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10 K-Pop Rookie Girl Groups To Watch In 2023: Le Sserafim, Mimiirose, Ive & More
Girl groups may take over the sound of K-pop in 2023. Read on to learn about 10 female-fronted groups whose 2022 success has made them artists to watch this year.
In 2022, K-pop was defined by women. From early spring hits like (G)I-dle’s "Tomboy" and IVE’s "Love Dive," to BLACKPINK topping the Billboard 200 albums chart and then embarking on the largest world tour for a K-pop girl group, there was no shortage of achievements or great music for K-pop's leading ladies.
Renowned names like TWICE, Mamamoo, ITZY and Red Velvet thrived with new releases, festival appearances, and international tours. Soloists made exciting comebacks — as with artists from BoA, Chung Ha, and Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon — or through long-awaited debuts, like former Iz*One members Chaeyeon and Yena, Red Velvet’s Seulgi, TWICE’s Nayeon, and many others.
2022 was also the year where legends such as Girls’ Generation, KARA and EXID returned after being inactive for years, instilling a breath of fresh hope in an industry where so few women thrive past their mid-20s. While these changes take time, hopefully their steps will open doors to a different future.
But among countless highlights and broken records, 2022’s crowning jewel has to be the solid collection of girl groups it debuted into the world. Each overflowing with potential and unique flair, GRAMMY.com rounded up 10 names — in order of debut — that are defining how K-pop will sound and look in 2023 and beyond.
Billlie
Debuting at the tail end of 2021, this septet from Mystic Story Entertainment built a peculiar niche right from the start. As it’s written on the cover of their first EP, the Billage of perception : chapter one, "we sing of the mysterious, hidden, and even dangerous B-side." Their lore features multiple dimensions in both real and dream worlds, but centers on figuring out what happened with a fictional girl named Billlie Love.
Much like their narrative, Billlie’s songs are marked by unusual titles ("M◐◑N palace" or "Mcguffins ~ Who's the Joker?" come to mind), quirky soundscapes, and eloquent performances. Early this year, main dancer Tsuki went viral for her fancam performing "GingaMingaYo (the strange world)" — which shows a small glimpse of how mesmerizing they can be.
IVE
Just five days shy of their first anniversary, IVE made history, winning a Daesang (grand prize) for Best Song of the Year at the 2022 MelOn Music Awards for their single "Love Dive." The achievement placed them as the third fastest girl group to win their first grand prize.
"Love Dive," which dominated South Korean charts for months, is a prime example of the "chaebol crush" concept that IVE crafted for themselves: girl crush, but with a hint of royalty. Hailing from Starship Entertainment, the six-member group — which includes Wonyoung and Yujin of Iz*One fame — was one of the biggest sensations of 2022, and are certainly ready to multiply that success in the following years.
Kep1er
Formed last year through Mnet’s survival show Girls Planet 999, Kep1er inaugurated 2022 with debut single "WA DA DA" on Jan. 3, 2022. Its nine members come from different backgrounds and countries (South Korea, China and Japan), but together they form a K-pop Megazord of sorts. Although their style is often bold and loud, their b-sides prove they can work with softer and sultrier styles just as well.
Kep1er is set to disband sometime in July 2024, but don’t cry — in addition to the bops yet to come, temporary groups in K-pop are often fundamental in shaping the next generation of idols (just look at how many former Iz*One members are mentioned on this list). That said, even if Kep1er’s sound isn't much to your taste, you’re better off learning the names of some of K-pop’s future leaders.
NMIXX
The latest girl group off JYP Entertainment — home to titans like TWICE and ITZY — NMIXX debuted in February 2022 with the divisive "O.O." Bringing together multiple tempo changes, soaring chants, rock guitars and a handful of onomatopoeias, the attention-grabbing tune challenged perceptions about what makes a good song.
They confidently call their sound "MIXXPOP," and repeated its profuse nature in September’s theatrical "Dice," to much commercial success. But for those who still aren’t convinced, the sextet has also proven versatility to spare in the unstoppable beats of "Tank," the sweet joy of "Funky Glitter Christmas," and in a show-stopping cover of Seventeen’s "Aju Nice" at KCON 2022 L.A.
