The Bryce Jordan Center was packed with people of all walks of life united to see one person: The Weeknd. The 27 year-old Canadian and his supporting acts, Nav and Gucci Mane, reminded everyone why he is nicknamed, The Starboy.
The night began with Nav, a Canadian hip hop artist that just joined the tour and chose Penn State as his first show. Rapping his more popular songs such as “Some Way,” and “Up,” Nav wore a plaid bomber jacket, black jeans and classic rapper shades that highlighted the pyrotechnics and smoke behind him.
Gucci Mane was up next bringing everyone in the BJC to their feet with his energy and fan favorite songs. His flashy, sequin encrusted shoes made it hard not to pay attention to him and his music. After playing songs like, “Make Love,” and “Gucci Please,” a buzz fell over the arena knowing that The Starboy was next.
The Weeknd’s set began with a large rocketship-shaped stage piece floating down within three feet of the catwalk confusing everyone on where to look.
“Is he about to pull a Kanye?” Said Samantha Collina a Penn State Junior as she and the rest of the arena tried to figure out what was about to happen.
As everyone looked on confused and excited the top of the rocketship lifted as if it was taking off with the sounds, lights, and smoke to give the full effect. Just as the rocket rose high above the crowd The Weeknd appeared from under the stage encased in a cylinder of purple lasers. Beginning with a bang the entire arena was bouncing to the popular tune of “Starboy.”
The Weeknd shocked many with his talents prompting many to question whether or not he was really signing.
“It was just so good, I was thrown off guard.” Said Christina Butera senior at Penn State.
As the night went on and more and more songs were played it became clear that the two time Grammy Award winner was authentic and his talent was something to be marveled at.
The Weeknd made sure to please every fan in attendance playing radio hits such as, “Earned It,” and “Feel it Coming,” party hits like, “Often,” and “Sidewalks,” also sprinkling in songs from his first mixtape and a cover of Ty Dolla $ign’s “Or Nah.”
Ending the night with “The Hills,” he left the crowd energized and satisfied with a great performance.
While the masses exited the BJC Valley asked 30 students what they believed the best act to come to Penn State has been, and by an overwhelming 83% of students said that no concert will ever compare to Kanye West.
Tweet us at @Valleymag with what you believe has been the best concert at the BJC.
