US actress Hilary Duff, best known for starring in the Disney Channel sitcom Lizzie McGuire, took the stage last week for a sold-out show, marking her first live performance in 18 years. To the surprise of many, including herself, the crowd was electrically enthusiastic, with fans from around the world singing along to every word.
Duff's on-stage persona remained unchanged despite the long hiatus – down-to-earth and sincere, she seamlessly wove a spell of euphoria and escapism over her audience. When belting out a familiar anthem like 'Why Not', you couldn't help but feel as though everyone in attendance was singing it with them, years of nostalgia wrapped up in one unforgettable performance.
The 17-song set expertly balanced both old and new material – the singer's voice has matured significantly over time, imbuing even long-standing hits like 'Fly' and 'Come Clean' with a newfound depth. However, some listeners found her more recent single 'Someone's Watching Over Me', a heartfelt ode to self-acceptance, slightly too sentimental.
The show wasn't without its playful moments either – Duff poked fun at her own past, including a cheeky dance routine from 2007's viral hit 'With Love' that she'd re-enact with three lucky fans on stage.
As the performance progressed and came to an emotional close with both new single 'Mature' and Lizzie McGuire classic 'What Dreams Are Made Of', Duff was left jumping for joy amidst a frenzy of pink confetti – a truly wild, joyful spectacle that showed just how much music can be at the heart of this multifaceted talent's portfolio career.
Duff's on-stage persona remained unchanged despite the long hiatus – down-to-earth and sincere, she seamlessly wove a spell of euphoria and escapism over her audience. When belting out a familiar anthem like 'Why Not', you couldn't help but feel as though everyone in attendance was singing it with them, years of nostalgia wrapped up in one unforgettable performance.
The 17-song set expertly balanced both old and new material – the singer's voice has matured significantly over time, imbuing even long-standing hits like 'Fly' and 'Come Clean' with a newfound depth. However, some listeners found her more recent single 'Someone's Watching Over Me', a heartfelt ode to self-acceptance, slightly too sentimental.
The show wasn't without its playful moments either – Duff poked fun at her own past, including a cheeky dance routine from 2007's viral hit 'With Love' that she'd re-enact with three lucky fans on stage.
As the performance progressed and came to an emotional close with both new single 'Mature' and Lizzie McGuire classic 'What Dreams Are Made Of', Duff was left jumping for joy amidst a frenzy of pink confetti – a truly wild, joyful spectacle that showed just how much music can be at the heart of this multifaceted talent's portfolio career.