Tune Back Into Summer

Several East students took a break from their poolside tanning or Bachelor in Paradise watch parties to see artists like Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes, Khalid, and Juice WRLD perform in Kansas City. 

Billie Eilish:

Lately, Billie Eilish is taking the music industry by storm. The seventeen-year-old pop singer is ruling the charts, topping the Billboard 200. 

Recently, this “bad guy” singer made an appearance at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena in Independence, Missouri on June 7. When freshman Sam Herpich initially found out Eilish was coming to Kansas City, there was no doubt that she was going — Eilish was the only artist she was listening to at the time. 

“I saw [the concert] on my Instagram feed,” Herpich said. “I said ‘Mom we are buying these tickets right now’.”

Herpich, who had gotten the tickets months in advance, was impressed with Eilish’sexotic performance. Eilish tends to march to the beat of her own drum — with her baggy Gucci ensemble and blue hair, Eilish paired her unique style with her dark songs, which seemed to have her fans wanting more.

Eilish has been labeled a role model to young girls everywhere, showing that if you stick with your dream, it’s bound to happen. Don’t hesitate to jump onto Ticketmaster the next time you hear Billie is coming to your city.

Khalid:

Khalid is an American pop singer who began his career in July of 2016, with his debut single “Location.” The last three years, Khalid has released two more albums, including his most recent album, “Free Spirit,” released on April 5. Kansas City was one of many stops for the multi-platinum global superstar’s Free Spirit Tour.

Sophomore Maggie Nottberg was excited to see such a well-known artist performing in Kansas, at the Sprint Center on July 21. Nottberg was moved by Khalid’s performance, to say the least. Due to his rhythmic and catchy songs, it was easy for the crowd to sing along.  

“I thought the atmosphere was really fun,” said Nottberg. “A lot of people there knew the songs, so it [became] a collective voice. It was really cool.” 

Nottberg said she wouldn’t hesitate to go to another Khalid concert if he were to visit again. Altogether, the R&B and soul artist has continued to exceed expectations and truly deserves an accolade. 

Shawn Mendes:

Let’s be honest, Shawn Mendes has stolen every teenage girl’s heart time and time again. With his dreamy dark brown eyes and luscious hair, Mendes is a charming sight.

Fortunately for the “Mendes Army,” this tall glass of water made an appearance at the Sprint Center on July 19. Mendes opened with hit single “Lost in Japan,” filling the room with high pitched screams of teenage girls. Junior Camryn Cohen had bought last-minute VIP tickets the day of the concert to meet Mendes and sit in during a Q&A with him. Unfortunately, Cohen said the meet and greet lasted a whole five seconds, and she got about three words out.

“It was so fast,” Cohen said. “I said ‘hi’, took a picture with him, hugged him and said

‘bye’.”

According to Junior Annie Gast, Mendes created the perfect setlist and included multiple mash-ups of songs so every fan could hear their favorite. From posting on the video hosting service Vine in 2013 to performing on stage at the 61st Grammy Awards in 2019, Mendes continues to rise in the music industry. 

Juice WRLD:

This summer, Juice WRLD visited the Providence Amphitheater in Bonner Springs, Kansas, and according to senior Chloe Sowden, did not disappoint.

The “Lucid Dreams” rapper first began his career on Soundcloud, a music streaming platform, and has now grown to have his hit song reach number two on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Due to the deaths of Lil’ Peep and XXXTentacion, Juice WRLD is ready to take trap and emo rap to a new level according to AXS. In doing so, Juice WRLD went on tour. Sowden was lucky enough to get tickets the day of the concert. 

“I think it was pretty funny we decided to go the day of,” said Sowden. “[Me and myfriend] weren’t really huge fans.”

Juice WRLD has come a long way from his freshman year in high school when he was known for his lyrical rhymes. With his ever-growing fan base, Juice WRLD will continue to grow and express that growth through his music.