The Weeknd Singapore concert review: After Hours Til Dawn is a spectacular return after 8 years

The Weeknd made a triumphant return to Singapore on Friday (Oct 2) after an eight-year hiatus, delivering a spectacular concert titled "After Hours Til Dawn." This comeback performance served as a reintroduction to the artist for local fans, as it had been eight years since his last show in the city. Over the course of two hours, The Weeknd showcased his powerful vocals, dazzling lasers, and larger-than-life production, proving just how far he has come as a performer.

Japanese hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts opened the show, setting a lively tone with their energetic performance of the popular track "Otonoke" from the anime Dan Da Dan. This energy carried seamlessly into the main act, with The Weeknd immediately captivating the audience with his mesmerizing rendition of "Baptized In Fear." The singer's dulcet vocals provided a striking contrast to the song's intense green laser display, establishing a tone of awe and excitement for the remainder of the performance.

Throughout the next 120 minutes, The Weeknd demonstrated why he is considered one of the best artists in the industry, with his unrelenting vocals and showmanship. He effortlessly transitioned between songs like "The Hills" and "Call Out My Name," maintaining his vocal performance even when performing in close proximity to fans in the floor section. His ability to command the crowd without taking breaks was especially commendable, as he quickly moved from one song to the next without compromising his vocal prowess.

The concert production itself was a grand spectacle, making full use of the National Stadium's vast size. Multiple satellite stages, roving dancers, and a giant statue at the center ensured that the stage never felt empty, even when The Weeknd was performing in just one section. The laser displays and flamethrowers added to the visual spectacle, perfectly synchronized with the music to elevate each song without ever becoming overwhelming.

The iconic mask worn by The Weeknd further added to the visual impact by shooting laser beams across the stadium, creating a unique experience for the audience.

Singaporeans were also praised for their lively enthusiasm, as attendees in the seated section near the reporter instinctively got to their feet and danced along to hits such as "Blinding Lights" and "Starboy." While phones were still in use, the atmosphere was noticeably more lively than at a typical concert in Singapore. In conclusion, The Weeknd's "After Hours Til Dawn" concert proved to be a well-tuned production that served as a glowing testament to his growth as a performer.