LE SSERAFIM
"What you lookin’ at?" LE SSERAFIM ask in their polished debut "Fearless," but the truth is that it was hard not to look at them in 2022. They were the first girl group to debut under HYBE, the entertainment label of groups like BTS, TXT, and ENHYPEN. Adding to the expectation, popular names such as Sakura and Chaewon from Iz*One and Mnet’s "Produce 48" contestant Yunjin also figured in the lineup.
While the anticipation was high, there was no better group to weather these challenges. With a name composed by an anagram of the phrase "I'm fearless," LE SSERAFIM proved that their core is made of steel and flawless releases. If "Fearless" showed what they came for, October’s neo-perreo-influenced "Antifragile" consolidated the quintet as a bold, blazing force to be reckoned with.
CLASS:y
Another girl group formed through a survival show — MBC’s "My Teenage Girl" — CLASS:y debuted in May with the ambitious "Shut Down." The track steamrolls with classic Indian instruments and relentless tempo, proving that while CLASS:y might be lesser known than their peers, they are just as talented.
The full range of their skills is on display during live performances. Radiating confidence beyond their years, they tackle styles that range from Latin-inspired mid-tempos to bouncy bangers meant to stick in your mind for days.
NewJeans
For months, it was rumored that another girl group from HYBE would be debuting under the wings of their subsidiary label, ADOR. However, no one expected their debut to be as groundbreaking as it was. NewJeans dropped "Attention" out of the blue in late July — no teasers beforehand, no info about the members, nothing.
It worked. The release gained over 1.3 million YouTube views in less than 24 hours. Following suit came music videos for all three other tracks off their exquisite self-titled EP, including 2022’s darling summer hit, "Hype Boy." With impeccably chill vibes and an aesthetic filled with Y2K nostalgia, NewJeans were one of 2022’s biggest, most rewarding surprises.
CSR
Formed entirely by 17-year-olds, CSR debuted in the summer with a kind of sound that seemed to be forgotten in recent K-pop. Bringing back memories of groups like GFRIEND and Lovelyz, these rookies' sugary, synth-filled slice of pop effortlessly stood out.
CSR’s first single "Pop? Pop!" is layered with surprises and unfaltering hope — motifs that are repeated throughout their whimsical EP Sequence: 7272 — but it was November’s fizzy "♡TiCON" that got them their first music show win on KBS’s Music Bank, settling the group as ones to watch in 2023.
mimiirose
Although YES IM Entertainment is a newly established company, its CEO is none other than Im Chang-jung — a singer-songwriter and actor known in South Korea for being "the original multi-entertainer." That said, it makes sense why mimiirose left an impression right off the gate with September’s "Rose."
Boasting confident vocals over Middle Eastern-inspired chords, "Rose" offers a fair display of their charms, with special remarks to rapper and former Girls Planner 999 contestant Yoon Jia. The two other tracks off their single album Awesome don't disappoint either. With the tropical house of "Lululu" and the trickling synths of "Kill Me More," mimiirose are primed as self-assured performers with unyielding potential.
Fifty Fifty
Under newcomer label ATTRAKT, Fifty Fifty debuted on Nov. 18 with a strong first EP, The Fifty.
Throughout its four dazzling tracks, the quartet displays various colors and a vocal maturity that is both hard to find and crucial to have. "Tell Me" starts the journey in what could be the perfect indie movie soundtrack, moving swiftly to the synthpop of pre-release "Lovin’ Me" and title track "Higher." By the time that edgy closer "Log In" arrives, you are already sold on Fifty Fifty’s magical appeal.
A College Of Musical Knowledge: 15 Musical Groups That Act As Hubs For Emerging Talent

Photo: Karl Walter
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10 Moments From SXSW 2023: Life Lessons With Killer Mike, Acoustic Sets & New Music From Kx5
From The Stage at SXSW to So Satisfying and the RnB Forever Showcase, the Recording Academy’s GRAMMY U team highlights the most exciting moments from SXSW Music Festival.
GRAMMY U Chicago Representative Kegan Grace contributed to this story.
