bunny as the opening act for the enchanting Melanie Martinez. Beach Bunny set the stage, captivating the audience with their infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics. As the crowd’s excitement reached a fever pitch, Martinez took the stage for a stunning two-hour set, complete with intricate set changes and her iconic dance team. The seamless transition between Beach Bunny’s raw, emotive sound and Martinez’s visually stunning, narrative-driven performance created an unforgettable evening of music and artistry.
Beach Bunny delivered an electrifying 40-minute opening set that left the audience craving more. Starting promptly, the band wasted no time in diving into their signature blend of indie rock and power pop, instantly captivating the crowd with their infectious energy.
Frontwoman Lili Trifilio’s vocals were a standout, effortlessly navigating between vulnerability and strength, perfectly complementing the band’s dynamic instrumentation. The setlist was a well-curated mix of their hits and newer tracks, ensuring both longtime fans and newcomers were engaged. Highlights included the anthemic “Prom Queen,” which had the entire venue singing along, and the emotionally charged “Dream Boy,” showcasing the band’s ability to balance catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics.
The band’s chemistry was on full display, with each member contributing to a cohesive and polished performance. Drummer Jon Alvarado’s rhythms were tight and driving, while bassist Anthony Vaccaro added layers of texture and depth to the sound. Despite the brief set duration, Beach Bunny managed to create a memorable and impactful experience and by the end of their performance, it was clear that Beach Bunny had successfully set the tone for the evening.
Melanie Martinez’s 28-song concert was a masterclass in performance art, combining her distinctive musical style with theatrical flair. The intricate set changes between each act were nothing short of breathtaking, transforming the stage into various fantastical landscapes that perfectly complemented the narrative between each era of Melanie’s music career. From whimsical childhood scenes to darker, more surreal environments, each transition was seamless and visually stunning.
Martinez herself was in top form, her ethereal voice captivating the audience from the first note to the last. Her performance was both haunting and enchanting, drawing the crowd into her unique world with every song. Even standing in the pit, closer to the speakers than any other point in the building, the audience overpowered Melanie on stage, belting every word right along with her. Hits like “Cry Baby” and “Dollhouse” resonated powerfully, with the audience singing along passionately, their voices drowning out Martinez at times.
The inclusion of her iconic dance team added another layer of excitement and creativity to the show. Their choreography was not only visually engaging but deeply intertwined with the themes of Martinez’s music, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the performance. Each dancer moved with precision and expression, creating a mesmerizing blend of music and movement. Melanie’s show felt more like a production than a concert, and I couldn’t have been more elated to enjoy the spectacle.
Setlist:
Beach Bunny
- Cuffing Season
- Sports
- Promises
- Oxygen
- 6 Weeks
- February
- Dream Boy
- Prom Queen
- Good Girls (Don’t Get Used)
- Blame Game
- Cloud 9
- Painkiller
Melanie Martinez
- Cry Baby
- Dollhouse
- Sippy Cup
- Carousel
- Alphabet Boy
- Soap
- Pity Party
- Play Date
- Mad Hatter
- Wheels on the Bus
- Class Fight
- Show & Tell
- Nurse’s Office
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Lunchbox Friends
- Teacher’s Pet
- High School Sweethearts
- Death
- Void
- Tunnel Vision
- Faerie Soirée
- Light Shower
- Spider Web
- Battle Of The Larynx
- The Contortionist
- Nyphology
- Evil
- Womb
Martinez’s ability to maintain such a high level of energy and engagement throughout the two-hour set was beyond impressive – especially when you consider that she does this every night. Her interaction with the audience felt genuine and heartfelt, making the large venue feel like its own little world. By the end of the night, it was clear that Melanie Martinez had delivered an unforgettable experience, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement long after the final encore and leading the merch line halfway around the stadium.
Overall, Melanie Martinez’s concert was a tour de force of music, dance, and visual artistry, a true spectacle that showcased her talent, creativity, and how deserving she is of her long term success.
