Full Breakdown
Lorde Launches Ultrasound World Tour in Austin
9/18/2025, 9:06:42 PM
Overview of the Ultrasound World Tour
Lorde officially kicked off her Ultrasound World Tour on September 17, 2025, at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. This tour supports her fourth studio album, "Virgin," which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. The tour marks Lorde's return to large venues after her previous Melodrama World Tour in 2018 and her more intimate Solar Power tour in 2021.
Setlist Highlights and Performance
The opening night featured a diverse setlist that spanned all four of Lorde's albums, including fan favorites and new tracks. The concert was divided into four acts, beginning with "Hammer," the opening track from "Virgin." Other notable songs included "Royals," "Team," and "Green Light," alongside the live debut of "No Better," which had not been performed since 2014. The setlist also showcased extended intros and outros for several songs, enhancing the concert experience.
Tour Ambitions and Audience Reception
Lorde expressed her excitement and nervousness about returning to arena-sized shows, stating, "Deciding to book a bigger tour was something I agonised over... but in the spirit of having the gd stones I decided that this music wants to be played in big rooms." The Austin audience responded enthusiastically, filling the 15,000-capacity venue and engaging with the performance. Critics noted her "magnetic stage presence" and ability to create an intimate atmosphere despite the large setting.
Upcoming Tour Dates and Collaborations
The Ultrasound World Tour is set to continue through December 2025, with 53 shows planned across North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Upcoming performances include stops in major cities such as Chicago, Nashville, Toronto, and New York. The tour will feature support from various artists, including Blood Orange, The Japanese House, and Nilüfer Yanya, among others.
Criticism and Opposition
While the tour has received positive feedback, some critics have expressed concerns about the shift from smaller venues to larger arenas, questioning whether the intimacy of Lorde's earlier performances can be maintained in such settings. However, many fans and industry insiders view this transition as a natural evolution of her career.
Official Statements and Responses
In a newsletter to fans, Lorde described the Ultrasound World Tour as potentially her "masterpiece," emphasizing the collaborative nature of her performances. She stated, "Every show I play is a collaboration between you and me. We meet in a room and we make music together."
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am in legitimate shock about your excitement for this tour,” — Lorde
- “Deciding to book a bigger tour was something I agonised over (Melo arena tour…if you know……) but in the spirit of having the gd stones I decided that this music wants to be played in big rooms and that a lot of us should be there. To have that met with this is so beautiful. Thank you for your faith in me.” — Lorde
- “I think that Ultrasound could be our masterpiece.” — Lorde
The Ultrasound World Tour represents a significant chapter in Lorde's career, blending her past hits with new material while inviting fans into her evolving artistic journey.