Another iconic year of South by Southwest has come and gone. And while the dust has settled in Austin, there's still much to reminisce about — from unforgettable live shows, to panels and behind the scenes interviews.
The Recording Academy’s GRAMMY U team had their boots on the ground during the best events at SXSW Music Festival, held March 13-18. As the team hopped around town and watched a ton of showcases, they also went backstage to chat with artists about their time at SXSW.
Read on for GRAMMY U's 10 favorite moments from SXSW, and be sure to visit their Instagram for more content from the festival .
PinkPantheress, Rett Madison, Cafuné & Sueco Are So Satisfying

PinkPantheress performs at Mala Vida | Lorne Thomson/Redferns
The GRAMMY U team started the week of music discovery at the IMGN x WMG So Satisfying House on March 14. This multi-day activation at bar/venue Mala Vida showcased a ton of music, with experiential photo areas and loads of LEDs displayed throughout.
Different acts took the stage throughout the night, beginning with singer/songwriter Rett Madison, whose powerful voice filled the room. Indie pop duo Cafuné and rapper Sueco followed, switching up the vibe but keeping the energy high. Pink Pantheress closed out the set for the night. Despite singing to a track, the audience sang along with all her viral hits, while other fans peeked over from outside the venue to catch her set.
The So Satisfying House was also open on March 15 with performances by Tiago PZK, Pheelz, Rini and Elena Rose.
Life (And Career) Lessons From New Order, Killer Mike & More

Killer Mike | Rick Kern/FilmMagic
In the panel "A Songwriter’s Guide to Branding: The Power of No," moderator Evan Bogart, Seeker Music CEO and Recording Academy Songwriter and Composers Wing Chair, spoke with Bonnie McKee, Larry Waddell, and electropop artist/producer MNDR about the ways projects can affect your brand. A songwriter's brand can manifest in many ways, and the projects you take are a reflection of not only the tools you bring to the table, but the type of songwriter you are in a writing session.
The SXSW Keynote conversation with legendary new wave synth pop group New Order. The British band discussed their lengthy recording history, current tour and what has kept them inspired over 40 years. "There’s something in what you're doing that you enjoy very much, otherwise you wouldn’t enjoy doing it," the band said. "The sense of achievement when you play a really good gig, the audience having a good time is a real boost…. It’s like having a party together."
At "Introducing Michael: The Man Known as Killer Mike," the rapper discussed being a thriving Black artist in the industry and how he has embraced his culture. "I have not fully accepted the wealth of knowledge and inspiration from the people who raised me and my culture… I understand how fortunate I am. I move with that intent," he told the audience. "I'm a believer inBlack people. When you hear my music, I'm giving you the power black music gives you when it works. We are capable, we are able. I don't have to be mad at everything or seeking escapism."
Killer Mike also offered wise advice about navigating the industry. "You're going to have bad karma if you're bad to people," he said. "Leave your ego at the doors and enter a place with conversations that people would love."
Acoustic Sounds At Antone’s

Brian Sella performs an acoustic set | GRAMMY U
On Wednesday evening, C3 Management brought their talent to the stage at iconic blues venue Antone’s. The crowd clearly was ready to have a great time, as the line for the event was long and out the door. Once inside, the atmosphere was electric and everyone was hyped for the upcoming acoustic sets by their favorite artists.
GRAMMY U caught Brian Sella of the Front Bottoms strumming his indie rock hits as fans sang along word-for-word. Andrew McMahon showed off his expert musicianship and songwriting on the keyboard, inserting funny anecdotes about how some of those songs came to be throughout his set.
Tomorrow's Stars On The Rise At Bose x NME: C23

Renforshort | Lorne Thomson/Redferns
The Bose x NME: C23 launch party was truly the place to be to witness the future of music. The event featured an incredible outdoor stage and a 15-artist lineup, a fun walkway activation with a panel of all the artists as magazine covers, and swag bags of custom cassettes with all the artists featured that day.
The pop-rock sounds of Canadian artist renforshort resonated with the crowd, and the singer was feeling comfortable. "I’ve done so many shows, it’s second nature to me. I love [performing] so it masks any anxiety I would typically have," she told GRAMMY U.
