Melanie Martinez has been growing in popularity ever since her debut album Crybaby. Her music is all made based on her personal experiences, but are perfectly constructed into art that everyone can enjoy.
Melanie began her tour, performing in different cities this year following the release of her new album PORTALS in March. She last toured in 2019 for her K-12 Tour but it was canceled in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Melanie scheduled and performed a show for her PORTALS Tour at the YouTube Theatre in Inglewood, California on June 9, 2023.
For this tour Melanie brought the band Tanukichan to open her shows across the country.
People arrived early in the morning to the venue to try to get as close as possible to the front of the stage; others arrived before the show began. There was really no bad view for GA, as the venue isn’t huge compared to the Kia Forum or SoFi Stadium next door.
When tickets went on sale, tickets ranged from $50 for seats in the back to $150 for VIP. Demand was high and tickets flew the moment they went on sale. I purchased a ticket which was fairly close to the stage, a few feet from GA.
I arrived at the YouTube Theatre around 4 p.m. The line was short but it grew rapidly. Doors to go inside the lobby opened at 6 p.m.. I was one of the first to get inside the lobby area with my friend. Everyone ran to the merch line which filled up almost instantly. I was one of the first to get to the merch line when the lobby opened. I purchased a shirt for $40; there were hoodies, posters, vinyls and tote bags for sale. There were also food trucks on sight.
The show was scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. and at exactly that time the lights dimmed and Tanukichan began their opening act and performed for around 30 minutes. The lights came back on at 8 p.m. and at exactly 8:30 p.m. lights dimmed again and the curtains dropped revealing Melanie’s set.
Melanie began her show with a small monologue and then walked on stage starting the concert performing her song “DEATH.” She performed all the songs from her PORTALS in order without stopping. The vibe was really good but somewhat different to her past eras.
In recent interviews Melanie has announced that the album PORTALS is putting an end to a trilogy that began from her album Crybaby, followed through K-12, her 2020 EP After School.
Melanie performed in a costume which did not show her face just as it is shown on her album cover. This new character she portrays is supposed to be showing her character “Crybaby” in the afterlife.
The show continued for an hour exactly, then thanked the crowd for their presence and support, followed by a shower of confetti. She only sang songs from her new album, including “VOID,” “TUNNEL VISION” and “LIGHT SHOWER.” She then sang three more songs for her encore, finishing her show.
Her show ended at 10 p.m. and everyone left satisfied with her concert. Some wish she sang some of her older songs, but she probably has her reasons on why she didn’t. And who can blame her when she’s performing in a whole costume and mask?
Melanie is currently still touring and her tour will run throughout the rest of year and into 2024.
