I got issues, you got ‘em too — and one of them is how much I love Julia Michaels! On Nov. 13, Julia Michaels performed to a sold-out crowd at The Fillmore. She is currently touring after the release of part two of her album “Inner Monologue.”
If you don’t know who this beautiful, angelic genius is, she is a 26-year-old singer/songwriter who began her professional songwriting career at age 16. Michaels has written for artists such as Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Gwen Stefani, Nick Jonas, Niall Horan, and Hailee Steinfeld. She rose to fame in her own right in 2017 when she released her triple-platinum and Grammy-nominated single “Issues.”
Her performance at The Fillmore was her 17th stop on her 19-city national tour. It was also her 26th birthday, and the excitement was palpable. One fan even made a sign that read “Happy Birthday, Julia!” in Hot Cheetos, which are one of her favorite snacks. The audience sang “Happy Birthday” to her, not once, but twice. It was magical.
It was magical.
Although it was standing room only, not a single person was pushing or getting too close to one another. Everyone was there for a common purpose: to enjoy an amazing performance and have a fun time. At one point, Michaels asked everyone to turn to someone next to them, introduce themselves, and even hug if they wanted to. Suffice to say, introductions and hugs flew around wildly.
She sang her major hits, including “Issues,” “Anxiety” (sans Selena Gomez), “Heaven,” “Priest,” “Falling for Boys,” “What a Time,” and even performed a cover of “F*** You” by CeeLo Green. Before performing “Anxiety,” she spoke about her own struggles with the subject. Then, when singing the line, “Always wanted to be one of those people that says something and everyone puts their hand up,” the audience put their hands up in unison. And when she sang, “Like if you’re sad, put your hand up. If you hate someone put your hand up. If you’re scared, put your hand up,” they did it thrice more.
Toward the end of the show, balloons rained down from the ceiling and later, confetti did, too. To say it was incredible and life-changing is an understatement — I’m pretty sure she didn’t stop dancing during the entirety of this unforgettable night.
