Concert Review: AURORA in Washington D.C. 

Review & Photos by Sally Watanabe


Last week at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., AURORA brought her "What Happened to the Heart?" world tour to life with a performance that can only be described as transcendent. From the moment she stepped barefoot onto the stage, she commanded the space with an energy so potent it felt like a spiritual experience. 

The Norwegian artist donned the stage in a silky skirt that swayed with her movements, dancing in a delicate but untethered way as though the music coursed directly through her veins. Every moment felt deliberate and raw, yet so natural. Her presence was nothing short of magical—an ethereal force that seemed to connect her not only to the music but to every soul in the room. 

One of the most striking aspects of the night was her ability to see the crowd. AURORA looked into the audience with an intensity that felt deeply personal, as though she were acknowledging each individual’s existence. At one point, she shouted out the younger fans including a child sleeping in their fathers arms during the show, joking “The child is sleeping while I’m up here screaming.” She was radiating gratitude and joy that felt as genuine as it was uplifting. The artist has a rare gift of making everyone feel seen and loved—an experience punctuated by her heartfelt responses to the many “I love you’s” from the audience. 

AURORA’s setlist was a journey through a wide emotional spectrum. Upbeat, dance-driven tracks like “Cure for Me” had the crowd moving in unison, while hauntingly soft and solemn songs like “Exist for Love” brought the venue to a standstill. During these quieter moments, you could have heard a pin drop, so profound was the connection between her and the audience. It was as if everyone was holding their breath, captivated by her voice, her expression, and the vulnerability she so freely offered. 

Another thing that sets AURORA apart is her ability to feel so openly and intensely, a quality that she shares with her fans. She said “I love to feel every moment” and spoke candidly to the crowd about the importance of emotion, of embracing one’s sensitivity in a world that often tries to harden us. Her music—written for “other people who feel”—is a testament to this ethos. “I know many of you understand my music, because many people don’t, but you do…You are complex people who have a lot inside.” You could see it in her face, the way she connected with those in the front rows and beyond, reflecting their emotions back to them. She displayed moments of genuine authenticity when she forgot the words to one of her songs, taking a few moments to laugh and start the song over again, while fans cheered her on. 

By the end of the night, the room felt transformed. Fans were expressing their love from the floor to the ceiling and shouting Let’s cry together!” The collective energy was one of hope, love, and an overwhelming sense of community. Everyone was in awe of her—of her presence, her authenticity, and her artistry. AURORA isn’t just a performer; She’s a force of nature, a beacon for those seeking beauty and meaning in the world.




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