Travis Scott wowed over 80,000 New Jersey fans with a stunning, sold-out performance of “One Night Only in Utopia,” his one-off show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Oct. 9.
The concert was part of Scott’s global “Circus Maximus Tour,” to promote his fourth studio album “Utopia” (2023), and was the final U.S. stop for the American rapper and singer before heading abroad.
As the MetLife show opened, concert-goers saw the lights dim and the stadium become engulfed in darkness as he performed “Hyena,” the first track on the new album. “The moment Travis Scott walked onto the platform, the entire stadium erupted in screaming,” RHS senior Olivia Bua said. “It was honestly insane how packed MetLife was. There was literally not one open seat.”
The 90-minute-long show had audience members singing along to Scott’s fast-paced lyrics and melodies, hallmarks of his singular blend of hip-hop and lo-fi pop music. After he performed a handful of fan favorites including “Thank God,” “Modern Jam” and “sdp interlude,” the first surprise guest of the evening, Sheck Wes, joined him onstage for an electrifying performance of “Mo Bamba.” Wes was not the only artist to appear during the concert; popular rappers Playboi Carti and Future later made their way to the stage for an explosive rendition of “FE!N.”
Scott performed his hit song “FE!N” no fewer than seven separate times throughout the evening, alongside other hits like “Circus Maximus,” “90210” and “Antidote.” He also gave an emotional rendition of “Apple Pie,” in his first live performance of the song since 2016.
Closing out the evening with “Telekinesis,” Scott truly delivered on “One Night Only in Utopia,” giving fans a once-in-a-lifetime experience with guest artists, a set list jam-packed with some of his most popular songs and an unforgettable atmosphere.
As for the venue itself, MetLife featured carnival attractions, with fans enjoying actual rides throughout evening, including “The Slingshot,” a drop tower stationed in the pit. There was also a dazzling display of fireworks and flashing lights throughout the evening.
On the downside, some fans complained about being stuck on the long merch lines that trailed throughout the parking lot and behind the stadium booths. “The merch lines were ridiculously long,” RHS sophomore Jacob Lifshey said. “I waited for like two hours to buy two T-shirts. People even camped out the day before to get stuff, and they had trucks full of sweatshirts.”
That inconvenience aside, fans reported that seeing Travis Scott perform live felt incredible. For this reviewer, it was hands-down the best concert she has ever been to.
