Taylor Swift is an American singer-songwriter who is known for her narrative songwriting that often centers around her personal life. She is one of the world’s best-selling music artists, having sold over 200 million records worldwide. Swift is embarking on her Eras Tour in 2023, which will see her performing across the United States.
Taylor Swift’s Upcoming Kansas City Show
One of the stops on Swift’s Eras Tour is set for Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on July 8, 2023. This will mark Swift’s first concert in Kansas City since her Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018. The Eras Tour promises to showcase Swift’s evolution as an artist across her 10 studio albums.
For major concert tours, it is common for there to be one or more supporting acts that open the show before the headliner performs. Opening acts help warm up the audience and keep the energy going between sets. Fans are eager to know who Swift has chosen to open her Kansas City show.
Who is Opening for Taylor Swift in Kansas City?
As of now, Swift has not formally announced who will be the opening acts for each show on her Eras Tour. Local radio promotions have hinted that Swift may be planning to have different openers in each city. This keeps the identity of the supporting acts as a surprise for fans.
Looking at who opened for Swift’s previous tours and stadium shows can provide some clues as to the caliber of artists she likes to feature. Here are some possibilities for who could open the Kansas City show:
Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers is a singer-songwriter who emerged in 2017 and has collaborated with Swift. Bridgers appeared on Swift’s 2020 album Evermore. Her unique indie-folk sound would complement Swift’s pop and country hits. Bridgers has gained critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase, making her a strong contender.
girl in red
Marie Ulven, known by her stage name girl in red, is a Norwegian indie pop singer-songwriter. She has been praised by Swift, who said she listens to Ulven’s music. Swift has also covered one of girl in red’s songs. Ulven’s dark pop sound and LGBTQ+ representation would resonate with many of Swift’s fans.
Gracie Abrams
Gracie Abrams is a rising American singer-songwriter who has amassed a major TikTok following. The daughter of director J.J. Abrams, she debuted in 2019 and has since released an EP and singles with buzz. At 21, Abrams has potential for wider mainstream success. Swift may want to spotlight her music.
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo became one of the biggest breakout music stars of 2021 with her hit “drivers license.” The former Disney actress went on to have one of the most successful debut albums of the year. She represents pop’s future, much like a young Taylor Swift did years ago. Rodrigo could draw a passionate audience if she opens the show.
Halsey
Like Swift, Halsey is a pop singer-songwriter who found fame as a teenage artist earlier in her career. She has collaborated with Swift and even appeared in her “Bad Blood” music video. Halsey joining the tour would make for a powerful team-up between two of pop’s contemporary female leaders.
When Will Taylor Swift Announce the Kansas City Opener?
While nothing is confirmed yet, Swift will likely announce her Kansas City opening act(s) in the coming months leading up to the July 8 concert. Some possibilities include:
- Swift could reveal the opener when tickets go on sale for the Kansas City show
- She may announce it separately on social media to generate more hype
- The opener’s own social channels may also announce their inclusion on the tour
- Local radio and media outlets in Kansas City could share an exclusive announcement
Stay tuned to Taylor Swift’s social media and official website for any Eras Tour updates. Given her penchant for surprises, fans can expect she will find creative ways to reveal the important supporting act details.
Past Taylor Swift Opening Acts
Looking back at who Swift has invited to open her tours over the years provides more insight into who she might choose. Here are some of the most notable Taylor Swift opening acts from her previous concert tours:
Tour | Opening Act(s) |
---|---|
Fearless Tour (2009-2010) | Kellie Pickler, Gloriana, Justin Bieber |
Speak Now Tour (2011-2012) | Needtobreathe, Danny Gokey, Frankie Ballard |
Red Tour (2013-2014) | Ed Sheeran, Austin Mahone, Joel Crouse |
1989 World Tour (2015) | Vance Joy, Shawn Mendes, HAIM |
Reputation Stadium Tour (2018) | Camila Cabello, Charli XCX |
Examining these past openers shows that Swift favors highlighting up-and-coming artists, particularly in the pop and country genres. She mixes newcomers with more established acts. Her fellow female artists seem to make common appearances.
Why Do Opening Acts Matter?
Some fans may wonder why the opening act at a Taylor Swift concert is such a big deal. There are a few important reasons why these supporting performers are valuable:
- Opening acts get the rare opportunity to play for a massive audience in large venues. This can help grow their popularity.
- Fans get more entertainment by discovering new artists that align with the headliner’s style.
- The right opening act builds anticipation and excitement before the headliner appears on stage.
- Openers represent the next generation of talent that the headliner wants to showcase.
So the significance goes beyond just having more performers take the stage. Opening for a top artist allows emerging talent to be heard. And Taylor Swift has continually used her platform to highlight rising artists throughout her career. So fans have reason to be intrigued by who she hand-picks to kick off her shows.
Conclusion
Taylor Swift is an amazing live performer, so fans are already eager to see her Eras Tour. But there is extra buzz surrounding who will get the coveted supporting spots on her tour. Fans are analyzing her past openers and current musical collaborations for hints of who Swift might choose. The opening acts often represent Swift’s tastes and whom she sees as up-and-coming talent deserving of a wider audience. When Swift finally announces who will open the Kansas City show, it will create even more excitement for what is sure to be an incredible concert event.