★★★★★ Taylor Swift’s reputation stadium tour is the biggest event on the 2018 pop calendar. It feels as though fans have been waiting for an age for the fact, and on the night of her Manchester stadium debut, the excitement is tangible. A notorious fan stalker, she features videos of fans reacting to her new material before the show starts, which is simultaneously hilarious and moving; and also shows behind the scenes footage of how her own videos were made – with long-time collaborator Joseph Kahn. Finally she emerges on her own, resplendent in a shimmering, sequined cloak, and launches into a thrilling, near-faultess set that is pure pop spectacle from a star who has never tried to make the same album twice. The set transitions seamlessly from one song to another, crafted out of some of the best from Swift’s canon and leaning heavily on the tracks from her sixth – and arguably best – album. “You’re so beautiful, she tells the crowd. “Actually you’re beyond that... what’s the word...?” And the audience shrieks as the opening notes to “Gorgeous” bounce out on the synths. She adds something new to every song: “Look What You Made Me Do” features an 80s power riff on the intro and becomes a whole other beast as a live song; “I Did Something Bad” – with fireworks and flames galore - nods brilliantly to Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good”. Her voice, which sounded slightly brittle on the 1989 tour, never falters – she sings with absolute confidence and doesn’t try to push herself too hard, saving it for a few big notes which only makes for a better impact. “I’d been putting albums out since I was 16 and it had a pretty predictable schedule,” she confides, “then before I made this album I decided to take some time to just figure out what my life would be like if I didn’t have a spotlight for me... And being gone, the most amazing thing happened. “You understood why. And more importantly you were here when I came back. And the feeling of standing here and seeing you all. I missed being able to connect with you guys and singing all the same words. “Because we all like the feeling of connecting with someone else. You guys give me that feeling every single time you show up or when I write about my feelings. And that’s important because that stuff is very very delicate...” BBC's Biggest Weekend Show all 13 1 /13 BBC's Biggest Weekend BBC's Biggest Weekend Florence and the Machine perform during the first day of BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend at Singleton Park, Swansea. PA Wire/PA Images BBC's Biggest Weekend Liam Payne performs during the first day of BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend at Singleton Park, Swansea. PA Wire/PA Images BBC's Biggest Weekend Ed Sheeran performs during the first day of BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend at Singleton Park, Swansea. PA Wire/PA Images BBC's Biggest Weekend Clean Bandit perform during the first day of BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend at Singleton Park, Swansea. PA Wire/PA Images BBC's Biggest Weekend Shawn Mendes performs during the first day of BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend at Singleton Park, Swansea. PA Wire/PA Images BBC's Biggest Weekend Niall Horan performs during the first day of BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend at Singleton Park, Swansea. Dave J Hogan/Getty Images BBC's Biggest Weekend Florence and the Machine perform during the first day of BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend at Singleton Park, Swansea. PA Wire/PA Images BBC's Biggest Weekend Years and Years perform during the first day of BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend at Singleton Park, Swansea. Dave J Hogan/Getty Images BBC's Biggest Weekend Craig David performs during the first day of BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend at Singleton Park, Swansea. PA BBC's Biggest Weekend Camila performs during the second day of BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend at Singleton Park, Swansea. PA Wire/PA Images BBC's Biggest Weekend Taylor Swift performing during the second day of BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend at Singleton Park, Swansea. PA BBC's Biggest Weekend Sam Smith performs during day 1 of BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend 2018 held at Singleton Park Dave J Hogan/Getty Images BBC's Biggest Weekend Taylor Swift performs during day 2 of BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend 2018 Dave J Hogan/Getty Images There’s also a sincere and much-needed tribute paid to a city still hurting from the terror attack which took place just over a year ago. “What happened a year ago was an attempt to steal that innocent and excitement of a pop concert,” Swift says. “And since then you’ve shown such strength. “You’ve shown you have such incredible resilience to keep dancing and to keep the joy and keep the excitement... Manchester it is an honour to play for you tonight.” ✕ Taylor Swift gives passionate speech to mark start of Pride Month A breathtaking rendition of “Bad Blood” adds a countrified guitar hook so it switches easily over to “Should Have Said No”. There was so much uproar over ticket prices when Swift announced the tour, yet from the offset it has been apparent – for any fans who doubted it – that it was worth every penny, as the stage is flooded with red lighting and dancers swing from trapeze with all the splendour of a Broadway show. The dynamic of the gig is perfect – there are lulls, but only when they’re intended, to create pauses between the big songs that feel profoundly intimate. She messes up on the piano intro to “New years Day” and pulls a goofy face: “Whoops!” And it’s beautiful, really, how the world’s biggest pop star can seem so normal.