Downtown Phoenix lit up with color and sound on July 1st as Betty Who brought her Out of the Darkness Tour to the Crescent Ballroom stage. The Australian-born pop artist, known for her magnetic stage presence and euphoric anthems, delivered a set that was equal parts dance party and emotional release.
Arriving just one day after the end of Pride month, the show was a beautiful reminder that safe, joyful spaces can and should exist year-round for the queer community. Even in a state far from her own home, Betty Who made her own impact here in Arizona by donating $1 from every ticket sold to the Phoenix Pride Community Foundation.
It set a beautiful tone from the night, which was already proving to be an exuberant celebration of self-love and fearless confidence from the first seconds she took the stage. Opening with the pulsing rhythms of “Run!”, Who wasted no time in pulling the crowd into her world, her two backup dancers moving in perfect sync as vibrant lighting filled the stage in bursts of color. The energy only built from there, with “WEEKEND” and “Mama Say” keeping the room on its feet.
While Who could have easily filled the stage with just her own charm and talent, the choice to bring out two dancers added even more depth to the viewing experience as they mirrored her sharp, playful choreography with each song. The setlist pulled generously from her most recent album, 2022’s BIG!, while weaving in longtime fan favorites like “Wanna Be” and “Missing You”. The first note of the latter drew out an excited shriek from the woman next to me, who had told me earlier in the evening that she had been following Who’s career since her 2014 debut album.
More energetic tracks like “SWEAT!” and “All of You” were performed with a vigor and enthusiasm that was reminiscent of other incredible dance-pop shows I’ve attended, channeling the aura of industry heavyweights in similar niches, like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX. For many fans present, it was a hopeful sign that Who might be working on a new era of music that channels current trends with her own unique, authentic twist. Between the choreographed numbers, the singer slowed down just enough to show vulnerability, reflecting on her journey in music and the gratitude she feels for the community that’s rallied around her, especially during a time when touring has become so costly, both in the physical and financial sense.
As the night ended with “I Love You Always Forever”, the crowd left Crescent Ballroom absolutely glowing. Betty Who’s performance in Phoenix was more than just a concert, it was a testament to the enduring power of pop music to build community and heal sore hearts.