Singer/songwriter and bassist Blu DeTiger conquered the stage with her funky grooves and spunky energy. Known for showing off her bass skills in her music, DeTiger notes in an offstage interview "Bass is the best instrument ever. My whole mission as an artist is just to bring the instrument more to the forefront and inspire people to pick it up."
Later that night, JVKE's piano stylings and steady, recognizable voice drew cheers as he played his hit "Golden Hour." In a backstage interview, JVKE told GRAMMY U that he "always want[s] to give people the 'feels,' whatever the feels are."
Eladio Carrión, Armani White & Deadmau5 Share The Stage

Eladio Carrión | Christopher Polk
This was the second year of Samsung X Billboard’s The Stage at SXSW, and the three-night concert series has become one of the most highly anticipated programs of the week. Rappers 03 Greedo, Lola Brooks, and Armani White kicked off the series at Moody Amphitheatre in Waterloo Park on Thursday. Lil Yachty was set to headline that night, but the event was cut short due to inclement weather.
The next day, DJ Gabby Got It opened for Latin superstars Eladio Carrión and Feid. Carrión showed his vast range, performing hits "Kemba Walker" and "Tata." Feid followed, keeping the energy of the roaring crowd going with his own hits, "Yandel 150" and "Hey Mar."
To wrap up The Stage for this year, Billboard brought in Kx5, a new project by electronic music veterans Kaskade and deadmau5 on Saturday night. They hyped up the crowd as they began their set with "Bright Lights" and dropped hit after hit through their hour-long set.
Chloe Bailey, Remi Wolf & More At The Future of Music

Sudan Archives | Amanda Stronza/Getty Images for SXSW
Rolling Stone hosted the Future of Music, a four-night series featuring more than 20 acts. With a versatile lineup that included Sudan Archives, Remi Wolf and Chloe Bailey, the crowd could not have been more invested in the lineup.
In a backstage interview with Sudan Archives, the self-taught violinist and artist told GRAMMY U that the stress she feels before arriving to SXSW disappears as she sees "how everyone is rushing and working hard to help and make everything be amazing."
SXSW Goes International: SIPHO., Haru Nemuri & LØREN

SIPHO. (center) | Diego Donamaria/Getty Images for SXSW
SXSW is so much bigger than Texas. Artists from around the globe are a part of the festival's programming.
UK singer/songwriter SIPHO. came across the pond for his first SXSW, showcasing his genre-bending music inspired from great modern R&B artists. Japan's Haru Nemuri attended SXSW for the second time, sharing her musical inspirations of J-pop, experimental pop, and art rock with the crowd.
LØREN, a pop-punk rocker, came from South Korea to attend SXSW for the first time. His past work includes collaborations with BLACKPINK, and singles that have collectively landed more than 14 million YouTube views.
GRAMMY U interviewed these great international artists. Check out our SIPHO. Interview and Haru Nemuri interview on Instagram where they talk about their craft and inspirations.
The RnB Forever Showcase Highlights Emerging Acts
Hosted at The North Door in collaboration with the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective, the RnB Forever Showcase featured many rising stars. A live band backed all the artists, and the lineup was stacked with a spectrum of R&B sounds.
Los Angeles-based Kenyon Dixon discussed his new record with GRAMMY U before heading on stage, noting it’s "really classic R&B vibes for fans of the late ‘90s and early 2000s, but also with a more modern [sound]." V. Rose said her favorite part of SXSW is "seeing so many people show up and believing in themselves, it’s so inspiring."
R&B and pop artist Byron Juane, who is also a member of the Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter, added that was thrilled to be "seeing so many talented people through every genre of music…it inspires me to keep living through my dream."
The Recording Academy Shows Out: A Mixer, A Masterclass & A Party

Andrew McMahon | GRAMMY U
The Recording Academy and its chapters hosted its own events throughout the week as well. The Texas Chapter hosted its annual block party in the outdoor garden at the Four Seasons, with hundreds of industry professionals and artists in attendance. Stellar musical acts like Superfonicos, Sugar Joiko and Lupita Infante kept everyone dancing throughout the night.
