2024 was certainly a year of music, with artists varying from Sabrina Carpenter to Future going on tours nationwide. Considering the high precedent set by the concerts of 2024, next year’s concert lineup will have to be stacked to top this year.
2024
Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour
Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft (HMHAS) Tour gave fans everything they expected and more. Eilish was able to put on a show while showcasing her incredible vocals; the stage featured a massive lighted cube and video projections that immersed the audience in the performance. Not only that, there was also the use of flames on stage and flashing lights, which really enhanced the performance. Eilish also didn’t play many songs that the audience may not recognize, as she performed hit after hit, keeping everyone engaged. During one of her songs she ran through the audience, saying hi to fans and giving them high fives. The HMHAS Tour is definitely one of the top concerts of 2024. Eilish stops touring in July 2025, finishing off her tour in Europe.
Gracie Abram’s The Secret of Us Tour
“I Love You I’m Sorry” singer Gracie Abrams first began her rise to fame after touring with Taylor Swift for the Eras Tour. She then released her second studio album, “The Secret of Us,” which grew in popularity rapidly. Abrams is known for her lyrical genius, and fans expected no less from the singer’s incredible vocals during her live performances. Abrams took a page out of Swift’s book when she began performing old music as her surprise songs throughout the tour. She toured with ROLE MODEL, who was the opening act of the show. He and Abrams’ music styles complement each other very well and he was able to get the crowd excited before Abrams came on stage. The pair just announced the second leg of the US tour, continuing in summer of 2025 for six shows to perform the newly released “The Secret of Us Deluxe” Album.
Troye Sivan and Charli XCX’s SWEAT Tour
Charli XCX’s new album, “BRAT,” was easily the soundtrack of summer 2024. Following the release of “BRAT,” Charli went from a famous popstar with a cult-like following, to a global sensation, able to headline at venues like Madison Square Garden. The SWEAT tour was packed with various visual effects and was regarded as the concert that was bringing raves back. Rather than bringing Sivan out as an opener, both he and Charli performed together throughout the tour. The tour also had a number of special guests, including Addision Rae, who is known for the iconic scream in the background of the track “Von Dutch;” and Lorde, who is featured on the track “Girl, so Confusing.” The SWEAT lasted two months and was packed full of energy from Charli and Sivan, they were able to immerse fans in the club-like atmosphere of the concert, barely taking any breaks between songs.
Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour
Olivia Rodrigo took the world by storm when she released her hit single “Driver’s License” in 2021, and from then on it’s been an incline in fame for the young singer. In 2023, following the release of her second album, “GUTS”, Rodrigo found herself blowing up on social media for the relatability of her songs. When she announced her tour, fans jumped at the chance to buy tickets, selling out almost all of her tour dates. When Rodrigo first started touring, fans noticed her improvement since the SOUR tour, noting her spike in confidence and vocal development. The GUTS Tour was also regarded as a sensation because of its passionate opening acts, with artists such as Chappell Roan and PinkPantheress, who were able to warm up the crowd to get ready for Rodrigo. The GUTS Tour was adored by fans, to the extent that it got its own movie on Netflix, similar to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Movie on Disney Plus.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet Tour
“Espresso” singer Sabrina Carpenter took over the pop industry in summer 2024, making waves when she announced her sixth album, “Short n’ Sweet.” Carpenter also toured with Taylor Swift during her “Eras Tour,” along with singer Gracie Abrams. This show wasn’t just a concert, it was a full-blown show. Carpenter was able to bring a 1970’s retro vibe to her show, with a huge penthouse set and commercial breaks throughout, she was able to immerse her audience in the atmosphere of the show. Carpenter’s crowd interaction made the show much more engaging, before performing her hit song, “Juno,” Carpenter would choose a fan from the audience to help her introduce the song. The whole tour was a demonstration of Carpenter’s artistry and talent. The Short n’ Sweet Tour will continue in Europe in March 2025.
2025
Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s Grand National Tour
With the release of Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” album, the announcement of his Grand National Tour followed shortly after. Lamar and SZA will be touring together, as SZA is featured on “gloria” and “luther,” songs off Lamar’s new album. However, the duo has collabed in the past, singing hit song “All The Stars,” in 2018. SZA is also expected to release new music, as she recently announced that there will be a deluxe version of her latest album, “SOS.” While it is currently unknown if the pair will be performing together, or if SZA will only come out for a few songs, the tour is sure to be a success, as both Lamar and SZA are known to be amazing performers.
Tyler the Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA Tour
Following the release of Tyler the Creator’s eighth studio album, “CHROMAKOPIA,” fans were in awe at how many features were on the album. From Glorilla to Daniel Caesar, Tyler was able to put together a perfectly balanced album. In his live performances following the release of “CHROMAKOPIA,” Tyler has brought out some of the featured artists to perform with him. At Camp Flog Gnaw, a music festival, Tyler performed with Doechii and Daniel Caesar, two artists featured on his latest album. Tyler will be touring with Lil Yachty and Paris Texas as his openers, with over 80 shows worldwide.