Billie Eilish Kicks Off Final Leg of Tour in New Orleans, Reflects on Post-COVID Return

Pop star Billie Eilish launched the final leg of her “Hit Me Hard And Soft” tour yesterday, November 7, 2024, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, expressing deep affection for the city as the site of her return to live performance after the pandemic.

Addressing a crowd of thousands, Eilish, 23, shared that the New Orleans show in 2022 marked the first performance following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. “That show was the first show since the two years of nothing during COVID … so I think very highly of this place,” she said. “It’s so cool to be back here and see all these faces again. We’ve all grown and it’s crazy … thank you all for having me back here.” The tour’s return to live events was highly anticipated by fans worldwide, signaling a broader resurgence in the music industry.

The Grammy and Oscar-winning artist performed a setlist spanning her discography, including hits like “Bad Guy,” “Ocean Eyes,” and “L’AMOUR DE MA VIE.” Eilish engaged with fans directly during the performance, leaving the stage mid-song during “everything i wanted” to high-five audience members. She also described the tour as “the most magical tour ever,” adding, “It’s the last first show.” For more on Billie Eilish’s career, visit her official website.

Eilish will perform a second night at the Smoothie King Center tonight, November 8, 2024, with Men I Trust as the opening act. Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster.