Navigation

Review: Billie Eilish's Phoenix concert was visually, musically stunning

The singer delivered a high-energy, emotionally charged performance to the sold-out crowd.
Image: Billie Eilish performs at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale on Dec. 13.
Billie Eilish performs at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale on Dec. 13. Henry Hwu

What happens on the ground matters — Your support makes it possible.

We’re aiming to raise $7,000 by August 10, so we can deepen our reporting on the critical stories unfolding right now: grassroots protests, immigration, politics and more.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal
$7,000
$1,800
Share this:
Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

On Dec. 13, Billie Eilish performed a sold-out show at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, delivering a night that was equal parts emotionally charged, visually stunning and socially conscious. From her opening moments to the final note, Eilish’s raw and stunning vocals and mesmerizing expressions captivated the full attention of the audience throughout the entire night.

Prior to her set, Eilish shared a lengthy video message showing the tour’s commitment to sustainability. From providing free shuttle rides to/from the venue for attendees from neighboring cities, a partnership with Google Maps to find fuel-efficient or alternative public transportation to offering refillable water stations and plant-based options at the venue, Eilish showcased her efforts at the venue with an eco-action village sponsored by REVERB where fans could connect with local climate nonprofit organizations to learn about more about food equity and the impact of fast fashion and sign a 30-day pledge to eat one plant-based meal a day.

When Eilish took the stage, her entrance itself was a marvel. A massive LED screen acted as a canopy, descending to create immersive visuals, while a floor screen added a further interactive element. The crowd erupted as Eilish appeared, standing center stage with a radiant smile asking, “Are you ready to have some fun?”

Eilish masterfully balanced high-energy hits with intimate moments. During “When The Party’s Over,” the arena fell into near silence to allow her to record a live looping track; save for one fan’s almost ill-timed birthday shout which was quickly shushed by others. For “Your Power,” she brought out two friends from middle school, while all three sang the song sat in a circle with Eilish on acoustic guitar. One of the night’s most powerful moments came during “TV,” when the crowd screamed the lyric “While they're overturning Roe v. Wade” and after the song she reminded female attendees they were safe and seen.

The energy peaked with “Bad Guy,” as Eilish ran across the stage with a selfie stick allowing fans to get a close-up feel for her view. She then walked across the floor to a secondary stage at the end of the pit for two songs before walking back to the main stage while giving fans on the floor a chance for a handshake. When she returned to the stage, she shared an overzealous fan had stolen a ring from her hand, but she addressed it with humor and moved on.

click to enlarge
Billie Eilish performs at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale on Dec. 13.
Henry Hwu

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only fan incident of the night, as right as Eilish began to sing the opening line of “What Was I Made For,” a fan threw a bracelet that hit the singer in the chest, briefly causing her to stop. Her disappointment was evident, especially as she had just praised the audience for their love and support. Despite the moment, she quickly recovered, showing her professionalism and resilience.