Live Review: Halsey, Kehlani

Screams erupted as the lights dimmed in the Hordern Pavilion and Oakland singer Kehlani took to the stage - so much so you'd think she was the headliner. On her third trip to Australia in six months, Kehlani brought a smaller, condensed show to her support act slot, accompanied only by her DJ, drummer and keys player.

The R&B songstress treated the audience to songs off both her album and mixtapes including Chance The Rapper collaboration The Way, Distraction and CRZY, as well as a smooth cover of Tamia's So Into You, dedicated to all the '90s babies in the audience. She introduced herself to the crowd as a "queer woman of colour" and congratulated Australia on passing the marriage equality bill - something she was advocating for on her last trips, before showing off her flawless vocals with recent single Honey. The only criticism that can be made is that her set wasn't nearly long enough.

Hopeless Fountain Kingdom opener The Prologue rang out across the venue as fans started a "Halsey" chant. A silhouette appeared on the back curtain, before the American singer-songwriter appeared, clad in a crystal bodysuit and matching balaclava, signalling her live-show would be every bit as theatrical as her 2017 Romeo & Juliet-inspired album. 

The show was a big step up from her last Sydney gig at the Metro Theatre a couple years ago - with her new album earning her more radio play and a significantly larger fanbase. Halsey candidly recalled being very much drunk at that last show, before formally welcoming everyone to the tour.

After energetic, pyrotechnics and C02 jet enhanced renditions of upbeat songs including Bad At Love and Walls Could Talk, a piano was brought on stage for a stripped-back, emotive performance of Chainsmokers' feature, Closer, which showed off just how much her live vocals have improved. Halsey discussed the song, which became her first massive hit, noting that people ended up either really liking or really hating it, but acknowledged how blessed she is that the universe chose her to soundtrack the lives of so many.

The electro-pop artist knew how to get the most out of her audience, with taunts about Melbourne being a better crowd ensuring everyone sang at the top of their lungs to prove her wrong. She kicked off a powerful, chill-worthy Is There Somewhere off her 2015 EP a capella, making her way into the crowd and trying to connect with as many fans as possible.  

After more brilliant performances of fan favourites from Room 93, Badlands and Hopeless Fountain Kingdom including Now Or Never, Colors, Gasoline and Hurricane, confetti rained down signifying the end of a fantastic show.