Billie Eilish's tour "Hit Me Hard and Soft" lived up to its name, as each song's turning point evoked a distinct emotion. The tour’s first Phoenix stop was at Mortgage Matchup Center on Nov. 18, 2025, and Phoenix was an essential stop on the tour. The stop marked the tenth anniversary of the song that launched Eilish's career, "Ocean Eyes," on Nov. 18, 2015.
Opening for Eilish was Lucy Dacus, a member of the indie outfit Boygenius. In early2024, Boygenius, consisting of members Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Dacus, announced their official hiatus to focus on their solo careers. In September of 2025, Dacus' career changed when she was officially announced as the opener for Eilish's Phoenix and San Francisco shows.
Dacus' performance set a cozy tone before Eilish's extravagant performance. She rocked a black blazer and dress pants, sipping water from a mug between performances. Dacus even made her way to the edge of the stage, sitting right in front of fans who were lucky enough to snag floor tickets.
Dacus performed songs like "Lost Time" and "Best Guess," alternating between playing an acoustic guitar and a golden electric guitar. After performing her last song, Dacus asked the crowd, "Can we get a scream for Billie Eilish?"
The stadium erupted with noise.
After Dacus' performance, Eilish played a call-to-action video urging fans to reduce carbon emissions, eat plant-based foods and utilize sustainable practices in their everyday lives. Eilish mentioned that she and her team partnered with Google Maps to provide fans with transportation options to her show that would reduce carbon emissions. All of Eilish's merchandise, including shirts and records, is made from 100% recycled plastic, highlighting her mission to improve the environment.
Just minutes after the clock hit 8 p.m., the anticipation in the stadium started building as Eilish had yet to take the stage. The crowd passed the time, fans waiting for their turn to stand up and sit down, hands held high, partaking in a typical stadium-wide wave.
Audience members sported baggy jorts, jerseys and bandanas, inspired by Eilish’s distinct baggy look. She explained to Glamour that what has become her signature style is intended to avoid attention by disguising her figure and preventing body-shaming.
The stadium promptly went dark at 8:15 p.m., erupting in cheers, yells and cries. I didn't expect Eilish to kick off her concert with one of her most popular songs; I assumed she would've saved her most popular hits for last. Yet the concert kicked off with her song "Chihiro," an ode to the character Chihiro Ogino from the animated fantasy film "Spirited Away."
(Photo by Henry Hwu)
Following "Chihiro," Eilish got the crowd dancing with her performance of "Lunch," a catchy song with strong basslines that explores sexuality. While other artists seem to require several outfit changes, backup dancers and overall extravagance, Eilish delivered an incredible performance with only one outfit and a masterful set with beautiful lighting design.
Aiding Eilish with backup vocals were singers and sisters Ava and Jane Horner, who are Eilish's longtime friends. The sisters, in matching red polo shirts and black skirts, provided soulful vocals that enchanted audiences.
Eilish also performed hit songs like "NDA," "Therefore I Am," "L'AMOUR DE MA VIE" and "WILDFLOWER." Surprising audience members, Eilish also brought back "Brat summer" with her performance of "Guess" by Charli XCX, lighting up the venue with electronic beats and flashing lime green lasers.
It is no secret that Eilish has been a longtime activist as well as artist. Between songs, Eilish shared her thoughts on the current government of the United States and those in power.
"Scary, scary people are at the top,” Eilish said.
Eilish urged people to exercise their rights to bring about change in the current state of the country.
(Photo by Henry Hwu)
Nearing the end of the night, Eilish performed her single from the "Barbie" movie, "What Was I Made For?" Not a single dry eye packed the venue as Eilish delivered an existential tune exploring questions of identity and purpose.
It is incredible to see how much Eilish has grown mentally and as a performer since her debut in 2015, overcoming issues with fame, paparazzi, and mental health. As a last surprise from the concert, Eilish revealed that she is currently working on her next album and will finish it once her tour ends. This exciting news made fans erupt in cheers, with applause lasting almost five minutes before Eilish had a moment to speak again.
With only three more stops to her tour, Eilish leaves fans eager to hear what she has in store next.