The KIA Forum in Los Angeles was ready for Conan Gray. The venue was covered in a sea of blue and white, prepared to listen to his final North America performance of the indie pop artist’s “Wishbone” tour, which held 19 shows. The moment the lights dimmed, the entire arena stood up in excitement and didn’t sit back down until the show ended.
The sold-out crowd wasn’t always the norm for Gray, however. His career began on YouTube, where he made a mix of vlogs and song covers before making songs of his own.
“I first heard [Gray] when I was in sixth grade. I heard a cover of ‘Sweater Weather,’ and that’s what really gravitated me toward him,” attendee Xochito Carmonas said.
Gray has exploded since then, notably releasing multiple songs surpassing one billion plays on Spotify. His most recent album, “Wishbone,” is his most successful to date, landing at the top of Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart, the first of his career. Known for his pop music, Gray mixes his life experiences with acoustic and traditional pop instrumentals to create emotionally grappling songs.
Regardless of whether fans flock to Gray through his covers or his original songs, they share a similar liking of his voice.
“I am someone who loves a good voice. His lyrics feel so authentic, and his music just feels so real,” said Keira Couples, who initially found Gray’s music while making a playlist for her ex.
Now, Couples finds herself amongst fans screaming their lungs out to songs such as “Eleven Eleven,” a piece where Gray reminisces on a former partner, still longing for their presence at the time “11:11.” The song takes a more somber approach, with the lyrics showing Gray’s desperation to see his old partner again, even if it’s impossible.
Gray’s music attracts a diverse audience, including Greg Nepomuceno, a father who brought along his daughter, but is a fan of Gray himself.
“I wasn’t against coming with her. Me enjoying the music is just a bonus. It’s not just me being dragged to the concert. I actually get to stay and enjoy it too,” Nepomuceno said.
The cheers never died down throughout the show, especially when Gray announced his “Wishbone Deluxe” album, followed by performing “the best,” an unreleased single from the album that immediately had fans roaring in applause. Like “Eleven Eleven,” Gray is finding himself reminiscing on the past, but holding more bitterness and regret. Despite the unreleased status of the song, dedicated fans of Gray still found themselves singing along.
The announcement was a welcomed surprise, even if some fans were prepared for the news.
“I called it. I knew he was gonna announce something today,” Couples said.
Despite the electrifying atmosphere, fans were still waiting for one particular song, “Vodka Cranberry,” the highlight song from the “Wishbone” album. Luckily for them, as Gray announced his last song, it was the exact song he played as his finale. Another round of deafening applause ensued as Gray finished what some assumed was the full performance.
Just as Gray had left the stage, the arena quickly erupted in cheers for an encore, calling for his name. It only took a few moments for Gray to come back out, in a bedazzled navy outfit, officially closing out the night by performing “Caramel.” And as he was faced with a wave of beloved cheers, he screamed: “Thank you, Los Angeles, you made my dream come true!”