When Ariana Grande brought her Dangerous Woman Tour to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia in March 2017, it wasn’t just another pop concert — it was a full-blown pop spectacle. The show was an explosion of confidence, production, and sheer talent from one of the defining voices of her generation. Grande, who at the time was at the peak of her Dangerous Woman era, walked the line between theatrical and intimate, pop star and powerhouse vocalist, all while radiating charm and control.
The night was divided into distinct acts — complete with cinematic video interludes, costume changes, and sharp choreography — but through it all, one thing was constant: Ariana’s voice. It soared, shimmered, and filled the arena with a force that reminded everyone she wasn’t just a pop star — she was a singer’s singer.
Act I: Confidence in Motion
The lights dimmed, and a countdown video played across massive LED screens. The anticipation was electric — that kind of pre-show hum that only happens when an entire crowd knows something big is about to happen. When the opening notes of “Be Alright” hit, the audience erupted. Dancers glided across the stage in sync with Ariana’s every move as she emerged from the shadows in a sleek black outfit, her signature high ponytail swinging with precision.
“Be Alright” stretched into an extended version, letting Ariana show off her dance chops while still nailing every note. The performance felt like a declaration: this wasn’t the bubbly Nickelodeon star anymore — this was a confident, grown woman fully in command of her craft.
The energy ramped up with “Everyday,” her cheeky, bass-driven collaboration with Future. Even without her guest rapper, Ariana handled it effortlessly, her band bringing a funkier edge to the live version. “Bad Decisions” followed, and the crowd’s energy stayed high. The song’s playful sensuality worked perfectly onstage — Ariana and her dancers weaving through tight, sultry choreography without missing a beat.
By the time “Let Me Love You” rolled in, the show had shifted into full seductive mode. Grande’s voice dripped over every line, her delivery smooth and unhurried. The stage lights dimmed to deep purple and red, giving the performance a smoky nightclub vibe. It was clear — this first act was all about confidence, empowerment, and setting the tone for what was to come.
Act II: The Emotional Core
The second act opened with the “Baby Loves” video interlude, a visual break that transitioned the crowd from swagger to vulnerability. When Ariana returned for “Knew Better Pt. II,” the tone was introspective and tender. Her vocals here were flawless — soft, soulful, and completely raw. She stood mostly still, the choreography taking a back seat to the purity of her performance.
Then came “Forever Boy,” a shimmering electro-pop gem that had the arena bathed in pastel lights. It was hypnotic, airy, and impossibly smooth, showcasing Grande’s knack for balancing heavy grooves with emotional honesty.
“One Last Time” followed, and the room transformed into a singalong cathedral. The song — already one of her biggest hits — carried an even deeper resonance live. The remix version gave it a pulsing beat, but the crowd still turned it into a massive choir. Thousands of voices belting “One last time, I need to be the one who takes you home” filled the arena, and Ariana’s smile said it all — it was a moment of connection, pure and simple.
Then came “Touch It,” a fan-favorite and one of the show’s most visually stunning numbers. Giant screens projected surreal, kaleidoscopic visuals while Ariana stood center stage, illuminated by glowing beams that seemed to orbit her. Her voice climbed and fell like a wave — powerful, aching, and dynamic.
“Leave Me Lonely” closed the act with raw emotion. Backed by minimal instrumentation and moody lighting, Grande delivered the song’s aching verses with heartbreaking precision. The extended outro turned the performance into a slow-burning torch song — her voice echoed through the arena, filling every corner with sadness and defiance.
Act III: Pop Power Unleashed
After a brief interlude titled “Female,” Ariana returned to the stage with one of the night’s biggest moments — “Side to Side.” The reggae-pop anthem exploded to life, complete with cycling visuals and punchy choreography. The crowd knew every word, singing along as Ariana strutted confidently across the stage, surrounded by her dancers on stationary bikes — a clever nod to the song’s cheeky theme.
Without missing a beat, she dove straight into “Bang Bang,” her Jessie J collaboration turned arena rager. The remix version was heavier, faster, and tailor-made for a live audience. Ariana belted her parts with gusto, easily handling the song’s vocal gymnastics. It was the night’s purest shot of adrenaline.
The momentum kept rolling with “Greedy,” which felt like pure pop joy. Horns blasted, lights flashed, and Ariana looked like she was having the time of her life. The song’s funky bassline and infectious energy made it one of the show’s most fun moments. “I Don’t Care” followed, complete with an extended outro that gave Grande room to flex her vocal muscles. By the time the song wrapped, she had the crowd eating out of her hand.
The band then took over for an instrumental interlude, giving Ariana time for a quick costume change. The musicianship was tight and precise — the band didn’t just back her; they elevated her. It’s one of the often-overlooked aspects of her live shows — she surrounds herself with players who can groove, swing, and adapt on a dime.
