Pink has been a favorite in our household for years. My love for her goes all the way back to the “Save the Last Dance” Soundtrack when she put out “You Make Me Sick”, a high energy dance track that I LOVED to move to when I was much younger. Since then, Pink’s music has evolved and she has become an independent songwriter. All of her music is carefully crafted by her and has a message that speaks to something important in her own life. I have admired her as an artist, but also as a person, given her unapologetic authenticity. She is an incredible role model for youth and someone I would love to hang out with personally.
There were a few times, years ago, when I worked as a server at a resort in Southern California when she and her husband, Carey Hart, came in and sat at my table. I served them a few times, as they frequented this location. I wouldn’t call this “hanging out”, but she was entertaining, kind, yet blunt, and a genuinely good human. One of my favorite of all the celebrities I ever served.
Although I have loved her for decades, I have never had an opportunity to see her live. It is no shock that when her tour went on sale, I snagged tickets for myself, my 8 year old son, and my dad. Three generations, all absolutely adoring of Pink, and we had a blast together at the show.
Stepping into the venue in San Francisco, we were immediately hit with a bolt of electric energy from the crowds around us. The air buzzed with excitement, and anticipation hung thick as fans eagerly awaited an unforgettable evening with the Grammy-winning artist known for her powerhouse vocals and captivating performances. We made our way to our seats, front row of the 2nd deck, all the way opposite the stage. Far from the real action, but a good view of all of the set. We sat for just a few minutes before Pink made her way out.
From the moment Pink stepped onto the stage, it was obvious that the audience was in for a treat. I remember looking over at my son, beaming from ear to ear, as he watched her welcome her guests to the show. Just past him, my father, also smiling, both at Pink, and at the excitement of his grandson. Pink truly commands any stage, but just her presence brings joy and life to the room.
The evening opened, as it should, with “Get This Party Started”, bringing Pink out to a loud chorus of screams and singing fans. As she sang through some of her most notorious songs, she arrived at one of my favorites. The chills came quickly at the haunting notes of “What About Us,” a poignant anthem that has become a symbol of resilience and unity. Pink’s delivery of this emotionally charged ballad was nothing short of mesmerizing. The audience hung on every word as she navigated the song’s intricate melodies with precision, infusing each lyric with a depth of emotion that resonated through the venue. It was particularly emotional watching both my son and father belting out the words along with her, side by side at the show.
In a poignant moment that transcended the boundaries between artist and audience, Pink added an extra layer of emotion to the summer carnival by inviting her daughter, Willow Sage Hart, to join her on stage and sing their duet, “Cover Me with Sunshine”. The atmosphere in the arena shifted as mother and daughter stood side by side, creating a tableau of familial love that resonated deeply with the audience. Again, it was not lost on me that I, myself, was there with my own father and son, enjoying this beautiful moment together.
As the song concluded, the applause that erupted was not just for the musical talent displayed on stage but for the authenticity and vulnerability that Pink had bared for all to see. Pink’s honest confession that having her daughter onstage with her overwhelmed her was a beautiful moment to see. The emotional impact of the duet lingered in the air, creating a sense of shared connection among those present. In that moment, the summer carnival became more than a concert—it was a communal celebration of love, family, and the profound beauty of shared experiences.
Just when the audience thought the sonic journey had reached its peak, Pink unveiled a show-stopping finale that elevated the entire experience to new heights—literally. As the notes of the final encore reverberated through the arena, anticipation reached a crescendo, and then, in a breathtaking moment, Pink emerged on a lift that carried her high above the audience. She performed the finale as she was flown around the arena, coming close enough to our seats in the back that my son could practically reach out and touch her, (practically, not literally). This addition to the set brought so much extra life to the room. My son could not look away as she soared through the air during “So What?” displaying her dynamic aerial tricks.
As the final notes of the concert echoed in the night, the audience was left with more than just the memory of a spectacular show; they were left with a profound lesson in the importance of embracing one’s authentic self. Pink’s unapologetic presence had not only entertained but had also inspired a celebration of individuality that would resonate far beyond the confines of the arena. The summer carnival was a testament to the enduring power of authenticity in a world that is often too quick to demand conformity.
From the moment Pink stepped onto the stage, it was evident that this was more than a concert; it was a celebration of individuality, a reminder that the most powerful performances come from artists who are unafraid to be themselves. Pink brought down the house with her vocal talent, authentic and genuine personality, and the theatrics that we have come to expect from this artist. All in all, this show was fire, just like Pink.
