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Dyani R  Despite the rainy weather in New York, the excitement of fans to see Yves during her “Apple Cinnamon Crunch Tour” was undeterred. The former LOONA member took the stage at Brooklyn Paramount and delivered a performance that will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of everyone who attended. Throughout the night, Yves treated her fans to a setlist featuring many of her top songs, including ‘See You in Hell,’ ‘Hashtag,’ and ‘Loop.’ After warmly introducing herself, Yves took a moment to express her deep gratitude for the fans who had come to support her. She spoke to them in between songs, acknowledging the energy in the room and emphasizing how much their presence meant to her. The concert wasn’t just about her own music, though. Yves also showcased her powerful vocals and impressive musical range by performing two covers that highlighted her versatility as an artist. Her ability to shift seamlessly between genres added a special layer to the show and kept the audience on their toes.  As the night progressed, the energy in the venue skyrocketed when Yves introduced a special guest: her label mate, ‘blah.’ blah. took the stage and performed his own tracks, as well as a memorable cover of Harry Styles’ hit ‘As It Was.’ His performance brought a new level of energy to the night, with his captivating voice and engaging stage presence leaving a lasting impression on the crowd. When Yves returned to the stage, the excitement reached new heights. Fans were dancing and singing along as Yves poured her heart into every song. It was clear that the crowd was completely immersed in the experience. At one point, Yves paused to engage with her New York fans in a Q&A segment. Fans eagerly asked questions, and Yves answered them with warmth and humor, offering insight into everything from the food she was hoping to try while on tour to more personal details about her music and journey. The night culminated with an encore performance that had fans on their feet, cheering and clapping along. Yves made the moment even more personal by interacting with the crowd, grabbing signs, gifts, and even taking photos with fans’ cell phones. The atmosphere was filled with smiles, and it was impossible to ignore the buzz of excitement and appreciation that lingered in the air.  For those who had purchased a post-show perk, there was an opportunity to meet Yves up close, providing yet another chance for fans to connect with her beyond the stage. It was clear that Yves was dedicated to making her fans feel seen and valued, creating an intimate and unforgettable experience.
Leaving the concert, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed excitement for Yves’ future releases. Not only did I walk away with new music to add to my playlist, but I also felt like I’d witnessed an artist at the peak of her talent, someone who’s just getting started and ready to take on the world.
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E. Diana  The brisk January air was no match for the line snaking outside of Manhattan’s Hammerstein Ballroom. VIPs for Zayn Malik’s second sold out show in New York were clad in their red beanies, eagerly awaiting to be let inside the venue. It was a night that had been postponed since its original November date, and was much anticipated.
This was Zayn’s first solo tour since he began his solo career in 2015, after leaving One Direction in the beginning of the year. His fans - known as “Zquad” - have waited nearly ten years to finally see him in his own element, as his other bandmates have already done so. It felt right from Zayn’s end to have his first tour in smaller venues as opposed to arenas - his artistic style has always been more intimate rather than boisterous. Fans eagerly lined up to buy merch, or to take pictures with the tour backdrop in the lower floor of the ballroom. Zayn’s cultural reach did not go unmissed - there were fans waving Pakistan flags and wearing keffiyehs.There were two openers, indie artists LA Power Disco. and Hope Tala. LA Power Disco got the crowd pumped up with covers of ABBA songs, while Hope Tala sung songs from her upcoming album to round out the night until Zayn arrived. Hope Tala’s acoustic set forth mellow vibes that would echo on into the night with the main event. Zayn’s arrival was met with a crowd surge and delighted screams - thankfully, no one seemed to be hurt. He took the stage confidently, and the Hammerstein Ballroom was soon filled with his divine vocals. The tone of the night was stripped back, relaxed and mellow. The lighting was moody, in somber shades of blue, purple and red. A trio of backup singers and a few musicians backed him up in perfect harmony. The stage bore a simple setup of trees decorated with lights, and a backdrop that responded to the live music in gradient lighting. While Zayn’s first three solo albums (Mind of Mine, Icarus Falls, Nobody Is Listening) leaned towards R&B, his latest album Room Under The Stairs took inspiration from country music while still delivering an R&B tone. Some highlights of the night included: Zayn shouting out his mother in the audience; the sold-out crowd loudly carrying the chorus for "Sweat" as Zayn looked on proudly; and finally hearing "Pillowtalk" live, his hit breakout single that he had not performed live until this tour kicked off in December. The latter was stripped back from its original pop production, and instead performed in an acoustic manner that matched the aesthetic of the setlist. Zayn was regarded as the best singer in One Direction, and this concert proved why he can still be considered one of the best singers of his generation. With his soulful tenor voice that blends seamlessly into the highest notes, he carried every song effortlessly. It was easy to just stand there and bask in his sweet crooning all night, completely entranced in the world above the stairway that he was taking Zquad to. I personally felt like I was a teenager all over again, back in my One Direction phase and absolutely enamored with his artistry. The final moment of the show was undoubtedly bittersweet; instead of singing the last song on the setlist, “Stardust”, Zayn took that time to leave the stage officially while the track played through the speakers. The screen then displayed a message for the late Liam Payne, Zayn’s bandmate who tragically passed away in October: “Love you bro ❤️”. A small tribute that felt like a fitting way to close off the show. I left the venue with the feeling that I had somehow been floating through space for an undisclosed amount of time. Witnessing Zayn Malik live will give you that effect. |