There was also a special performance by Dakota Cohen, New York Chapter GRAMMY U member and winner of the GRAMMY U Performer National Contest. Cohen and her five-piece band traveled all the way from Berklee College of Music and lit up the stage with her vibrant energy and a stylistic vocal range.
GRAMMY U's Masterclass Presented by Mastercard featured artist and songwriter Andrew McMahon of Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. Moderator Taylor Hanson, a GRAMMY-nominated artist and the Texas Chapter Board President, led a discussion about how to navigate a successful long-term career in the music industry.
The Recording Academy also collaborated with Tunecore to present an industry mixer for artists and industry professionals.
Women That Rock — Onstage And Behind The Scenes

Ava Maybee performs at the Women That Rock day party showcase | Daniel Boczarski/Redferns
Founded by former GRAMMY U New York Chapter Representative Andie Aronow, Women That Rock is a music curation and discovery company that supports up-and-coming women and non-binary musicians. Their Music and Movement Celebration at Cheer Up Charlies featured performances from Cafuné, country singer Katie Toupin, and many others, as well as a pop-up shop of women-owned businesses.
Women That Rock also held a music industry panel at Athleta, which featured artists and professionals from all backgrounds including Charlotte Rose Benjamin and GRAMMY U Director Jessie Allen. The panel dove deep into self-care for women in the music industry, and the best ways to maximize your impact while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
9 Must-See Acts At SXSW 2023: Wet Leg, Balming Tiger, Armani White, The Lemon Twigs & More

Photo: Tristan Gibbs
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Global Spin: ShaSimone Gets Candid About Fame In This Moving Performance Of "Top 5"
Rising British-Ghanaian rapper ShaSimone ruminates the past two years of her musical career in this introspective performance of "Top 5," a track from her debut project, 'Simma Down.'
When British-Ghanaian rapper ShaSimone started posting freestyles on Twitter during the height of the pandemic, she never anticipated the platform would skyrocket her love of music into a career. After a whirlwind two years, ShaSimone went from working as a hairstylist to featuring on fellow British rapper Dave's sophomore album, We're All Alone In This Together, and creating her first EP, Simma Down.
In this episode of Global Spin, ShaSimone performs "Top 5," the intro to her debut project that explores the ups and downs of her newfound fame.
ShaSimone stands in front of a microphone, accompanied by a live band, as she contemplates the lost relationships and the bittersweet satisfaction of achieving her dream. "Pray for better days/ Man, forgettin' that the journey to destination are gonna be some of my best days," she raps at the end of the track.
Though ShaSimone's passion is found within the music, her purpose runs deeper. "I want to inspire girls that look like me. I want to show people that you can be confident, look different from what's out there, and still love yourself," she said in a press release.
Press play on the video above to watch ShaSimone reflect on her journey to stardom in this powerful performance of "Top 5," and keep checking back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Global Spin.
Herbal Tea & White Sofas: 1da Banton Reveals His Secret Ingredients To Staying Happy While On Tour

Graphic Courtesy of the Latin Recording Academy
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The Latin Recording Academy Announces New Latin GRAMMY Award Categories And Field: Best Songwriter Of The Year, Best Singer-Songwriter Song, Best Portuguese-Language Urban Performance & More
Ahead of the 2023 Latin GRAMMY Awards, the Latin Recording Academy is ushering in several changes — including a new field and categories to the awards process.
In a demonstration of its commitment to reflect the ever-changing musical landscape, the Latin Recording Academy has announced the addition of several changes, a new field and categories to the Latin GRAMMY Awards Process.
"Our priority is to effectively represent all the Latin music creators that we serve," Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud said in a statement. "We are excited to present these new categories that reflect the constant evolution of our music."
All new updates will go into effect immediately for the upcoming 2023 Latin GRAMMY Awards, officially known as the 24th Latin GRAMMY Awards, which take place this November. The Online Entry Process for this year’s Latin GRAMMYs opens on Thursday, March 23.
NEW LATIN GRAMMY AWARDS FIELD AND CATEGORY ADDED:
Best Songwriter Of The Year
As part of the newly-created Songwriting Field, this new category recognizes the written excellence, profession and art of songwriting. Songwriters must have a minimum of six newly written songs in which they are credited as a songwriter or co-writer and are not the performer, producer or engineer.
NEW LATIN GRAMMY AWARDS CATEGORIES ADDED:
Best Singer-Songwriter Song
To be eligible for this new category within the Singer-Songwriter Field, the singles or tracks must contain at least 51% of the lyrics in Spanish, Portuguese or any native regional dialect, and must be from a Singer-Songwriter Album competing in the Singer-Songwriter Album Category that year.
Best Portuguese-Language Urban Performance
This new category within the Portuguese Language Field recognizes the enormous amount of Urban music that is being created in Brazil and Portugal. The singles or tracks can include a fusion mix of Urban styles with other genres as long as the Urban character predominates.
The Latin Recording Academy has also made amendments to the following existing categories:
Album Of The Year
Albums within the General Field must contain at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. Award to the Artist, Producer(s), Engineer(s), Mixer(s), Mastering Engineer(s) and Songwriter(s) of 33% playing time of the album if other than the Artist will receive the award.
Song Categories
It is now required to include the date of composition when submitting product for all of the Song categories.
New Criteria For Best Engineered Album
Award goes to Recording Engineer(s) and Mixing Engineer(s) credited with at least 33% of the album and Mastering Engineer(s) credited with at least 51% of the album within the Production Field.
The Recording Academy lauds its sister Academy for this thrilling series of developments; keep watching their space for more updates on the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs!

Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
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Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Has Officially Begun: Here's What Swifties Have To Say About It
From a colossal three-hour setlist to more than a dozen costume changes, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is nothing short of sensational. Here's how Swifties are reacting on social media to the GRAMMY winner's massive stadium trek.
It's not every day that a city renames itself after you, but Taylor Swift added this unique honor to her ever-growing list of accolades on March 17, 2023.
The date marks the first leg of Swift's monumental Eras Tour, which kicked off in Glendale, Arizona — or, rather, "Swift City," temporarily renamed in tribute to the 12-time GRAMMY winner's highly-anticipated tour.
The versatile singer/songwriter kicked off her tour playing to more than 69,000 people at State Farm Stadium, breaking the 36-year-old record for the most-attended U.S. concert by a female performer. The record was previously held by Madonna's 1987 performance at Los Angeles' Anaheim Stadium on her MDNA tour.
The tour is the latest example of how Swift continues to one-up herself. After her tenth studio album Midnights smashed records, the Eras Tour emerged as one of the buzziest tours of 2023 (and even sparked a Senate hearing about Ticketmaster). Spanning 52 legs and 22 cities, the tour takes viewers on an odyssey through Swift's vast discography, divided into 10 sections for her 10 studio albums.
Now that the Eras Tour has launched, Swifties who have seen the epic show — and even those who haven't yet — are losing their minds over every detail. Sharing their creative outfits, takes on the setlist, and live reactions to the show's astonishing spectacles, the online Swiftie community is storming social media once again.
“You guys. This is a whole, entire experience,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “This isn't just a concert. This is a FULL experience. I'm not even there and I can tell already. She did this, for ALL her fans. This is incredible.
In honor of Swift's monumental tour launching last week, here are how some Swifties reacted to a few of the biggest moments from the Eras Tour's opening night.
Yes, The Setlist Is Longer Than 'Avengers: Endgame'
Think watching Lord of the Rings or taking the SAT… that's approximately the length of the Eras Tour. Considering Swift's discography, it's no surprise that the setlist is extensive, but fans were still impressed (and shocked) by the whopping three-hour show.
Her massive stadium tour for reputation was just over two hours, and four albums later (or six, if you include Taylor's Version re-releases), Swift needed an extra hour to pack in just a few more of her hits.
nothing but admiration for taylor because Wow this set list is unbelievably LONG
— marina ✿ (@bubblewrapboys) March 18, 2023
honestly taylor is insane for such a long and perfect setlist
— olka⁷ 🪞 (@komhvmin) March 18, 2023
someone explain how Taylor’s set list is 44 songs long, like how????
— neve (@neve41379523) March 18, 2023
"Cruel Summer" Gets Justice As The (Almost) Tour Opener
All Swifties know that "Cruel Summer" should have been a single from Lover, and the popular deep cut is finally getting its deserved attention as the second song in Swift's setlist, after fellow Lover track "Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince." Here are some fans reacting to the fever dream high in the quiet of night.
