Ariana Grande’s November 9th, 2019, stop at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum was a spectacle of pop perfection, theatrical precision, and vocal prowess. From the opening notes of “raindrops (an angel cried)” to the extended outro of “thank u, next,” the night was a meticulously orchestrated journey through Grande’s evolving musical universe. The Colosseum, a venue steeped in history, was transformed into a vibrant, glowing playground of sound and visuals, proving yet again why Ariana Grande is one of the most commanding live performers of her generation.
The show’s structure was cinematic, divided into five distinct acts with accompanying video interludes and visual storytelling, giving it the feel of a Broadway production infused with pop energy. The setlist was a balance of her newer hits from thank u, next and Sweetener with fan favorites from earlier in her career, and the execution of each song underscored her status as one of the most precise and emotive performers in contemporary music.
Setlist:
Act 1
raindrops (an angel cried)
God is a woman
bad idea
break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored
Act 2
Childhood (video interlude)
R.E.M (shortened)
Be Alright
sweetener
successful
Side to Side (with extended outro)
7 rings
Act 3
Adore (Cashmere Cat song) (video interlude)
breathin
needy
fake smile
make up
December (tour debut)
True Love (tour debut)
Wit It This Christmas (tour debut)
Santa Tell Me (tour debut)
NASA
Winter Things (with extended outro; tour debut)
Act 4
in my head (video interlude)
everytime (shortened)
the light is coming (shortened)
Act 5
My Heart Belongs to Daddy (Marilyn Monroe song) (video interlude)
Dangerous Woman
Break Free (shortened)
no tears left to cry
Encore
thank u, next (video interlude)
thank u, next (with extended outro)
Act 1: Raindrops to Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored
The show opened with “raindrops (an angel cried),” a beautifully rendered prelude that immediately drew the audience in. Grande’s voice, delicate yet commanding, floated effortlessly over the orchestration, setting an ethereal tone that contrasted with the high-energy hits to follow. The lighting, soft and pastel, complemented the angelic quality of the track, while the crowd stood in rapt attention, creating a sense of intimacy rare for an arena performance.
From there, the transition to “God is a woman” was seamless. The stage came alive with dynamic lighting and visual effects, projecting images that reinforced the song’s themes of empowerment and divinity. Ariana’s vocal performance was impeccable, hitting high notes with clarity and power, yet with a controlled subtlety that emphasized the song’s sensuality and confidence.
“bad idea” and “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” ratcheted up the energy, shifting the tone from ethereal to playful and flirtatious. Grande navigated the tricky balance between choreography, vocal precision, and audience engagement effortlessly. The crowd responded with unbridled enthusiasm, singing along to every hook while dancing along to the infectious rhythms. The juxtaposition of these opening songs demonstrated her ability to balance vulnerability and boldness in a single performance.
Act 2: Sweetener Era and Fan Favorites
Act 2 kicked off with a video interlude featuring “Childhood,” giving the audience a moment to reset while setting the stage for a dynamic mid-show sequence. “R.E.M,” though shortened, retained its dreamy, hypnotic quality, highlighting Ariana’s ability to create atmosphere even in a condensed live format.
“Be Alright” marked a clear pivot back to high-energy, danceable pop. The choreography was slick, with Ariana’s backup dancers complementing her movement rather than overshadowing her presence. Her vocals remained razor-sharp, and the live arrangement added a subtle intensity that elevated the studio version.
“sweetener” and “successful” further emphasized Ariana’s vocal agility, with intricate runs and layered harmonies that demonstrated her technical proficiency. By the time the band launched into “Side to Side” with its extended outro, the crowd was fully engaged. The reggae-infused groove of the song, combined with polished stagecraft, made it a standout moment, with fans enthusiastically participating in the sing-along and dancing along with the performers.
“7 rings” closed this act in a dazzling, high-energy display. The choreography was precise, the visuals glittered with pink and gold, and the audience’s participation reached a fever pitch. Grande’s ability to command attention while maintaining vocal precision was nothing short of remarkable.
Act 3: Emotional Depth and Tour Debuts
Act 3 opened with a video interlude for “Adore,” immediately setting a contemplative tone before the high-energy “breathin” and “needy” brought the focus back to Ariana’s strengths as a pop artist. The pacing here was strategic, blending emotional depth with crowd-pleasing hits to keep the audience engaged throughout the longer act.
