Over 25,000 fans braved through the Kuala Lumpur traffic to watch Billie Eilish perform live for the first time in Malaysia. In fact, some eager fans started lining up as early as 5am to ensure they get the best spot in the standing zone in Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Like many others present last night (Thursday, 18th August), this was our first outdoor stadium concert post pandemic. The excitement was palpable, and understandably so. At just 20 years old, the Grammy and Oscar winner has proven time and time again why she’s a force to be reckon with in music – despite having only 2 studio albums out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTtTuWaWavg
“Helloooo! How are we doing? I’m liking the energy. Before we go on, everybody up in the back, are you good up there?” the singer-songwriter was seen interacting with the crowd. “Everybody in the motherf*,” Billie stopped just in time before correcting herself, saying, “in this place, are you good?” Nice save girl! Throughout the night, Billie was constantly encouraging the crowd move around, sing, dance, and more importantly, to have fun.
In true Billie Eilish style, the singer wore an oversized shirt and matching bike shorts, along with kinesiology tape and running shoes. As per usual, she kicked off her concert with a bang, performing “bury a friend”, “I Didn’t Change My Number” and “NDA”. A few performances in, Billie gave a shoutout to her brother producer Finneas (who was spotted with Billie at Sungei Wang Plaza the day before) as well as drummer Andrew Marshall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tb5eJjYZxME
Besides her hyperactive and bubbly side, we were surprised to see Billie show off her sensual personality when gyrated on the stage floor. The stadium ate it up when the cheers went up a notch louder. You better werk! If there’s one thing to know about Billie’s showmanship, this entertainer knows how to keep a crowd going with her infectious energy. Concert-goers may still be cautious with their face masks on, but you could tell that everyone was smiling and in their happy place.
Although we were thoroughly entertained by the arena lights and uptempo performances, our favourite moments were when Billie sang her more emotional songs. “The 30th” – which is dedicated to a dear friend – was delivered beautifully, despite Billie expressing her hesitancy on tackling a vocally-challenging song. “Your Power”, “Lovely”, and “when the party’s over” are just some examples of when her intimate vocals cut through and gave us goosebumps.
Towards the end of the concert, Billie took a moment to look at her Malaysian fans and took everything in. “You guys, this has been so much fun. Thank you for having me in Kuala Lumpur. This was a good one -you guys gave me one of the best shows tonight, so thank you for that. I gotta be honest, I was not expecting this energy at all. You guys are so cute. OMG!” she told everyone in the stadium.
Billie ended the night on a high note with “bad guy”, “Happier Than Ever” and “Goodbye”. We personally acknowledge that those of us in the standing zone had an amazing concert experience throughout the 90-minute show. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about those who bought tickets to the seated zones. Having said that, we can’t wait for the next Billie Eilish concert!
Billie Eilish “Happier Than Ever” Kuala Lumpur Setlist:
1. Intro
2. “bury a friend”
3. “I Didn’t Change My Number”
4. “NDA”
5. “Therefore I Am”
6. “My Strange Addiction”
7. “IDWTBYA”/ “Lovely”
8. “You Should See Me In A Crown”
9. “Billie Bossa Nova”
10. “Goldwing”
11. “Halley’s Comet”
12. “Oxytocin (Copycat)”
13. “Ilomilo”
14. “I Love You”/ “Your Power”
15. “The 30th”
16. “Bellyache”/ “Ocean Eyes”
17. “Bored”
18. “Getting Older”
19. “Lost Cause”
20. “when the party’s over”
21. “All The Good Girls Go To Hell”
22. “Everything I Wanted”
23. “bad guy”
24. “Happier Than Ever”
25. “Goodbye”
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