Could Kali Uchis live up to the massive expectations after her chart-topping album? If last month’s concert was any indication, the answer is yes. On Friday, September 12th, Madison Square Garden turned into a glowing dreamscape as Kali Uchis took the stage for a three-hour set that proved why she’s one of today’s most captivating performers and artists. From the flawless lights that synced perfectly with each song to the surprise guest appearance, the night was truly a series of unforgettable moments in an excellent performance.
“Sincerely is a collection of letters to the world, allowing her fans to witness her at her most exposed as she invites them into her emotional journey,” according to the Kali Uchis Official Store. “The album is a sanctuary, an escape from the chaos, a search for peace, and an act of catharsis.” There are many examples of this in her songs, such as in “Heaven is a Home…” with the lyrics “[t]his is a story of a girl, who was once imprisoned by her own mind, and freedom’s never felt this good” and “[s]ome days it’s so hard to care about my fate, til’ I remember just how far I came.” Her album reveals just how open she is to her fans and how vulnerable someone can be.
The night started with Thee Scared Souls, who opened the show, whose smooth, retro-inspired sound warmed up the arena and set the tone for what was to come. By the time Kali came on stage, fans were filled with anticipation. The lighting design was nothing but perfect, with each song soaked in colors, light, and screen backgrounds that seemed to sync with the music. Fans expected tracks from her latest album, but what truly set the night apart were the surprise guests. Kali wowed the crowd by performing “Muñekita” live with JT. She truly shocked the audience by bringing out Rauw Alejandro for “No Hay Ley Parte 2” – a song not even listed on the tour setlist. The crowd’s stunned reaction quickly turned into pure joy, showing how much fans love Kali’s willingness to go above expectations. For the finale, she closed with her brand new song “Cry About It!” – joined on stage by Ravyn Lenae. While the show highlighted songs from her newest album, Kali didn’t forget the tracks that made her a star. Fans exploded as she performed older hits like “Telepatía”, “After the Storm”, “Melting”, and “Moonlight”, which had the arena singing word for word. Her mix of old and new created a perfect balance, reminding everyone how far she truly has come.
What makes Kali Uchis’ concerts stand out isn’t just her unique voice or her visuals – it’s how she has always been true with her fans and always expresses how she feels, which is why she took the opportunity to share with her fans what is going wrong in the world. Between songs, she took a pause to share a video addressing immigration issues, a powerful reminder of the struggles so many immigrants face in America. “Through blood, sweat, tears…immigrants built this country, and made it what it is today. Without immigrants, there is no America.” By using her platform to highlight these issues, she showed fans that her art is about more than entertainment but that it is also about empathy, awareness, and change.
The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was alive with energy, no long lines for merch thanks to multiple stands across both floors of the venue, fans dancing in the aisles, and even TV stars Leah and Miguel from “Love Island” were caught sharing a kiss on the kiss cam. Kali’s MSG show was more than a stop on her tour; it was a statement – a statement of how far she has become, how much of an impact she has made, and how she uses her platform for the greater good. For those who were lucky enough to be in the audience, it was a night that embodied the magic of live music at its best.
