On June 18, 2025, Halsey delivered an electrifying performance at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St. Louis as part of her For My Last Trick tour, supporting her fifth studio album, The Great Impersonator. The night was a testament to Halsey’s artistry, blending raw emotion, theatrical flair, and relentless energy, leaving the crowd buzzing long after the final note.
The Setup and Atmosphere
The Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, an open-air venue, was packed with fans under the Missouri sky. The stage design was a visual feast, incorporating Alice in Wonderland-inspired elements that tied into the tour’s thematic narrative. Video interludes, including “Alice Wake Up,” set the tone with surreal instrumentals, pulling the audience into Halsey’s whimsical yet introspective world. Support acts Magdalena Bay and flowerovlove warmed up the crowd, but the energy shifted palpably when Halsey took the stage at 9:00 PM.
The Performance
Halsey’s setlist was a dynamic journey through her discography, balancing tracks from The Great Impersonator with fan favorites from Badlands, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, Manic, and If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power. Opening with the live debut of “Darwinism,” she immediately commanded attention with her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence. The crowd erupted during classics like “Bad at Love,” “Colors,” and “Gasoline,” while newer tracks like “Only Living Girl in LA” and “Panic Attack” showcased her evolution as an artist.
A highlight was the surprise song segment, a staple of this tour where Halsey performs a different track each night. In St. Louis, fans were treated to “Hopeless,” a poignant choice that had many in section 204 and beyond in tears, as shared by fans on X. The performance of “Is There Somewhere” from her Room 93 EP was a nostalgic nod to longtime fans, with Halsey’s raw delivery evoking the intimacy of her early days. The revival of “Arsonist” was another crowd-pleaser, its intense energy amplified by the Broadway-caliber choreography.
Halsey’s connection with the audience was a standout. She moved through the crowd, touching hands in the pit and fostering a sense of unity, emphasizing relatability with her heartfelt remarks about shared human experiences. Her stamina was remarkable, especially given her recent health challenges with lupus and a T-cell disorder. Despite a strict 11:00 PM venue curfew, Halsey pushed the show to 11:40 PM, risking fines to deliver a full experience, a gesture fans on X praised as a testament to her dedication.
Theatrics and Production
The production was nothing short of cinematic. Costume changes were seamless, each outfit reflecting the mood of the set—vibrant and bold for high-energy tracks, softer and ethereal for introspective moments. The visuals, blending Alice in Wonderland motifs with personal storytelling, were stunning, with interludes like “alice feels too big” and “alice has had enough” tying the setlist into a cohesive narrative. The stage mechanics, crafted with input from a Broadway professional, elevated the performance to a theatrical spectacle, particularly during “I Am Not a Woman, I’m a God” and “Nightmare.”
Vocal and Emotional Impact
Halsey’s vocals were flawless, navigating the emotional highs and lows of her catalog with ease. Her ability to shift from vulnerable ballads like “Graveyard” to defiant anthems like “Control” showcased her versatility. The emotional weight of The Great Impersonator tracks, inspired by her health struggles, resonated deeply, with “Lucky” and “Lonely is the Muse” hitting hard for fans aware of her journey. The crowd’s energy matched hers, with fans screaming, dancing, and singing along, creating a communal atmosphere.
Standout Moments
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“Hopeless” as the Surprise Song: A fan favorite that sparked an emotional outpouring, with posts on X capturing the moment’s impact.
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Crowd Interaction: Halsey’s run through the pit during “Is There Somewhere” felt personal, bridging the gap between artist and audience.
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Defying the Curfew: Playing past 11:00 PM, Halsey ensured fans got the full show, ending with “Only Living Girl in LA” as a bold closer.
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Theatrical Storytelling: The Alice in Wonderland theme, paired with video interludes and choreography, made the concert feel like a live music film.
Final Thoughts
Halsey’s St. Louis performance was a masterclass in blending vulnerability, theatricality, and raw talent. Her ability to captivate thousands with minimal backing, as noted by a Toronto fan’s review, was evident here, with moments of solo stage presence that held the audience spellbound. The show was both a celebration of her resilience and a gift to fans, weaving her personal narrative into a universal experience. For those in St. Louis, it was a night of connection, catharsis, and pure pop artistry. Halsey didn’t just perform—she created a world, and the audience was lucky to live in it for those two hours.
