Her show was directed by Scarlett Johansson and it was live streamed at amexunstaged.com, or via the AMEX Unstaged app, in partnership with YouTube and Vevo. This concert was in support of her latest studio album, Delirium.
She opened her set with “Outside” and she continued with the upbeat and fun “Something In the Way You Move.” After a sip of water, she immediately broke into “Ritual” and “Goodness Gracious,” which ended with an impressive drum solo, where she had the Hammerstein Ballroom audience clapping along.
“It is so good to see you. Thank you so much. Great to see your lovely faces. I’ve had a crazy week but you guys made it so much better. I love you so much,” she said, complimented her New York fans.
Goulding continued with “Figure 8” and while the stage was graced in orange lights, she delivered a vivacious performance of “Keep on Dancin’,” which featured her lilting voice, and it garnered her a standing ovation.
During “Don’t Need Nobody,” she had the crowd singing along with her, and “Codes” was equally noteworthy.” The British songstress emerged from the center of the venue on a white, glowing mini-stage, where she sang “Explosion,” thus showcasing her wide range and expressive vocals. It was followed by the highlight performance of the evening, “Love Me Like You Do,” which was sheer vocal performance. It was choreographed by farmed former Alvin Ailey dancer Benoit Swan Pouffer, as dancers elegantly danced on the main stage.
Particularly impressive about her performance in the middle of the venue is that she encouraged her fans to turn their phones off, and stressed that she prefers to see their faces as opposed to their phones, and they obliged to her wishes. “Thank you for keeping your phones away,” Goulding said, graciously, and she was absolutely right, since it afforded them the privilege to enjoy her vocals in a raw yet powerful fashion.
She returned to the main stage where she sang “Army” and the optimistic “Don’t Panic,” prior to taking her fans on a trip down memory lane with “Anything Could Happen,” which featured a neat, psychedelic background on the televised screens.
While she sang “I Need Your Love,” a bubble cannon blew bubbles throughout the venue. “I love bubbles,” Goulding said, and she closed with her mellifluous hit single “Lights,” which was utterly fantastic.
For her encore, Goulding returned to sing her new radio single “On My Mind” and she closed with her smash single “Burn,” which was pure ear candy. Towards the end of “Burn,” a confetti cannon erupted, where metallic confetti drizzled over the crowd. Prior to kissing her fans “good night,” she thanked her “incredible” band and backing singers.
The Verdict
Overall, Ellie Goulding’s live show at Hammerstein Ballroom in the heart of New York City was outstanding. She had the crowd with her every step of the way, and her vocals were delicate, captivating and simply too good to be mortal. Most importantly, she allowed her vibrant personality to shine, and she expressed her gratitude to her fans throughout the show. If one has yet to see Ellie Goulding sing live, then their bucket list is not complete in life. Her show garnered 5 out of 5 stars.
Fans that missed this exceptional live concert, could catch it live on American Express Unstaged’s official website, for 48 hours.
For more information on pop sensation Ellie Goulding, be sure to check out her official website.
