Taylor Swift makes Tampa’s wildest dreams come true

Sophia Bahr, Junior Staff Writer|November 6, 2015

Saturday, October 31 2015 Taylor Swift shook the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa as fans all across Florida came to her final 1989 North American Tour with Shawn Mendes and Vance Joy. She utterly rocked it. With 55,000 guests, Swift’s show, complete with countless costume changes, rotating catwalks, an array of light-up wristbands that illuminated the football stadium, and surprise special guest Broadway star Idina Menzel- it was a Halloween night many Floridians, most especially many Academy girls, will never forget.

Junior, Olivia Stevens says "my favorite songs she sang is a toss up between How to Get The Girl because of the outfits her and her performers wore, as well as it's upbeat feel or Blank Space because of the tampa echo". — photo credit: Instagram// @isabellabahr
Junior, Olivia Stevens says “my favorite songs she sang is a toss up between How to Get The Girl because of the outfits her and her performers wore, as well as it’s upbeat feel or Blank Space because of the tampa echo”.

Freshman Isabella Bahr’s favorite song of the night was ” Welcome to New York because it was the first song and you could feel the excitement”.

photo credit: Sophia Bahr

Taylor Swift’s two opening acts of choice- Shawn Mendes and Vance Joy began the night with total musical enchantment. Shawn Mendes, better known for his song “Stitches” kicked the night off with a guitar and a standing microphone. One would think that a seventeen year old would be fearful or nervous singing in a stadium with 55,000 screaming Swift fans, yet, the artist proved his worth with his mellow, sweet sounding voice that won the hearts of a multitude of girls. The next act was followed by Australian artist and equally handsome Vance Joy, better known for his hit, “Riptide”. Joy appropriately showed his buccaneer spirit at the stadium by dressing as a Tampa pirate- all tied together with a black eye patch. Sophomore Sara Phillips says his costume was “a great combination of Halloween and Tampa culture. It was very thoughtful of him to dress up in something that incorporated the city he was performing in.”

Screen Shot 2015-11-04 at 10.51.24 AM — Senior Gabi Vivero is an avid fan of Vance Joy. She proclaims,”I AM ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH VANCE JOY HE IS PERFECT AND AUSTRALIAN! I already bought a concert ticket to see him when he comes back in March!”

photo credit: instagram//@vancejoy

TAMPA! you were absolutely incredible tonight. The best way I could've ended this tour. I love you ❤️

— Shawn Mendes (@ShawnMendes) November 1, 2015

Then came the one and only Taylor Swift, strutting into the final show of her fifth North American Tour with power when she opened with “Welcome to New York”. And oh yes Taylor, Tampa’s been waiting for you. Throughout the night Swift made sure to entertain her guests by confidently pulling out her favorite dance moves, singing a remixed version of one of her older songs (“love story”), or even giving an inspirational pep-talk before one of her more emotional, serious songs, “Clean.” Sophomore, Gillian Garcia says “I think Taylor’s “Clean” speech was very touching. She hit points about social media and how we should use it and how we can turn negativity into positivity. It inspired me to look out for others. Her speech did touch me and the 55,000 of us.”

photo credit: instagram/@gillieebeann
Gillian rocks a striped red tee paired with black shorts alongside a friend at the concert.

Senior, Gabi Vivero says "My favorite song of the night was either Fifteen because that made me realize how old i was and that I’m leaving soon, or Style because that song was written about Harry Styles and I was him for Halloween". — photo credit: http://calliealexander.vsco.co/
Senior, Gabi Vivero says “My favorite song of the night was either “Fifteen”, because that made me realize how old I was, and that I’m leaving soon, or “Style” because that song was written about Harry Styles and I was him for Halloween”.

What makes the 1989 tour so unique? Maybe her surprise special guests. Taylor Swift brought out Alessia Cara, best known for her hit song, “Here” and together the duo sang and strut the catwalk while the crowd roared in excitement. Junior, Gabbie Ragano says,“I had never heard Alessia Cara’s song before, but I really liked it. I also really liked the setup of the act while they sang with their red solo cups, in mocking their party friends. It made it humorous.” Being the last North American stop before Swift travels to China and Australia, and due to the Halloween convenience, Taylor needed a surprise guest suitable for the occasion that would wrap up her tour with a bang. Her choice? Broadway Legend and star of Frozen, Idina Menzel. The crowd was unanimously overjoyed with excitement and emotion, as a star as big as Menzel arose on stage. Together the two belted out Frozen’s “Let it Go” while Taylor was dressed as Olaf and Idina as Elsa.

https://twitter.com/taylorswift13/status/660692178574929920

Closing the night with “Shake it Off”, there is no doubt, Taylor Swift proved she is a phenomenal performer . With artistic skills so strong, it is conceivable that even a non-fan of Taylor could attend one of her concerts and still have a rockin’ time. Junior, Olivia Stevens states, “Taylor Swift is a truly unique performer and she takes each concert as an experience.She takes moments to step back and appreciate what she has and the fans that support her by constantly thanking us for being there.”