<doc-sep>Taylor Swift’s Reputation stadium tour makes its first appearance on Billboard’s weekly Hot Tours recap (see below) based on ticket sales from the first five venues on the trek. With almost 398,000 tickets sold in these stadiums, the six-month world tour that could potentially top $400 million in sales is already at the $54 million mark. The pop star launched her tour with an opening four-week run stateside, kicking off in Phoenix on May 8. The debut performance at University of Phoenix Stadium set new venue records in both gross and attendance, topping Metallica’s $5.2 million gross earned in August 2017 by almost $2 million. With 59,157 tickets sold, she also broke the attendance record set during One Direction’s Where We Are tour in 2014 by 2,633 seats. During the opening weekend on the road, Swift played her first two-night engagement on the tour at Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco area (May 11-12). With a $14 million take from 107,550 sold tickets she topped her own gross and attendance counts set during the 1989 world tour in 2015 -- her first headlining effort at the venue. Grateful Dead still has a tight grip on the box office records at that stadium, however, with $21.5 million earned from 151,650 sold seats during its Fare The Well engagement that same year.<doc-sep>Advertisement She's proven to maintain her incredibly hard work ethic as she launched her six-month tour in Arizona last month. And Taylor Swift preserved her show-stopping stage presence as she performed at Manchester's Etihad Stadium for her first U.K. show as part of her Reputation Stadium Tour on Friday evening. The Bad Blood hitmaker, 28, commanded the venue as she was clad in a statement one-shoulder one-piece, which was embellished with shimmery sequin details throughout. Wow-factor! Taylor Swift preserved her show-stopping stage presence as she performed at Manchester's Etihad Stadium for her first U.K. show as part of her Reputation Stadium Tour on Friday evening Giving a peek at her toned pins and slender physique, the award-winning singer slipped into a pair of sizzling fishnet tights, which she tied in with a pair of patent thigh-high boots. The Look What You Made Me Do songstress ensured all eyes were on her as she wore glamorous make-up, including heavy strokes of foundation, winged eyeliner and vixen dark red lipstick. Taylor translated her lively persona into the hair department as she wore her blonde tresses in vivacious curls, paired with her signature full fringe. Show-stopper: The Bad Blood hitmaker, 28, commanded the venue as she was clad in a statement one-shoulder one-piece, which was embellished with shimmery sequin details throughout Sultry: Giving a peek at her toned pins and slender physique, the award-winning singer slipped into a pair of sizzling fishnet tights, which she tied in with a pair of patent thigh-high boots Powerful: The Look What You Made Me Do songstress ensured all eyes were on her as she wore glamorous make-up, including heavy strokes of foundation, winged eyeliner and vixen dark red lipstick Elevating the intensity of her performance, the singer was accompanied by an array of sultry back-up dancers, who showcased their impressive skills as they took to the prestigious stage. Taylor proved to be in good company as she was supported by Havana's Camila Cabello, and Fancy singer Charli XCX. The former Fifth Harmony star, 21, set pulses racing as she wore a monochrome ensemble, which featured a pair of skimpy lace-up shorts, a striped corset with sheer balloon sleeves, and an eccentric bow tie. She's on top of the world! Elevating the intensity of her performance, the singer was accompanied by an array of sultry back-up dancers, who showcased their impressive skills as they took to the prestigious stage Working it: Taylor translated her lively persona into the hair department as she wore her blonde tresses in vivacious curls, paired with her signature full fringe Star-studded: Taylor proved to be in good company as she was supported by Havana's Camila Cabello, and Fancy singer Charli XCX Camila styled her glossy brunette locks into voluminous waves, while enhancing her radiant complexion with heavy eyeliner and nude lipstick. Flaunting her lithe legs, the X Factor star paraded her petite frame around the stage as she sung her chart-topping hits, including Never Be The Same and Real Friends. Meanwhile, I Love It singer Charli, 25, wowed the crowd in her eccentric PVC bottoms, tied in with a matching low-cut bralet and a waterproof jacket. Leggy: The former Fifth Harmony star, 21, set pulses racing as she wore a monochrome ensemble, which featured a pair of