TAYLOR SWIFT PERFORMING CRUEL SUMMER OH MY GOD #GlendaleTSTheErasTour https://t.co/OZ2mLWLrNX
— squid || fan account 💙 (@greedymotivez) March 18, 2023
me being airlifted out of the stadium after experiencing cruel summer at the eras tour
— Daniel (@Daniel_Tigerr) March 13, 2023
pic.twitter.com/Qd41rZRcyR
CRUEL SUMMER BRIDGE OH MY GOD TAYLOR.. HER VOCALS #GlendaleTSTheErasTour pic.twitter.com/bXqQE9AqfX
— squid || fan account 💙 (@greedymotivez) March 18, 2023
shout out to my bf for filming me ascend to heaven during the cruel summer bridge without me even asking pic.twitter.com/V8bXRSDt4g
— Jemima Skelley (@jemimaskelley) March 18, 2023
I JUST REALIZED THAT IT WAS THE FIRST TIME SHE PERFORMED CRUEL SUMMER LIVE IM SHAKING https://t.co/DYIHDC1fnc
— c 💌 (@celestialswiftt) March 18, 2023
Even Kelsea Ballerini, who was 2,000 miles away on a stage of her own, paused her own performance to ask her audience if "Cruel Summer" had made the setlist.
💬 | Kelsea Ballerini stops her set at a concert in Detroit to ask about #TSTheErasTour:
— Taylor Swift Museum (@theswiftmuseum) March 18, 2023
“I just have one question. I’m gonna stop after this but I just have one question," she said. "Has she ... is 'Cruel Summer' on the setlist?” pic.twitter.com/ku2EjR5jjR
Swift Assures Fans She Does Indeed Love evermore
Since evermore's late 2020 release, fans have long advocated for Swift to show some extra love to her ninth album. While Swift celebrated the anniversary of its sister album folklore and released the live Folklore: Long Pond Studio Sessions, evermore was alternatively posted on the singer's socials the least, prompting fans to jokingly theorize that she doesn't know evermore exists.
Yet, at the Eras Tour, Swift reassured crowd goers that evermore does in fact hold a special place in her heart. To fans' delight, Swift performed "'tis the damn season," "willow," "marjorie," "champagne problems" and "'tolerate it," amping up the album's soft whimsy into a stadium-level spectacle.
“I’m here to dispel the rumors and prove wrong the allegations that I hate evermore… I don’t even wish people on social media a happy birthday.” SHE’S SO HAPPY AND NATURAL SPEAKING TO US AND MAKING JOKES ABOUT THIS 😭🥹 #TSTheErasTour pic.twitter.com/GW749ZFkYR
— Taylor Swift Updates (@SwiftNYC) March 19, 2023
EVERMORE?????? TAYLOR KNOW THAT EVERMORE EXISTS GUYS OMG WTF pic.twitter.com/acNZCOBGVA
— Taylor Throwbacks | fan page (@ThrowbackTaylor) March 18, 2023
taylor swift performing tis the damn season is the pinnacle of evermore rights
— miguel I arlington 4/1 (@cowboyinwoods13) March 18, 2023
pic.twitter.com/lz00aHJFjs
taylor put tolerate it on the setlist pic.twitter.com/VfRqFvGLCw
— caro 🧸 (@stylesgala) March 18, 2023
SHE DIDN'T FORGET ABOUT EVERMORE #TSTheErasTour pic.twitter.com/XOt5cOu1Iy
— ًm (@jchnnyshan) March 18, 2023
But… Where's The Love For Speak Now And Self-Titled Debut?
