PartyNextDoor’s anticipated efficiency on the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park on Thursday, March 14 was the right kick-off to Billboard’s annual THE STAGE at SXSW live performance sequence.
Throughout Celebration’s one-hour set, he not solely delivered hits together with “Break from Toronto” and “Come and See Me” (feat. Drake), however elevated them to new heights with a present stopping crew of dancers and full of life three-piece band. However naturally, he ended on the last word excessive: a shock announcement about his long-awaited fourth studio album, PartyNextDoor4 (P4).
As he instructed Billboard in his present cowl story: “That is the toughest I’ve ever labored on an album. That is the proudest I’ve felt…I’m excited to grind much more for the following [one]. I’m in love with how exhausting it’s best to work for it.” To coincide with the large reveal — which turned out to be the album’s launch date of April 26 — Celebration additionally dropped his new single “Actual Girl.”
Over time, Celebration has established himself as a go-to hitmaker for artists together with Ye, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Submit Malone and Rihanna (he’s scored two Scorching 100 high 10 hits with the lattermost, together with “Work” and “Wild Ideas”).
THE STAGE takes place from March 14-16 as a part of SXSW, Austin’s annual music, movie and tech pageant, and options performances from Billboard’s newest cowl stars: Celebration, Christian Nodal, and Illenium. Tickets will be bought right here.
Final 12 months’s THE STAGE headliners included Lil Yachty, Feid and Kx5.
Learn on for the 5 finest moments from Celebration’s sold-out present beneath.
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The Lengthy-Awaited Launch Date of ‘P4’
PartyNextDoor saved the most effective for final.
On the finish of his 60-minute headlining set, the singer, songwriter and producer lastly introduced the discharge date of his upcoming fourth studio album, PartyNextDoor4. “Thanks all for displaying up tonight,” stated Celebration whereas strolling offstage, “P4 coming quickly.” Seconds later, followers realized simply how quickly because the on-stage screens flashed “PARTYNEXTDOOR 4, APRIL 26TH 2024,” alerting the viewers that the discharge of his subsequent album was simply over a month away.
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The Choreography (No, Not His)
One of many best challenges in performing a catalog like Celebration’s is taking part in via hit songs that function different artists who are usually not current, with out it feeling like one thing is lacking from the efficiency. And although neither Drake, Summer time Walker nor Ye weren’t on the present — regardless of hopeful rumors that Drake, who had his personal gig in San Antonio, simply 90-minutes south of Austin, the identical night time — Celebration made certain their absence wasn’t felt. It’s a feat he achieved, partly, due to 4 skilled dancers who shared the stage with the star. As his largest tracks blared via the audio system, they saved the vitality excessive — and the gang engaged.
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The Dwell Instrumentation — Particularly One Roaring Solo
Very like the dancers, Celebration’s band was delivering excessive vitality that saved the present shifting and helped fill the areas when Celebration would step off for a fast breather. However one second stood out among the many relaxation: on the finish of “Acknowledge” that includes Drake, Celebration’s guitarist took centerstage, shredding over the tune’s outro. It was a strong second that gave the present a dynamic really feel, bridging the divide between an R&B efficiency and stadium rock present.
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A Shock Setlist Addition
True Celebration followers know he is without doubt one of the co-writers behind Rihanna’s smash hit “Work,” infusing the tune with the identical Caribbean aptitude that defines a lot of his personal discography. However it got here as a pleasing shock — judging by the roaring crowd — when Celebration opted to incorporate his personal stay rendition of the observe in his setlist. He saved it much like the recording launched by Rihanna, however ended with a twist — a minute-long drum solo.
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The Rowdy Crowd
Final Could, Celebration gave his first Toronto efficiency in seven years. And since stay music’s post-pandemic return, he has solely carried out at a handful of festivals (and a few school exhibits) — but it surely’s all a part of the plan. As his supervisor, Tyler Henry, stated in Celebration’s present Billboard cowl story, “We love to do just a few every year to verify we’re recent and in entrance of individuals’s minds. It retains us sharp for when a second like this album comes.” And given the jam-packed amphitheater and fervent screams reverberating from the gang, it’s a method that’s positively working in his favor.
