Doja Cat has cemented herself as a polarizing artist and internet personality. Her abrasive attitude towards her fans on social media have caused many fans to “unstan” her. However, the online backlash did not stop Doja Cat from satiating her hungry, loyal fans with a riveting spectacle of her newest album, “Scarlet”. Her career and her relationship with her fans has seen many ups and downs, but with her performance at the United Center on December 13, 2023 serves as a massive thank you to her truest Chicago fans that truly respect her artistry and craft.
The main performance was neatly divided into five different acts. The first act began with her song “WYM Freestyle” as Doja Cat got the crowd hyped with her recognizable rap flow, and a live band playing on each side of the stage. A huge spider prop emerged onto the stage which fit the vibe of the next song, “Demons”, but “Tia Tamera” got the crowd extremely hyped with fire erupting from the stage during the chorus.
Her second act opened with “Shutcho” that contained religious imagery which included her backup dancers wearing red gospel robes and traditional church windows as the backdrop. While “Agora Hills” showcased her softer and more romantic side, a huge shadowy silhouette of her with wings was projected onto the background of the stage.
During her third act, she performed her crowd-pleasing hits from her “Planet Her” and “Hot Pink” albums like “Need to Know”, “Get Into It (Yuh)”, and “Woman”. Doja Cat performed a refreshing version of “Say So” that stripped it down to its most basic musical elements using upbeat band instrumentals.
In her fourth act, Doja was able to showcase her outstanding dancing ability. Her effortless knack for being a seductress rapping a fan favorite, “Streets”. She concludes the show with songs strictly from her new album: “97”, “Can’t Wait”, “Go Off”, “Ouchies, and last but certainly not least “Wet Vagina”.
During the final act, Doja’s alter ego Scarlet made an exciting appearance which was one of many ways Doja strategically infused her online visuals and aesthetics into her live performance of her Scarlet era.
Doja Cat’s “Scarlet Tour” is a huge triumph and gave what fans have been craving from her since she canceled her last tour due to undergoing tonsil surgery. The entire performance was a perfect blend of lively choreography, dazzling lighting, and Doja Cat’s confidence as a talented rapper and performer.
