Review + Photos: Taylor Swift Rocks Philadelphia on Reputation Tour
- Matt Bishop
- Jul 14, 2018
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 9, 2024
The tour's production matches the massiveness of Swift's latest blockbuster album 'reputation'
On Friday the 13th - a day which is ominous in the minds of the superstitious - the Philly Swifties were anything but. In fact, some 60,000 fans packed Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to bear witness to Taylor Swift's reputation tour. And they were not disappointed. The energy was palpable even before the first artist stepped on stage, as fans of all ages flooded the stadium, many wearing iconic Taylor-inspired outfits — from snake-themed ensembles to Reputation tour t-shirts. The excitement was accentuated by the LED wristbands given to each attendee, which would later transform the crowd into a dynamic, light-up canvas that added to the immersive experience of the evening.
Charli XCX kicked off the evening's festivities. The British pop sensation already known for her energetic live performances. She stormed the stage and opened with "Boom Clap," her breakthrough hit, immediately igniting the crowd’s energy. Charli's set, filled with hits like "Break the Rules" and "Boys," was a blend of edgy pop and electronic beats. She exuded confidence with every movement, interacting with the audience and making the massive stadium feel more intimate. Her performance was fun, unapologetic, and tailored to a crowd that thrives on empowerment. Though her set was brief, Charli XCX made a lasting impression, her bold style and infectious energy setting the tone for the night.
Camila Cabello, who's solo career is quickly gaining monster momentum, proved that she has the potential to possibly headline a venue that size one day on her own.
The former Fifth Harmony member received a warm welcome from the crowd, with many singing along to every word. Opening with “Never Be the Same,” Cabello showcased her vocal range and versatility. Her performance of "Havana," the night’s undeniable highlight, had the crowd on their feet, dancing and singing along. Cabello’s charisma and stage presence were clear, blending sultry vocals with playful choreography. Throughout her set, Camila connected with the audience, sharing stories of her journey and expressing gratitude to be part of such a monumental tour. Her mix of vulnerability and confidence made her the perfect lead-in to the night’s headliner.
In support of her second pop outing 'Reputation,' it's clear that Swift is looking to make a statement on this run. With a massive production that features huge LED screens, fireworks, and pyro, Swift undoubtedly puts on a spectacle.
It was evident that Swift is pushing her new disc. She performed 12 songs from The Rep album. Along with a few medleys, she made sure to treat the crowd to "Blank Space" and "Shake It Off" from her multi-platinum previous effort '1989.'
It will be interesting to see how much life Taylor gets from this record. The performances she's giving on this trek are certainly something to stake her reputation on.
When Tay-Tay finally took the stage, the stadium erupted in a wave of deafening cheers. Opening with “...Ready For It?,” the show immediately delivered the drama and spectacle that fans had been anticipating. Taylor appeared atop a massive stage set, flanked by pyrotechnics, intricate LED screens, and a towering snake motif that has become symbolic of her Reputation era.
Swift’s set was a visual and auditory feast, blending the darkness of her Reputation album with the flair of a theatrical production. The stage was designed with multiple levels, allowing Swift to engage every corner of the stadium. One of the most striking elements of the show was her ability to seamlessly mix intimate acoustic moments with larger-than-life, pop-driven numbers.
Swift's performance was a journey through her discography, with a heavy emphasis on tracks from Reputation. Highlights included powerful renditions of "Look What You Made Me Do," where a giant inflatable cobra loomed over the stage, and "Gorgeous," where Swift’s vocals soared above the massive audience. Fan favorites from her earlier albums, like "Love Story" and "You Belong With Me," brought a wave of nostalgia to the night.
It was evident that Swift is pushing her new disc. She performed 12 songs from The Rep album. Along with a few medleys, she made sure to treat the crowd to "Blank Space" and "Shake It Off" from her multi-platinum previous effort '1989.'
One of the most memorable moments of the show came during her performance of "Delicate." Swift ascended above the crowd in a lit-up basket that transported her to a secondary stage in the middle of the stadium, bringing her closer to the audience in the farthest reaches of the venue. It was these kinds of moments that demonstrated Swift's commitment to making every fan feel seen, no matter where they were seated.
Swift also incorporated two surprise acoustic songs into her set: “Treacherous” from Red and “Begin Again” from Red, both met with thunderous applause. Her acoustic moments were particularly powerful, reminding the audience that beyond the glitz and glamor, Swift is at her core a deeply emotional songwriter.
The just like her last run, Swift does not skimp on production. The reputation tour setup staggering. Every song had its own unique visual identity, with Taylor utilizing complex choreography, an army of dancers, and an array of special effects — including fireworks, smoke machines, and moving stages — to craft a high-energy spectacle. The stage design allowed Swift to move freely, giving her the space to engage with her dancers and musicians while commanding the entire stadium’s attention.
The lighting and the LED wristbands that pulsed in sync with the music added to the spectacle. When the lights dimmed, and the stadium filled with glowing wristbands, it created a communal experience that felt like a shared heartbeat pulsing through the audience.
One of Swift’s strongest attributes as a live performer is her ability to connect with her fans. Throughout the night, she took moments to thank the crowd, reflect on her journey, and express her love for Philadelphia, a city she’s always had a special connection with. Her monologue before “Long Live” was especially touching, where she thanked fans for standing by her through the ups and downs of her career.
Swift's connection with her fans was palpable, and despite the massive size of the venue, she somehow made the night feel personal and intimate. Her emotional speeches between songs reflected the themes of redemption and resilience that the Reputation album embodied.
For the Swifties, last night felt like more than just a concert — it was an unforgettable pop spectacle that blended raw emotion, high-energy performances, and theatrical production. With Charli XCX and Camila Cabello priming the crowd, Swift took fans on a journey through her most controversial era, delivering a powerful message of self-empowerment and redemption. From the flawless execution of the production to her connection with the audience, Swift proved once again why she’s one of the most compelling performers of her generation.
It will be interesting to see how much life Taylor gets from this record. The performances she's giving on this trek are certainly something to stake her reputation on.
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