“fake smile” and “make up” showcased Ariana’s nuanced vocal delivery. Her voice carried both vulnerability and assertiveness, and the arrangement allowed the instrumentation to shine without overwhelming her presence. These tracks demonstrated that Grande’s live performance isn’t just about spectacle; it’s also about conveying genuine emotion and lyrical depth.
The tour debuts of “December,” “True Love,” “Wit It This Christmas,” and “Santa Tell Me” provided a festive and exclusive thrill for the audience. Each song was executed with precision, and the crowd responded with excitement at being among the first to experience these new live renditions. “NASA” and “Winter Things” added further dimension, with intricate staging and extended outros that allowed the audience to fully immerse themselves in the music.
Act 4: Shorter Interludes and Powerful Returns
Act 4 began with the video interlude for “in my head,” a visually captivating moment that gave Ariana a brief respite while maintaining audience engagement. “everytime” and “the light is coming” were delivered in shortened forms but retained their core energy and emotional impact. These tracks acted as a bridge toward the climactic final act, combining visual spectacle with vocal mastery.
Act 5: Showstoppers and Emotional Peaks
Act 5 brought the arena’s energy to its peak. The video interlude “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” provided a theatrical flourish before Ariana returned for “Dangerous Woman,” a song that has become synonymous with her live performances. The stage design, lighting, and choreography all complemented her commanding presence, allowing her to connect with the audience on multiple levels simultaneously.
“Break Free” and “no tears left to cry” continued the high-energy momentum, and the crowd responded with fervor. Ariana’s vocal control during these demanding tracks was impressive, navigating complex runs while delivering full-bodied, emotionally resonant performances. The combination of choreography, visual effects, and vocal precision made this segment the most thrilling part of the night.
Encore: thank u, next
The encore opened with a video interlude for “thank u, next,” which seamlessly transitioned into the live performance of the song with an extended outro. This was a moment of pure celebration — fans sang along in unison, arms waving in the air, as Ariana delivered the lyrics with charm and confidence. The extended outro allowed for audience interaction and impromptu performance flourishes, creating a sense of spontaneity within the meticulously produced show.
The choice of “thank u, next” as the finale was symbolic, both of Ariana’s personal journey and the overarching theme of empowerment and growth. It left the audience on a euphoric high, perfectly concluding a night that balanced spectacle, vocal mastery, and intimate connection.
Stagecraft, Visuals, and Production
Ariana Grande’s 2019 Nassau Coliseum performance was as much a visual experience as it was a musical one. Each act had its own distinct aesthetic, enhanced by lighting, video interludes, and carefully coordinated choreography. Costume changes were swift and thematically aligned with the mood of each act, adding theatricality without distracting from the music.
The integration of video interludes allowed for narrative continuity, guiding the audience through emotional peaks and valleys while giving Ariana moments to rest and reset. Lighting cues were precise, accentuating the mood of each song — soft pastels for intimate ballads, vibrant neon for dance-heavy tracks, and dramatic spotlights for climactic moments.
Audience Engagement
The audience at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum was fully engaged from start to finish. Ariana’s connection with her fans is unparalleled, and her ability to command attention in a large arena setting is a testament to her stage presence. Fans were singing along to nearly every song, dancing to infectious beats, and responding enthusiastically to her interactions. The energy in the arena was cyclical — Ariana fed off the crowd, and the crowd fed back, creating a palpable sense of unity and shared experience.
Vocals and Musicality
Ariana Grande’s vocal performance on this night was extraordinary. From the soft, airy notes of “raindrops (an angel cried)” to the powerhouse belts of “Dangerous Woman” and “no tears left to cry,” her range, control, and precision were on full display. Her ability to navigate complex runs while maintaining emotional authenticity was impressive, and the live arrangements added depth and nuance to each track.
The band and backing vocalists provided seamless support, allowing Ariana’s voice to shine while enriching the overall sound. The production balanced electronic elements with live instrumentation, creating a full-bodied sound that filled the arena without ever overwhelming the vocals.
Final Thoughts
Ariana Grande at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on November 9th, 2019, was a masterclass in contemporary pop performance. The show combined spectacular visuals, tight choreography, impeccable vocal execution, and thoughtful setlist pacing. Each act told a story, balancing energy, intimacy, and theatricality, and the tour debuts provided an extra layer of excitement for dedicated fans.
Grande’s connection with her audience, her vocal mastery, and her ability to navigate a diverse setlist with precision and authenticity made this performance a standout moment in the Sweetener/thank u, next era. The show left fans exhilarated, emotionally moved, and thoroughly entertained, a testament to Ariana Grande’s status as one of the defining artists of her generation.
Grade: A