Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has already solidified itself as one of the most iconic and record-breaking tours in music history, and last night’s show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans took that legacy to new heights. This was the first of three sold-out nights, an unheard-of feat for any artist at this historic venue, and the energy inside the Superdome was electric from the moment fans began flooding in. The show wasn’t just a concert, it was a once-in-a-lifetime event, the kind that you’ll be telling your grandkids about.

From the start, it was clear that this wasn’t an ordinary evening. Fans and even chaperoning parents, dressed in their best “Eras” outfits and adorned with stacks of friendship bracelets, filled the Superdome with excitement. A giant friendship bracelet draped around the outside of the stadium was a perfect touch, capturing the spirit of the Eras Tour and the tradition Swifties have created—swapping bracelets and memories in a celebration of unity and connection. As Taylor herself said during Friday night’s performance, “I just showed up one day and you guys are trading friendship bracelets, and I’m like, ‘that’s cool,’ and now there’s a giant friendship bracelet on the outside of this stadium.”

Opening the night was Gracie Abrams, who delivered a soulful and captivating 9-song set that had the crowd swaying along. Her delicate vocals and vulnerable lyrics made the perfect warm-up for what was to come. Gracie’s performance of songs like “21” and “I Love You, I’m Sorry” were met with heartfelt applause. By the time she closed with “Close To You,” she had the entire Superdome in the palm of her hand, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.

When the lights dimmed and the countdown started for Taylor’s entrance, the crowd erupted in anticipation, and the Superdome transformed into a technicolor spectacle. Swift emerged and kicked off her set with “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince,” igniting a wave of cheers and a sea of LED wristbands that lit up in synchronization, turning the stadium into a shimmering galaxy. The atmosphere was electric, a palpable sense of excitement that coursed through every corner of the massive venue. The Eras Tour isn’t just a celebration of Taylor’s music; it’s a testament to her impact on culture and her fans’ devotion. As she said during the Lover era part of her set, “I wanted to end the Eras Tour in the most fun cities, so we had to come see you in beautiful New Orleans, Louisiana!” And while NOLA was left out of the first leg of the tour, it was certainly worth the wait.

From there, Swift whisked the audience through a musical journey spanning every era of her career. The Lover section was a pastel-colored dreamscape, with hits like “Cruel Summer” and “The Man” setting the tone for a night full of joy and nostalgia. Each song flowed seamlessly into the next and turned familiar tracks into immersive experiences. The energy was massive, and it was clear that Taylor was having just as much fun as her fans. “I just kept adding onto the tour because I’ve been having more fun on this tour than I’ve had in my entire life before,” she said, beaming. “And I’ve got to tell you, the main reason for that is you turned this tour into something completely unrecognizable from anything I’ve ever done before.”

As she moved into Fearless, the crowd’s energy only grew. Swift twirled in her signature sparkly dress as she performed timeless classics like “You Belong With Me” and “Love Story,” evoking a wave of nostalgia that had everyone singing their hearts out. The Red era segment was equally electrifying, with “22” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” transforming the Superdome into a massive dance party.

One of the most memorable moments came during her folklore and evermore set. Taylor’s rendition of “champagne problems” was so powerful that the crowd applauded for 3 minutes and 17 seconds—an ovation that echoed through the stadium, a testament to both her storytelling ability and the emotional connection she shares with her fans. This was an ovation that I’ve never witnessed in person, throughout the hundreds of concerts I’ve attended. The reflective atmosphere during this era was nothing short of magical, with songs like “august” and “cardigan” creating an intimate moment in the midst of such a massive venue.

Swift’s ability to switch between eras and emotions kept the night’s energy high. The 1989 era section had the entire stadium dancing to hits like “Style,” “Blank Space,” and the ever-energetic “Shake It Off.” Taylor’s playful charm shone through as she commanded the stage, with every move and note perfectly timed to keep the audience engaged and singing along.

In the Tortured Poets Department era, Taylor Swift unveiled a deeply personal and raw new chapter that was added midway through the tour, showcasing her latest album’s introspective and poetic edge. Kicking off with “Daddy I Love Him,” the era took on a tongue-in-cheek, yet vulnerable tone, blending her signature storytelling with a theatrical flair. Tracks like “So High School” captured the emotional rollercoaster of young love and vulnerability, while the powerful, haunting ballad “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” delivered a gut-punch commentary on self-worth. As the crowd sang along to “Down Bad” and the explosive energy of the album’s biggest single, “Fortnight,” the Superdome pulsed with excitement. But it was the final song, “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart,” that stole the show—Taylor opened up about the complexities of performing while navigating personal heartbreak behind the scenes. The track, which reflects her journey throughout the Eras Tour, had the audience engaged, solidifying this era as one of her most poignant and courageous yet.

A couple hours into the performance then came the surprise songs, a highlight for Swifties in every city. New Orleans was spoiled and treated to a mashup of “Our Song” and “Call It What You Want” on guitar, the former being a nod to her country roots that had fans of all ages singing along. But it was the second surprise song mashup, “Black Dog” and “Haunted” on piano, that felt especially fitting for the city’s spooky, mysterious vibe. As Taylor’s vocals filled the Superdome, it was clear why she chose to bring “Haunted” to New Orleans—a city that thrives on its rich, spectral history. The beautiful, piano-driven performance sent chills down spines and was a moment that fans won’t ever forget.

The night reached its crescendo with her latest work from Midnights. “Anti-Hero” and “Karma” were delivered with an electrifying intensity that had every fan on their feet. The Superdome became a sea of glittering lights and colors, an explosion of joy and celebration. The finale was a triumphant showcase of why Taylor Swift remains one of the greatest entertainers of our time, capable of making even the largest of venues feel personal.

By the time the final notes of “Karma” echoed through the Superdome, it was clear that the night would go down in history as one of the greatest performances the city had ever seen. Swift’s ability to create a communal, joyous atmosphere in such a grand space is unmatched, and her connection with her fans is what makes this tour so groundbreaking. For those lucky enough to have tickets for Saturday or Sunday, get ready—because if last night is anything to go by, you’re in for the ride of a lifetime. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a celebration of music, community, and the magic that only Taylor Swift can deliver.