When you think of iconic pop stars of this generation, Kesha is always at the top of your list. On Friday, here in Dallas, TX, she came out to prove why that is. From start to finish, old bangers to new, it was a nonstop show full of commanding performances and dance parties.
Getting the event of the season started was pop girly, MEEK, all the way from London! She had the best stage presence and a stunning voice to match her beauty. If you think you do not know who she is, I guarantee her earworm of a song “Fabulous” has come across your “for you page” on TikTok. Keeping the crowd amped after MEEK was Canadian electro-funk duo, Chromeo, from Montreal. The duo played a synth-heavy, eleven-song set that had everyone in the crowd dancing.
Anticipation filled the hot summer night air as the lights dropped and everyone roared with cheer for Kesha’s arrival on the stage. The pop diva appeared center stage in dramatic fashion, donned in a gorgeous outfit complete with giant angel wings when she began with “Dallas, are y’all ready for freedom?… We do not stand abuse in my house. So put your middle fingers up. You know what to do.” Her opening number, “TiK ToK,” first line famously mentions feeling like a certain disgraced singer, but she has since changed the lyric to disgrace him further and her audience knew exactly what to scream; the catharsis was too real when the crowd held their middle fingers up and yelled the lyrics.
Before moving to her next song, Kesha dropped the wings and skirt and dove straight into the “Warrior” section of the set with “Only Love Can Save Us Now.” She told the audience she has not played some of the songs in thirteen years and that she is reclaiming her songs on this tour. During “Crazy Kids,” Kesha made her way through the venue starting at the barricade, holding her hands out to connect with all her fans; I may or may not have been one of those lucky people she crossed paths with. *insert happy face with single tear emoji*
Kesha changed her outfit before her performance of “Blow,” swapping white for a red and black latex outfit. This sexy section of her time on stage included majorly hot choreography with her dancers. The attention to detail in said choreography was spectacular.
After the sting of sexy bangers “Sleazy,” “BOY CRAZY.,” and “Cannibal,” Kesha took things down a notch to showcase her vocals with a gorgeous performance of “DELUSIONAL.,” which she explained was meant to be about friends that screw you over. The vibes shifted back up with more fun dance numbers including some of her newer tunes “ATTENTION!,” “JOYRIDE.,” and “ORIGAMI!” after another outfit change – this time was pink studded leather.
Taking a ride back in time, Kesha performed “Timber” before taking a seat center stage for a few acoustic pieces. She played “C U Next Tuesday” and said it was the first time since 2010. Following was another oldie but goodie, “Good Old Days,” which she began with an anecdote about writing the song with Macklemore and how he accidentally drove his car into hers.
Unfortunately, my efforts to tough-out the 100-degree weather outside were no match for the heat and I had to dip before the encore songs, but I could hear Kesha and the audience singing all the way to my car. She ended the set strong as hell with “Praying,” “Your Love Is My Drug” and “We R Who We R.”
Maybe the next summer tour can be at an indoor venue? Be right back while I get ahold of Kesha’s booking agent! The Freedom Tour is not over yet – Kesha will be touring North America through the end of August with Chromeo (MEEK will be with them through 8/15 before Erika Jayne joins to close out the tour). Get your tickets at www.keshaofficial.com/tour.