Lorde does one thing that not many other modern female pop artists do: She wears her own everyday clothes in concert.  

Authenticity, she said, is a large part of her music, and that definitely showed during her performance at Petersen Events Center on Friday. 

Everything about this concert felt completely natural and personal, as if she were singing her songs with friends, not fans. There was no strict choreography, just her and two other dancers. Although simple in theory, the show was incredibly engaging and exciting. 

Lorde is famous for making music that resonates deeply with teenage girls and young women. Her raw lyrics and dynamism can outline the feelings associated with being this age: confusion, excitement, and the need for freedom. 

One particularly special moment was during her closing song, “David,” when she walked through the audience during arguably her most emotional and powerful song. 

Her lyrics, such as, “And once I could sing again, I swore I’d never let myself sing again for you,” and “I don’t belong to anyone. I made you God ’cause it was all that I knew how to do,” had everyone scream-singing. It was cathartic and beautiful. 

She was also able to perform all of her newer songs from the Virgin album and older ones like “Royals,” “Team,” and “Ribs,” providing a fun mix. 

The visuals were at times slightly odd, but worked well. The lighting stood out in songs like “Green Light” and “Clearblue.”

This was Lorde’s first time performing in Pittsburgh, and it definitely won’t be her last, she said.