
Caesars Windsor’s Colosseum exploded in spectacle on September 26 as Aqua headlined their biggest Canadian audience of 2025—a show so bright and kinetic it could have powered its own disco planet. Right from the opening pulses of “Aquarius,” it was obvious the group wasn’t just relying on nostalgia. Each song, whether new or classic, arrived with enthusiasm and warmth that felt genuine throughout the entire concert.
The setlist unfolded in a way that mapped the band’s evolution, guiding fans from the synth-soaked throwback of “Back to the 80’s” to the playful anthem of “Cartoon Heroes.” Standout moments weren’t always the biggest hits—when “Lollipop (Candyman)” landed, it spun the crowd into an explosive response. The surprised delight showed that the song has gained live resonance, even eclipsing “Barbie Girl” for sheer crowd reaction this time around.
Aqua’s connection to their music—still visible in every harmony, spontaneous aside and exchange of smiles—reminded fans why these songs still matter. “Turn Back Time” and “Good Morning Sunshine” highlighted a more sentimental side, letting the group drop their playful posturing briefly for heartfelt delivery. “Doctor Jones” and “My Oh My” were reminders of the band’s gift for weaving witty lyrics with dancefloor hooks.
Between these mainstays, moments of audience participation made the event feel completely present. René Dif frequently interacted with fans, while Lene Nystrøm’s magnetism radiated from centre-stage to the very last row. During “Happy Boys & Girls,” the crowd’s clapping morphed into a wall of sound, showing how well the group still feeds off real-time fan energy.
Production-wise, the band leaned into their trademark visual identity—electric colours, bold costumes—and never let the energy drop, even during the “René DJ Set Intermission.” The sight of their overseas agent cheering on in the crowd after being called out from the stage was a subtle nod to Aqua’s growing global buzz and the feedback from this milestone Windsor crowd.
The encore, anchored by “Roses Are Red,” didn’t conclude things so much as it gave everyone, including the band, reason to linger in the Colosseum just a little longer. Throughout, it was clear Aqua still delights in performing these songs, celebrating their legacy while bringing an electric sense of now.

Lu Kala—who opened the show—gave the night its first jolt of excitement. Bedecked in dazzling pink, her confidence and stage presence demanded attention from the very start. Her voice powered through hits like “Pretty Girl Era,” “Want You,” “Love Shit” and “Nothing But Love,” unspooling rich melodies over modern R&B rhythms.
What set Lu Kala apart was not just technical skill but how assuredly she presented herself. Every gesture communicated comfort in her own skin as much as joy in performance. She owned her space and earned every cheer, shaping her segment into a display of both self-love and unequivocal swagger.
Setlist:
- Aquarius
- Back to the 80’s
- Around the World
- My Oh My
- Turn Back Time
- Dirty Little Pop Song
- Happy Boys & Girls
- Calling You
- Doctor Jones
- René DJ Set Intermission
- Good Morning Sunshine
- Back From Mars
- My Mamma Said
- Cartoon Heroes
- Barbie Girl
- Lollipop (Candyman)
Encore:
- Roses Are Red
All photos by Dan Savoie
Lu Kala: