REVIEW: Ariana Grande, Sweetener/Thank U, Next Tour live at the O2 Arena

★★★★★★★★★☆

So, turns out a totally last-minute trip to see the reigning pop princess Ariana Grande at London’s O2 Arena for 35 quid can really boost your Tuesday night morale. She proved herself to be the quintessential pop star we need in 2019 as she charged the show with deliciously camp dancing, squeaky latex that probably could serve as an additional instrument (PC Music called…), and back-to-back mega hits and fan favourites. All tirelessly adored by fans across the venue.

A backdrop emerged shortly before her arrival with a large planet projected to centre screen; prompting thousands of screams. As an alternative to the common practise of a mysterious video interlude to introduce a pop show’s narrative (generally drowned out by cheers anyway), Ariana opted to crash the stage with her unmistakable voice and renditioned the 30 second opening acapella in Sweetener raindrops (an angel cried). She certainly made any sceptics aware just how impressive her voice is.

Grande had no hesitation in bringing the audience to their feet with her anthemic, sultry pop gems that were submerged in erotic red lighting for the first segment of the show. She stretched across various items of household furniture that may or may not have been stolen from your mother’s dining room, whilst yearning for pleasure in bad idea. We are ultimately reminded that Ariana Grande is so far beyond the years of being a Nickelodeon princess, we almost forget that person ever existed. The Sweetener/Thank U, Next and any other album she wants to throw into the mix tour is a statement of Ariana Grande’s mature, yet intentionally unpolished identity that she has carved for herself in the industry.

The concert was void of storytelling and intense themes. Alternatively, various intense, luminous colours from the spotlights that are also generated on the battery-operated rings that fans are provided with on entry are used to paint a mood of uninhabited happiness. It certainly was a success. A romantic blue tone overtook the stage as she brought the show’s pace down (a good time to catch my breath) and she used this opportunity to bring back some non-singles from My Everything that the dedicated fans relished in, and perhaps was just a toilet break for parents. The EDM-fuelled Break Free had a euphoric rainbow spectrum; these two elements simply commanded the audience to have fun.

When comparing the props and apparatus that pop stars like to put themselves through in an unnecessary competition to see who got the biggest budget, Ariana Grande's was minimal but it doesn’t define the show and nor does it need to, it never felt lacklustre. The colour, the universally recognised hits, the warming vocals and even the gender-fluid dancers who never felt two steps behind and, in fact, felt more like a friend of Ariana Grande's provided light and unison. I initially found it surprising that there was no ode to the Manchester tragedy in 2017, but upon leaving the venue, we come to truly understand that Grande does not want us to think or interpret any of the show into our own problems. She wants us to let release them, even just for an hour and a half, to make space for fun, joy that she proved can be found in a found in a pop concert. If there was any underlying theme in the show that resonates with what took place in Manchester, it’s the importance of being united and that humans have the ability to find joy again.

The live band make for the perfect level of slight difference with the sweet-on-the-soul piano riffs in Be Alright and bad idea. She toys with the band in Dangerous Woman and exudes vocal excellence. Grande even brings new levels with the addition of her own, altered melodies and it still sounds incredibly controlled and leaves the audience in utter adoration. Also, Into You live is simply a religious experience. The penultimate no tears left to cry is cathartic in its way of lyrics summarising what the show has felt like as she metaphorically shields herself from the negativity with umbrellas. Finally, Grande parades around with LGBT+ flags as the audience chanted to the infectious thank u, next. While the track contains deeper meaning, this moment in the show is the final reminder that everyone is invited to Ariana Grande's joyous party and it's not one to be taken so seriously; just sing and have a boogie.

FYI, I will never forgive Ariana Grande for cutting the brilliant successful from the setlist, but still… 10 out of 10 for pop star-ism.