Olivia Dean's Art of Loving Tour is a testament to the power of old-school star power in the modern music landscape. As she took the stage at Crypto.com Arena, the British singer's journey from a promising rising act to a bona fide superstar was on full display. The sold-out show was a celebration of her breakout album, 'The Art of Loving', which has undeniably changed her life.
What makes Dean's rise particularly fascinating is the speed at which it occurred. Just under a year ago, she was playing intimate shows at the Fonda Theatre, a 1,200-capacity venue in Hollywood. Fast forward to now, and she's commanding a nearly 20,000-seat arena. This rapid ascent is a testament to her talent and the power of her music.
One thing that immediately stands out is Dean's commitment to bringing an old-school entertainer's flair to her arena run. She's got disco balls, a jazzy horn section, and a backing band all dressed in matching black suits and dresses. Her fans, too, embraced the classic lounge singer vibe, donning dresses and full-length skirts, a stark contrast to the typical L.A. concert attire.
Dean's show felt particularly intimate for an arena gig. While she spent much of it on the main stage, she also made her way down to a smaller star-shaped stage toward the middle of the venue for a few songs, getting within just a few feet of the crowd. This close connection with her fans is a hallmark of her performance style.
Her music, too, is a blend of old and new. Dean currently has the two longest-running hits on the Hot 100, with 'So Easy (To Fall in Love)' and 'Man I Need' both logging impressive weeks on the chart. Yet, the fan response was equally palpable for performances on her lesser-known album cuts like 'Something Inbetween' and 'A Couple Minutes'. This shows the depth of her fan base and the broad appeal of her music.
Perhaps the most emotional segment of the show was before 'Carmen', the song she dedicated to her grandmother. Before starting the song, she harkened back to her Grammy night speech, where she told the world she was 'up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant'. This segment was a powerful reminder of the importance of family and heritage in her life and music.
In my opinion, Dean's Art of Loving Tour is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the power of live music. Her ability to connect with her fans on a personal level, combined with her old-school flair and modern music, makes for an unforgettable experience. As she continues her sold-out tour, I can't help but wonder what the future holds for this rising superstar.