Act IV: The Emotional Crescendo
The final act opened with “Moonlight,” a tender, almost old-Hollywood ballad that showcased Ariana’s softer side. She stood under a single spotlight, her voice soaring through the verses with grace and vulnerability. It was a reminder that beneath the choreography and spectacle, she was still a vocalist first.
From there, the set lifted back into pop heaven with “Love Me Harder.” The stage flooded with warm gold light, and Grande’s chemistry with the band gave the song a sultry, live-band twist. Her tone was smooth as silk, every high note hitting perfectly.
“Break Free” sent the energy through the roof. The remix gave it a heavier electronic edge, and Ariana danced freely, clearly feeding off the audience’s excitement. Confetti rained down as the song’s explosive chorus hit — it was one of those euphoric pop moments that felt built for arenas.
“Sometimes” followed, a song that perfectly captured the emotional arc of the night — vulnerable but hopeful, sweet but strong. The lighting was dreamy, casting soft blues and pinks across the stage. The crowd swayed as Ariana delivered the lyrics with warmth and sincerity.
“Thinking Bout You” came next, and it was pure catharsis. Her voice soared, dipping between falsetto and full belt effortlessly. You could tell she felt this one deeply — her delivery was intimate, almost like a confessional whispered through a microphone.
Then came “Problem,” the song that helped launch her into pop superstardom. The remix version hit harder, faster, and louder, turning the arena into a dance floor. The brass hooks, the thumping beat, and Ariana’s powerhouse vocals collided in perfect harmony. She strutted, twirled, and smiled through every chorus, radiating pure joy.
“Into You” followed — the ultimate pop closer before the encore. The crowd went wild from the first beat. The song’s pulsing rhythm and explosive chorus were built for a live setting, and Ariana didn’t hold back. The whole place was jumping, the lighting flashing in sync with the bassline, and for those few minutes, the Wells Fargo Center felt like a giant club pulsing with adrenaline.
The Encore: The Dangerous Woman Arrives
After a brief pause and a roar of “ARIANA! ARIANA!” from the crowd, she returned for the encore. “Dangerous Woman” was inevitable — the show’s namesake, the statement piece, the exclamation mark on a flawless night.
She emerged in a glittering gown, the stage bathed in red and gold light. The performance was sensual, commanding, and vocally jaw-dropping. The extended outro gave her space to let loose — hitting impossibly high notes and sustaining them with ease. The arena was filled with smoke, glitter, and pure awe.
As she hit the final notes and the lights faded, Grande struck a final pose, smiled, and disappeared into the darkness. The crowd was left buzzing, chanting, and glowing from the sheer electricity of what they had just witnessed.
The Verdict
Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman Tour stop at Wells Fargo Center wasn’t just a pop concert — it was a declaration. A declaration that Ariana had grown beyond her early image, beyond comparisons, and beyond any doubts about her staying power. Her stage presence was magnetic but never forced. She could command attention with a whisper just as easily as she could with a full-belt high note.
The production was polished without feeling sterile, the pacing perfectly balanced between high-octane hits and heartfelt ballads. Her dancers were tight, her band was incredible, and the visuals gave the show a cinematic edge. But above all, her voice — that four-octave weapon — reminded everyone that Ariana Grande doesn’t need to rely on theatrics. The spectacle only exists to frame that voice, and it’s a voice built to fill arenas.
For a 23-year-old at the time, she displayed a level of control and maturity most artists never reach. The Wells Fargo crowd witnessed an artist fully embracing her power — unapologetic, feminine, and fierce.
Setlist – Ariana Grande at Wells Fargo Center, March 2017
Act I
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Countdown (video introduction)
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Be Alright (extended)
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Everyday
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Bad Decisions
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Let Me Love You
Act II
6. Baby Loves (video interlude)
7. Knew Better Pt. II
8. Forever Boy
9. One Last Time (remix)
10. Touch It
11. Leave Me Lonely (with extended outro)
Act III
12. Female (video interlude)
13. Side to Side
14. Bang Bang (Jessie J cover – remix)
15. Greedy
16. I Don’t Care (with extended outro)
17. Band Interlude
Act IV
18. Moonlight
19. Love Me Harder
20. Break Free (remix)
21. Sometimes
22. Thinking Bout You
23. Problem (remix)
24. Into You
Encore:
25. Dangerous Woman (with extended outro)
Final Thoughts
Ariana Grande’s 2017 Philadelphia performance was more than a concert — it was a moment of transformation. She wasn’t playing the role of a dangerous woman; she was one. Confident, commanding, and vocally unstoppable.
In a pop landscape often dominated by spectacle over substance, Grande proved that she could do both — flawlessly.
Grade: A-