Billie Eilish’s December 2024 show at the Kia Forum was a striking demonstration of artistry, theatrics, and pop performance mastery. Known for her ability to blend dark, intimate music with massive arena production, Billie delivered a performance that kept the audience spellbound from start to finish. While the setlist borrowed heavily from pop icons of the past, the energy and theatricality of her performance made it uniquely her own, creating a surreal and immersive concert experience that balanced nostalgia with modern intensity.
The concert was structured into seven acts, each with its own mood and thematic focus. Billie’s attention to detail, stagecraft, and visual storytelling elevated the performance beyond a typical arena show, transforming it into a multimedia experience that felt cinematic and highly choreographed. From the high-energy pop hits to the quieter, introspective moments, the concert showcased her versatility as a performer and her instinct for dramatic presentation.
Setlist
Act I
Britney Army (Introduction)
Work Bitch
Womanizer
Break the Ice / Piece of Me
Act II
Darkness (Interlude)
…Baby One More Time / Oops!… I Did It Again
Act III
If I’m Dancing (Video Interlude)
Me Against the Music
Gimme More
Clumsy / Change Your Mind (No Seas Cortes)
Act IV
Scream & Shout (will.i.am song) (Video Interlude)
Boys (Scream & Shout Remix)
Do You Wanna Come Over?
Work It / Get Ur Freak On / WTF (Where They From) (Missy Elliott song) (Missy Elliott Dance Break)
Act V
Get Naked (I Got a Plan) (Interlude)
I’m a Slave 4 U (Sexyback Remix; contains elements of “Walk It Talk It” by Migos)
Make Me…
Freakshow
Do Somethin’
Act VI
Magic Circus (Interlude)
Circus
If U Seek Amy
Breathe on Me
Slumber Party
Touch of My Hand
Act VII
Jungle Fever (Interlude)
Toxic (Jungle Remix)
Stronger / (You Drive Me) Crazy
Encore
Till the World Ends (Contains elements of “Work Bitch”)
Act I: Opening and Pop Energy
The show opened with “Britney Army,” a high-intensity introduction that immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention. With heavy synths, pulsing lights, and a cinematic video backdrop, Billie’s stage presence was commanding from the first moment. The transition into “Work Bitch” was seamless, delivering the high-octane energy expected from a pop arena performance. While Billie herself is known for her subdued, almost whispery vocal style, in this show she demonstrated the ability to translate that into a large-scale production without losing intimacy.
“Womanizer” and “Break the Ice / Piece of Me” maintained the adrenaline, creating a sense of continuity between past pop hits and her own modern aesthetic. The choreography was meticulous, incorporating stylized movement that echoed the themes of each song. Fans were immediately drawn in, singing along to familiar hooks and embracing the nostalgia while simultaneously being introduced to Billie’s artistic lens.
Act II: Nostalgia and Thematic Interludes
Act II opened with “Darkness,” a haunting video interlude that set the tone for the next batch of hits. This atmospheric moment provided a stark contrast to the high-energy opening, showcasing Billie’s ability to manipulate pacing and mood throughout the show.
The mashup “…Baby One More Time / Oops!… I Did It Again” was a nostalgic highlight. By blending these iconic Britney Spears hits, Billie paid homage to pop history while filtering it through her unique, moody style. The crowd sang along passionately, creating a collective moment of both reverence and exhilaration. Billie’s vocal delivery here was softer and more ethereal, allowing the audience to lean into the emotional texture of the songs. The staging—neon accents, shadowed dancers, and cinematic projections—enhanced the nostalgic vibe without feeling derivative.
Act III: Dance Breaks and High-Intensity Choreography
“If I’m Dancing” opened Act III with a video interlude, leading into “Me Against the Music.” The arena felt like a pulsating dance floor as Billie’s dancers executed intricate routines, blending hip-hop, contemporary, and stylized pop movements. Billie’s understated style created a striking juxtaposition against the over-the-top energy of the choreography, highlighting her ability to center a performance while chaos unfolded around her.
“Gimme More” elevated the energy further. The staging was maximalist, with flashing lights, video backdrops, and pyrotechnics accentuating the track’s addictive groove. The mashup “Clumsy / Change Your Mind (No Seas Cortes)” added a playful, experimental dimension to the show, balancing familiarity with surprise. Fans were engaged not just by the songs themselves but by the creative layering of elements and medleys, making each act feel distinct yet cohesive.
Act IV: Remixes and Multimedia Spectacle
Act IV leaned heavily on remixes and dance-oriented tracks, beginning with “Scream & Shout” (will.i.am) and “Boys (Scream & Shout Remix).” The combination of electronic production, video projections, and tightly coordinated choreography made this segment feel almost like a hybrid concert and performance art piece.
