Birdy, the chart-topping musical sensation, graced the audience with her presence as the opening act. Seated at the piano, she quickly enchanted the crowd with her original 'People Help The People', during which the crowd held up their phone torches creating a magical atmosphere.
The venue was chillingly silent as Birdy introduced her song 'Your Arms' stating: "This next one is a song off my most recent album 'Portraits' and it's a song I wrote about someone very close to me who lost someone when they were really young, and it's about what they were telling me they were going through, and the hardest thing is about forgetting things about that person."
Her performance was undoubtedly a journey through emotion and melody. Playing 'Not About Angels', a poignant song she wrote for the award-winning movie 'The Fault In Our Stars', it undoubtedly struck a chord with the audience.
Continuing to showcase her versatility, Birdy delighted fans by fulfilling their online requests with a cover of Noah Kahan's 'Stick Season'. Her playful acknowledgment of the fans' persistence added a light-hearted touch to the performance.
Birdy left the audience spellbound with her haunting song 'Skinny Love'. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as fans stood in awe, soaking in every note until the final echoes faded away.
As '80s graphics rolled across the screens, the anticipation for the headliner reached its peak as Niall Horan and his band took the stage, kicking off the Brisbane leg with 'The Show' that filled the arena with a burst of energy and excitement.
Niall Horan - image suppliedFrom the outset, Niall conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to his fans. Taking a seat at the piano, he began: "Welcome to the show, live on tour, my friends. It is so good to be back down under, oh my god. If you know me, you know I have a love for Australia that is really special.
"It is so good to be back here, back in this room, here at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. I played so many gigs here over the years, I can't even tell you how many it was. But it has been a lot and I'm sure a lot of you have been to a lot of those and welcome back and for those of you who have never been to a gig before, welcome.
"Yes, it is this crazy. It gets loud in here, but don't put your fingers in your ears, you won't be able to hear me. But thank you so much for selling this place out, this is pretty cool. We are about a quarter of the way through the tour. You're seeing us at a pretty good place of the tour."
Niall delighted fans with intimate, stripped-back renditions of some of his most beloved songs including 'Flicker', 'This Town', and 'You Could Start A Cult'. Additionally, he put his own spin on a One Direction classic with a soulful rendition of 'Night Changes'.
There was no mistaking the fervour of his fans as they came prepared for the set, armed with One Direction dolls, Irish flags, handmade signs, and even cut-outs of his face. The audience transformed into a vibrant sea of green, joyously celebrating their beloved artist and his dorky dance moves and Irish charm.
A particularly memorable moment for fans occurred when Niall took a brief pause in the show to take the time to read their signs, sharing light-hearted banter about not quitting their jobs, discussing his golfing handicap, and even playing a game of rock-paper-scissors that he lost to a fan. As per their agreement, he stuck to his word – he awarded her a guitar pick as her prize.
Giving into the fan's demands, Niall performed what he stated was his first ever shoey, even pouring a little bit of beer on himself joking about how his shoe was going to be soggy for the rest of the show.
Niall Horan - image suppliedAs the time for an encore approached, Niall returned to the stage proudly donning an Australian flag as he launched into captivating performances of 'Save My Life' and 'Slow Hands'.
With each note, he ensured the night ended on a high leaving his fans exhilarated yet longing for more. Before bidding farewell, Niall took a moment to express his heartfelt gratitude to his fans urging them to get home safely.
The mutual adoration between Niall and his audience was palpable throughout the night, fostering an undeniable connection that resonated through every song and interaction.
This bond, forged in music and shared moments, is an enduring testament to the power of Niall's artistry and the unwavering support of his devoted fanbase. It's a connection that both new and long-time fans alike will carry with them, cherishing the memories made during this unforgettable night for years to come.
