By Sarah Amador

The lights quickly dimmed, marking the beginning of the end. All the speakers roared to life, blasting bass notes inescapable from any seat, slightly shaking the stadium, joining the rumble from 17,500 fans cheering in anticipation. Phones at the ready, fans captured singer-songwriter and dancer Tate McRae enter under the spotlight for the last time.

McRae’s “Miss Possessive World Tour” consisted of 83 sold out shows, spanning across three continents and 16 countries, beginning in Mexico City and ultimately culminating in Inglewood, California at the Kia Forum. Openers consisted of a mix of artists: Benee, Alessi Rose, Samuraii and even Zara Larson. 

The setlist consisted of songs from her album “So Close to What,” features from her sophomore album “Think Later” and even a rendition of her Grammy-nominated song, “Just Keep Watching.” McRae is notorious for her “Ascension Worthy” and gut-wrenching vocal riffs in numerous songs, most notably in her live performances of “Purple Lace Bra” and “Siren Sounds.”

“The lyrics hit harder than I anticipated,” senior Ani Varoz said after attending the final concert. “Her riffs emphasized parts of the song I never gave much attention to. Her performance resonated on a deeper level than I expected.”

Fans weren’t just mesmerized by McRae’s stunning vocals. The tour dance crew, alongside her live band, quickly caught everyone’s attention. Choreographed by Sean Bankhead and Robbie Blue, McRae and her crew left nothing but blood, sweat and tears on stage as they performed. Audiences were left in awe as the dancers and guitarists performed their own solos, showcasing their individual talents and fierce on-stage personas. 

“Her stage presence, combined with the production and dance performances ultimately ties the show together, establishing a unique concert experience for attendees, including myself,” senior Jordan Goka said. “The dedication to not only her vocals, but the team’s dance skills doesn’t receive the respect and recognition it deserves.”

Yet even as the lights dimmed and McRae strutted her final step, her final farewell was anything but upsetting for fans. 

Following her performance of “bloodonmyhands (feat. Flo Milli),” shock and eagerness encapsulated millions around the world as she unexpectedly announced the deluxe release of her new album, “SO CLOSE TO WHAT???” released on November 21. New tracks include “TRYING ON SHOES,” “ANYTHING BUT LOVE,” “NOBODY’S GIRL,” and “HORSESHOE” in addition to McRae’s latest release “TIT FOR TAT.” 

The titles originated from “the idea of not being present at times, feeling like you’re trying to control everything, feeling perceived by so many people, feeling like I’m 21 and the oldest I’ve ever felt but also so young,” McRae said in an interview with Rolling Stones. She elaborated, revealing that “in the moment, I’m [asking] ‘What do I want out of life? What do I want to do with my music? How do I want to change things?’”

An unforgettable performance culminated with bittersweet goodbyes from McRae and a standing ovation from her dancers and audience alike. The glistening lights and confetti-covered floors marked the end of McRae’s fourth successful tour. Although the pop star will no longer be taking the stage as “Miss Possessive,” a new era, teased by her deluxe, is waiting to be uncovered.