The Skyline Stage was the perfect backdrop for Ella Mai’s “Do You Still Love Me?” tour stop in Philadelphia. Located on the outskirts of the city, with a gorgeous view of the Philly skyline reflecting on the water, this was one of the most beautiful outdoor venues I’ve ever been to. 

This was also the friendliest, most respectful (and well-dressed) crowd I’d ever seen. Leather mini skirts, flowy sundresses, expertly applied eyeliner, thigh high boots, platform heels – and no one trying to push or shove their way to the front. It was a perfect August night, and everyone was there to make the most of it.

With an understated stage setup consisting of a phone booth, a chaise lounge chair, and a lone spotlight, Ella Mai gave a memorable performance without the large production. She came on stage in a copper ball gown, the picture of regal and elegant. She opened the show with “There Goes My Heart” before addressing the crowd with, “I’ve got one question for you, Philly. Do you still love me?” Thunderous cheers and applause followed, giving her the answer she was looking for.

The following performances included “100” and “My Mind” from her latest album, Do You Still Love Me?, released in February of this year. When “Naked,” a bonus track from her 2018 self-titled album, played, the audience held up their phone lights, illuminating the venue. The ambient lights on the stage shifted from cool blue to fiery red to golden peach to fit the mood of each song. A standout performance of the night was “Might Just,” when the lights dimmed to a dark red and the crowd echoed Ella’s anger-fueled “I’ll burn this whole thing down.” 

Across the stage, the phone in the yellow booth began to ring. Ella picked up, seemingly having a lighthearted conversation with the person on the other end – referencing “Love Island” and saying, “Someone needs to put the exes in their place. I have a call to make,” before hanging up the phone and performing “Tell Her” and “Bonus” from inside the phone booth. Halfway through the set during “Outside,” Ella turned things over to her supporting vocalists, Bryson and Taylor, who blew the crowd away with stunning vocal runs and harmonies.

At one point during the set, Ella asked, “Do we have any lovers here in Philly?” going on to add, “C’mon, this is an R&B show, I already know the answer to that question.” And as I looked around, I saw couples slow dancing and cuddling on blankets on the lawn, moms and daughters singing together and holding hands, friends laughing and passing cocktails back and forth – I realized this truly was a crowd full of lovers.

Ella Mai’s “Do You Still Love Me?” tour continues in Europe and the UK starting in mid-September. Tickets are available here.

Full setlist: Here

Follow ELLA MAI | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY