If there is someone to credit for being one of the most influential celebrities during the indie alternative era, it has to be Halsey. With a handful of nostalgia, creativity and talent, Ashley Frangipane activated the time machine over at the PNC Bank Arts Arena in Holmdel, New Jersey, and took us all back to 2014.
PHOTOS: ANGIE PINO
“I need to explain something to you about New Jersey—New Jersey is a special place. The more they love you, the fucking meaner they are to you.”
The cheering crowd is filled with fishnets, Dr. Martens and blue, short wigs. Carrying small bags of ‘About Face’ makeup sets, everyone jumps euphorically. After all, the last time Halsey performed in her hometown was 2023.
Cinematically astounding, Halsey’s show was divided into two acts—accompanied by the retelling of Alice in Wonderland on the big screen. Halsey transitions from acoustic performances, to full blown acting, emerging from a glass of champagne and appearing chained to a checkered floor.
As she “falls down the rabbit hole,” the first act of her show is a breathtaking combination of carefully choreographed sequences and emotionally charged songs that not only sound just like they do on record, but are also full of sentiment and nostalgia. She closes and opens the curtains four times during the first act to showcase a Vegas-themed scenario, a BDSM leather fantasy—the rattle of her chains echoed around the arena as she pulled on them, never letting go of her grip on the mic—a coven of witches frolicking in the woods surrounded by a circle of fire and, finally, a pastel dream of interpretative dancing in front of a cloud from which Halsey oversees.
The set list is diverse, she bounces back and forth from her latest album to her oldest ones and it lets the audience savor the different eras and genres of music that Halsey has explored.
There’s an interlude that lets the audience catch their breath—a five minute video of the artist herself resting in front of a mirror.
“I have a question for you. Are you ready for the show? I gave you plenty of time to rest.” And with that, act two kickstarts.
More herself than ever, wearing her iconic blue wig and alternative clothing, Halsey jumps and headbangs in the middle of the stage to rock versions of her most popular songs. It’s as if an entirely new person has taken the stage, making the performance feel even more intimate. The genre switch—especially during fan favorites like “Colors” and “Closer”—only amplifies the crowd’s energy. It feels like a testament to their loyalty: even if she changes, they’ll still roar for her.
Before ending the show, under neon lights and behind bursts of fire, Halsey surprises the audience with not one, but two unexpected songs. She stands center stage—authentic and raw—and performs “Ghost” for the first time since 2019. As if that weren’t enough, she pulls a stool to the middle of the stage and delivers a stripped-down rendition of “Hometown” with her guitarist. A tribute to New Jersey—the place that watched her grow up, blossom, and launch into stardom.
Closing with ‘The Great Impersonator’, she expresses her gratitude, not only to her fans but her band, backup dancers. She proudly poses in front of the big screen, which gives her full credit for writing, producing, and recording her music—her legacy.
Full of color, special effects, and some of the most impressive visuals I’ve ever seen at a concert, a magical evening comes to an end. And although endings are bittersweet, I leave the venue filled with joy—truly satisfied to witness that not only has she become a successful, well-known artist, but that I grew up alongside her.