The light-brimmed stage created a stunning setup for the show at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom -- but what really carried the nearly three-hour concert was the ladies themselves, each delivering high-powered sets that left those in attendance and watching at home in awe.
After an intro from host Jane Lynch, Dua Lipa took the stage for her first public performance in months, sporting patterned pants, chunky sneakers and a black feathered top. The singer opened with “Blow Your Mind (Mwah),” sending the room’s energy skyward. Backup dancers in white jumpsuits and a full band added to the spectacular production, but at the center of it all was Lipa, who delivered one scorcher after another with her flawless vocals. At one point, she told the crowd how excited she was to perform “alongside so many incredible women,” referring to her fellow superstars that would later take the stage. Finally, Lipa joked, “Alexa, play ‘New Rules!’” before launching into her Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 smash.
"It's all about that girl power," declared Becky G, who had the most elaborate entrance of the night with a dramatic video montage and dancers hyping the crowd before she took the stage. The 22-year-old singer also made sure to shout out her Beasters as well as her fellow Latinos as she danced her way through a fiery set of her biggest hits, including "La Respuesta," "Mayores" and "Sin Pijama," in a neon orange getup. But while her energy never dwindled, Becky G was clearly the most excited to debut her brand new single, "Dollar," which featured a backdrop of raining dollar bills.
Before Lynch could finish rattling off a long list of SZA's achievements, the singer had already taken a seat in the center of the stage. Though she was seemingly experiencing some technical issues -- she fiddled with her in-ears the entire 20-min set -- SZA powered through songs like "Broken Clocks" and "Supermodel" with amazing vocal prowess. She also struggled to keep herself censored, making for a charming moment when an F-bomb almost slipped out before "Love Galore." One of the most mesmerizing moments of her vocals-focused set (SZA was the only performer without backup dancers) was an unexpected cover of Sixpence None the Richer's 1997 hit "Kiss Me," which, naturally, will be available on Amazon Music soon.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting hours for: Taylor Swift appeared in a purple sequined romper, immediately threatening to blow the roof off of Hammerstein with pyrotechnics and sassy choreography during her opening tune “Me!” But Swift also surprised fans by breaking out some Taylor classics like "I Knew You Were Trouble," "Style" and "Love Story," plus stunning acoustic versions of "Welcome to New York" and "Delicate." Smoke cannons and spark showers abounded; impressively, Swift just about managed to pull off her usual stadium-level production, despite the venue’s small size.
In arguably the most anticipated moment of Swift's set, she also performed her latest single, “You Need to Calm Down,” for the first time live. “It is absolutely unbelievable to see you tonight,” Swift told the intimate crowd (and the millions watching at home). “We’re in New York City, all hanging out together...you’ve already been the most wonderful, supportive crowd. Special shout-out to everybody here...wherever you are in the world, we appreciate you watching the show.” The popstar closed the set with "Shake It Off," which featured confetti and, of course, plenty of booty-shaking. Before leaving the stage, though, Swift brought Becky G and Dua Lipa back out to say farewell, all smiling ear-to-ear as streamers trickled down in one final celebration of the female-powered night.
