The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami went silent for a moment, then the sound of “The Abyss” began to play. As fans immediately started cheering, the lights slowly lit up the stage. At the same time, everyone’s wristbands began to glow in sync with the music. When the Weeknd appeared, the whole stadium got lost in the moment. 

“I had really high expectations because I love the artist,” said Atoosa Ravanbakhsh, an eighth-grade communications major. “I saw the fireworks, the special effects, and wristbands glowing in the dark. I think it definitely lived up to my expectations.” 

Ravanbakhsh wasn’t the only one who felt that way. All around the stadium, fans sang and danced to the beat, totally lost in the fire. In the end, people cried for more, blinded by the concert. 

Naila Shikeli, eighth-grade vocal major, said, “I really liked the wristbands the most because you could just show them off like with the red lights, how they flickered. So cool!  I also thought that they really added to the performance, and it is something that I can keep with me forever.” 

Every element of the concert added to the performance. Not only was it just The Weeknd himself who made the concert memorable, but Playboi Carti and Future also made an appearance on Miami’s stage. Future’s appearance was really unexpected, and fans were cheering both of them on.  

“I expected only to see The Weeknd and Playboi Carti because that’s what it said online, but when Future also came out, I was so surprised and thought that it really added to the experience,”  said Natalia Prida, a seventh-grade vocal major.

The concert was an unforgettable experience. The fire and fireworks were creative elements that made the night truly memorable. But what made the concert eventful was who you chose to experience it with. 

“It was amazing,” said eighth-grade communications major, Brooklyn Bricklemyer. “I was expecting a traditional, no fireworks, no fire in general, just a typical concert that you would just go see on the weekend, but it was just way more than that. My favorite part of the concert was spending time with the person that I went with, and seeing everybody just being so happy and lively.” 

Ending the night off like a moth to a flame, fireworks burst as fans cheered for The Weeknd one final time. Sadly, this will be the last time he is called “The Weeknd.” Although he will be making more music, it will be under his real name, Abel Tesfaye. Many fans are thrilled to see him embark on this new chapter in his musical career.