“Do You Wanna Come Over?” and the Missy Elliott mashup (“Work It / Get Ur Freak On / WTF (Where They From)”) pushed the spectacle to its peak. Billie and her dancers delivered intricate routines with precision, demonstrating both athleticism and artistic intent. The Missy Elliott dance break was a highlight, showing Billie’s capacity to pay homage to past icons while maintaining her distinct persona. The crowd responded with energetic cheering and full participation, illustrating her skill at merging pop spectacle with intimacy and audience connection.
Act V: Sensuality and Playfulness
Act V transitioned into a more sensual and playful set of songs, beginning with “Get Naked (I Got a Plan)” and moving into “I’m a Slave 4 U” (Sexyback Remix). The choreography was sultry yet sophisticated, and Billie handled the demanding routines with a calm, controlled presence. The remix incorporated elements of “Walk It Talk It,” merging contemporary hip-hop influence with classic pop performance.
“Make Me…,” “Freakshow,” and “Do Somethin’” continued the theme, balancing musicality, vocal performance, and dance. These songs demonstrated Billie’s capacity to inhabit multiple performance styles while keeping the show cohesive. Her stage presence felt confident, commanding, and effortlessly cool.
Act VI: Circus Themes and Emotional Nuance
“Magic Circus” opened Act VI with a theatrical interlude, transitioning seamlessly into “Circus.” The performance captured both spectacle and playfulness, mixing elaborate choreography with cinematic visuals. “If U Seek Amy,” “Breathe on Me,” “Slumber Party,” and “Touch of My Hand” provided moments of intimacy and sensuality, balancing the large-scale production with attention to detail in performance and vocal delivery.
This act emphasized Billie’s versatility, allowing her to move from energetic pop to more emotionally resonant material. The audience was fully engaged, reacting to both the musical and visual storytelling. The interplay between darkness and playfulness kept the performance dynamic and unpredictable.
Act VII: Crowd-Pleasing Hits and Finale
Act VII returned to high-energy hits. “Jungle Fever” served as a kinetic interlude, preparing the audience for the iconic “Toxic (Jungle Remix).” The remix reimagined the track for a modern audience while maintaining the song’s original allure. Billie’s performance was precise and theatrical, drawing attention with her understated yet commanding stage presence.
The medley “Stronger / (You Drive Me) Crazy” combined two major hits, creating a finale that was both nostalgic and contemporary. The crowd’s enthusiasm reached a fever pitch, singing along in unison while Billie executed complex choreography.
Encore: Till the World Ends
The encore, “Till the World Ends,” was a perfect capstone. Incorporating elements of “Work Bitch,” the performance ended on an explosive note, blending audience participation with visual spectacle. The outro allowed for interaction and celebration, leaving fans euphoric and fully immersed in the concert experience.
Stagecraft and Production
Billie Eilish’s Kia Forum show was a masterclass in arena production. Each of the seven acts had a distinct visual and thematic identity, using lights, video interludes, and set design to enhance the music. Costume changes, choreography, and staging transitions were executed flawlessly. The show balanced large-scale spectacle with intimacy, allowing fans to feel connected even in a massive venue.
Video interludes were a smart pacing tool, providing momentum and maintaining energy while giving Billie moments to reset. The mashups, remixes, and dance breaks kept the performance dynamic, unpredictable, and highly engaging.
Audience Engagement
The audience’s reaction was electric throughout the performance. Fans sang along, danced, and responded enthusiastically to every song and visual cue. Billie’s ability to connect with the crowd—through eye contact, gestures, and direct engagement—created a sense of intimacy in an otherwise massive arena setting. The energy between performer and audience was reciprocal, elevating the concert beyond a passive viewing experience.
Vocals and Musicality
Billie’s vocal performance was solid and nuanced, even amid intense choreography. While some tracks relied on backing tracks, her live delivery was precise and emotive. Songs like “Toxic” and “Stronger / (You Drive Me) Crazy” demonstrated her ability to maintain vocal quality while performing demanding routines. The live band and backup vocalists added depth to the arrangements, enriching the concert’s soundscape.
Final Thoughts
Billie Eilish’s December 2024 show at the Kia Forum was a striking testament to her artistry, creativity, and mastery of modern pop performance. The seven-act structure, combined with elaborate staging, video interludes, and dynamic choreography, transformed the arena into an immersive world of music, dance, and visual storytelling.
The show struck a balance between nostalgia, spectacle, and innovation. Billie proved her versatility as a performer, seamlessly moving between high-energy hits, intimate moments, and theatrical interludes. Fans were treated to a show that was both meticulously crafted and thrillingly alive, leaving them exhilarated and fully engaged from start to finish.
Grade: B+