It's impossible to please every Swiftie, but some fans spoke up about the Speak Now and Taylor Swift erasure on Swift's 44-song setlist. "Enchanted" was the only song from either album that made it to the setlist, though it's likely Swift will perform more Speak Now songs as her interchangeable "surprise" songs of each show.
it all makes sense now pic.twitter.com/jBsu4lzXTz
— snowglobe allie leading the midnights rug campaign (@reckedmaserati) March 19, 2023
@clairenotdanes listen, im SO HAPPY about the setlist but also why speak now erasure 😭 #taylorswift #speaknow #erastour #setlist #swiftie #swifttok #longlive #haunted #taylorsversion #SeeHerGreatness ♬ You're On Your Own, Kid - Taylor Swift
She sang one speak now song …….. pic.twitter.com/ZmrVsxmMKe
— shan (@wildIyenchanted) March 18, 2023
the biggest eras tour easter egg we all missed pic.twitter.com/rXctAQ2iVW
— lina🧚♀️ (5/21 eras tour!!) (@tswizzlecat) March 18, 2023
6 songs from lover and 5 songs from evermore but only 1 song from speak now pic.twitter.com/LYob2Azk2V
— 𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒎🌙 (@NotFancy_) March 18, 2023
From "Gorgeous" To Comical: Eras Tour Fashion Stuns
Whether it's a dazzling iridescent custom Versace for Lover or a golden flapper fringe dress for Fearless, Swift's tour fashion never fails to disappoint — and neither does fans'.
While Swift pulled off more than a dozen costume changes on stage, her fans dressed up in outfits inspired by her eras, iconic lyrics, fanbase inside jokes, and more. See some of the top dressing-for-revenge looks below.
taylor went from “not a lot going on at the moment” to “a lot going on at the moment” in 10 years #GlendaleTSTheErasTour pic.twitter.com/xCP9HjKSx1
— Ron || ERAS TOUR (@midnightstrack2) March 18, 2023
the midnight rain costume change is so good stfuuu 😭#GlendaleTSTheErasTour pic.twitter.com/oLaSmEZ8DZ
— 𝙠𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙖 (taylor’s version) 🦋🪩 (@swiftiestanwbu) March 18, 2023
taylor’s reputation costume was the best part of the show last night like i am obsessed pic.twitter.com/Pj1xnxWVBx
— becky 🥐 (@benditlikebecky) March 19, 2023
SOMEONE DID IT YOU GUYS pic.twitter.com/JVDiMMevOQ
— lea | eras spoilers🍓SEEING GRACIE (@cowboylikehale) March 19, 2023
they’re having a camp off pic.twitter.com/OxWsZ4nYE6
— 𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘆 💫 eras tour TX 4/1 & 4/22 (@xThisIsAndyG) March 20, 2023
We’re dressed up as TVs, a play on Taylor’s Version. 😂
— KelseyLioness (@kelseyLioness) March 20, 2023
It was a hit and people took pics with us and all. 😊 @taylornation13 #erastouroutfit #erastour #erastourglendale pic.twitter.com/gwhsOdXEys
I went with a guy and we dressed up as Taylor in her getaway car outfit backstage hugging Joe. A couple girls picked up on it at our show & it was fun. pic.twitter.com/9sxqM2qPJb
— Melissa - Eras Tour Vegas 3/24 3/25 (@MelissaEnchant) March 20, 2023
@briannaxrenee SEE U AT NIGHT 2 🫶🏻💕✨ first time at a Taylor concert so excited! #taylorswift #erastour #erastouroutfits #swiftcity #taylornation #glendaletstheerastour #swifttok ♬ ERAS TOUR OUTFIT TRANSITION - paige!
Lucky Fans Caught The Jaw-Dropping, Fearless Dive On Camera
One of the most surprising moments of Eras Tour was most definitely Swift's shocking dive off stage. Stirring a collective gasp from the crowd, the moment served as a transition from her debut era to Midnights.
Between a three-hour show and a flawless swan dive, the Eras Tour begs one question: Is there anything Taylor Swift can't do?
Idk how I caught this @taylorswift13 #GlendaleTSTheErasTour pic.twitter.com/y8FqEwMcWH
— Daniel McGreevy (@DanielJMcGreevy) March 18, 2023
📲 UPDATE | Taylor has won the gold medal in the high dive!
— kaitlyn🪩 69 (@fearlesskait) March 18, 2023
The dive was the craziest thing ive ever seen I was so caught off guard LMAO
— 𝒓𝒚𝒍𝒆𝒆 is seeing taylor!!!! (@ucanbemyjailer) March 18, 2023