Taylor Swift takes on Levi Stadium
Taylor Swift may not come across as a mean-spirited individual, but she's determined to project a different image. On the second date of her "Reputation" stadium tour, which commenced with a two-night event at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Friday, May 11, she appeared poised for battle.
As flames erupted above the colossal stage, accompanied by pulsating strobe lights and a squadron of dancers donning sleek, rigid armor, Swift emerged amidst an ominous red glow. The opening chords of "...Ready for It?" resounded, its lyrics tauntingly declaring, "Let the games begin! Let the games begin!"
Following a challenging period marked by a series of highly publicized conflicts with fellow pop stars, ex-partners, and entire industries (all vaguely referenced in a teaser video prior to the performance), Swift no longer seeks to brush off the negativity—she now aims to shatter it.
She seemed to embrace the role wholeheartedly.
Adorned in a crimson lipstick, thigh-high boots, and a shimmering black sequined catsuit, she exuded the allure of a femme fatale straight out of a James Bond film. Striding confidently through songs like "I Did Something Bad" (declaring, "It just felt so good!") and "Look What You Made Me Do" (asserting, "I don't trust nobody and nobody trusts me!"), both featured on her triple-platinum-selling 2017 album "Reputation," Taylor Swift embodied a hardened persona.
Yet, cracks began to surface in her newfound tough-as-nails image.
Early in the evening, amidst near-perfect weather, she extended a few warm pleasantries. Taking note of the sold-out crowd of 55,000, Swift remarked, "I have played countless times in the Bay Area over the past 15 years. You all have always welcomed me with such incredible warmth... You guys are on another level."
Nevertheless, at her core, Taylor Swift remains a pleaser of the masses, and no amount of theatrics can conceal that aspect of her personality. Thus, even as the stage was transformed by inflatable, virtual, and mechanical snakes of various sizes—a response to being labeled a snake by Kim Kardashian (a saga too intricate to unravel here)—Swift cast aside her contrived scowl and wholeheartedly embraced the moment.
After all, how could one resist feeling pure bliss during a medley featuring "Style," "Love Story," and "You Belong With Me"?
Swift skillfully utilized the stadium's expanse, traversing her way towards smaller stages positioned in the center of the floor for an acoustic interlude. It was during this segment that she delivered electrifying renditions of "Shake It Off," joined by supporting acts Camila Cabello and Charli XCX, and a delightfully unhinged performance of "Blank Space."
Furthermore, she maximized every moment of her captivating two-hour-plus performance, ensuring that even those situated in the farthest corners of the stadium felt intimately involved in the spectacle. By distributing light-up wristbands to the audience prior to the concert, she orchestrated an immersive experience, allowing everyone to participate in the grandeur of the lush ballad "End Game" and a breathtaking rendition of "Bad Blood."
While nemesis Katy Perry extended an olive branch, symbolizing their reconciliation on the tour's opening night, and Kanye West once again displayed his peculiar behavior, much of the animosity surrounding the songs explicitly aimed at tearing them down lost its edge. Swift didn't quite embody a convincing antagonist, but she remained true to her fans.
Acknowledging her brief hiatus before the release of "Reputation," she expressed gratitude to her devoted followers. "I decided to take some time off to explore what my life would be like away from the constant spotlight," she revealed. "Thank you for understanding my need for that break. And thank you, a million times over, for being here when I returned."
In this manner, Swift maintained a genuine connection with her audience, appreciative of their unwavering support throughout her personal journey. She finished off the show with fan favorites “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and “This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things.”