skimpy lace-up shorts, a striped corset with sheer balloon sleeves, and an eccentric bow tie All in the details: Camila styled her glossy brunette locks into voluminous waves, while enhancing her radiant complexion with heavy eyeliner and nude lipstick Owning it: Flaunting her lithe legs, the X Factor star paraded her petite frame around the stage as she sung her chart-topping hits, including Never Be The Same and Real Friends The Essex beauty kept up with her daring energy as she styled her tresses into a trendy half up half down look, while sticking to her proven tracks Boys and Boom Clap. During her performance, Taylor delivered a heart-warming speech as a tribute to the victims of the Manchester bombing, which took place at Manchester Arena in May last year. The bombing - which occurred shortly after Ariana Grande's concert - saw a death toll of 23 and left 512 individuals with non-fatal injuries. She's back and better than ever: Camila appeared to be in tip-top shape after she suffered from dehydration and was admitted to hospital Energetic: The brunette beauty put on a spectacular show as she was joined by a talented dancer, who performed a series of back flips and jumps across the stage Talking to the crowd, Taylor said: 'You’ve shown that you’re never gonna let anyone forget about those victims. And you’ve shown that you have such incredible resilience to keep dancing and to keep the innocence and to keep the joy and to keep the joy.' She ended her message with: 'I just want to say, Manchester: It is such an honor to play for you tonight', before belting out her hit single Dancing with Our Hands Tied. The performer's show comes as it was reported she booked out the entire Lowry Hotel in Salford ahead of her concerts at Etihad, with many of her crew having stayed in the five star establishment since Sunday night. Dare to be bold: Meanwhile, I Love It singer Charli, 25, wowed the crowd in her eccentric PVC bottoms, tied in with a matching low-cut bralet and a waterproof jacket Feeling the crowd: The Essex beauty kept up with her daring energy as she styled her tresses into a trendy half up half down look, while sticking to her proven tracks Boys and Boom Clap Lively: Charli looked every inch the passionate performer as she busted into a series of energetic dance moves It's believed Taylor touched base at the hotel on Friday evening, though her sizeable entourage have already enjoyed a number of nights there in preparation for her shows. The Lowry Hotel boasts 165 room and is a popular choice with holiday-makers who aren't afraid to splash the cash. The cost of a deluxe room, the most basic option available, averages at around £209, while a superior room is closer to the £250 mark. Prices for one of the hotel's Riverside suites start at £850 per night, though Taylor will no doubt occupy a Presidential Suite. The luxurious room starts at £4,000 a night and comes complete with a baby grand piano. The cost of hiring out the entire hotel is unlikely to make a dent in pop superstar Taylor's pocket, given that the chart-topper has an estimated fortune of $280 million. Fan favourite: The End Game hitmaker - who is reportedly worth $280 million - kicked off the six-month tour on May 8 in Glendale, Arizona, and is set to conclude her set of electric shows in Japan in November Busy bee: The first seven performances of the tour saw the singer command the stage in five cities, including Glendale, Santa Clara, Pasadena, Seattle and Denver Impressive: Taylor's first show - which took place at University of Phoenix Stadium - sold nearly 60,000 tickets and grossed an estimated $7 million, which knocked Metallica’s WorldWired Tour off the top of the charts for their earnings of $5.2 million at the same venue Nothing short of a superstar: With an impressive start to her tour, Billboard have predicted that sales could potentially reach $400 million by the end of set of concerts Starry: The September songstress recently stunned fans as she invited her BFF Selena Gomez to perform her chart-topping track Hands to Myself during her show-stopping tour It's claimed the move has peeved a number of other VIPs and superstars jetting into the city, however, with a number of stars expected to jet into the city this weekend for the big Soccer Aid match taking place at Old Trafford on Sunday. Taylor's gigs will also clash with music festival Parklife, which has music megastars Liam Gallagher, N.E.R.D, Skepta and A$AP Rocky on the bill. Tyson Fury will also box Sefer Seferi at Manchester Arena on Saturday night, a match that will attract a flurry of celebrity spectators.<doc-sep>
Products in this story are independently selected and featured editorially. If you make a purchase using these links we may earn commission. The Grammy winner is reportedly well on her way to earning $400 million with her massive stadium tour Taylor Swift‘s got a “bad reputation” for breaking records. According to Billboard, the 28-year-old superstar’s massive reputation Stadium Tour has already grossed more than $54 million in just seven shows with nearly 400,000 tickets sold in one month. The Grammy winner already broke a record on her opening night show in Arizona when 59,157 fans showed up to support Swift, whose latest album sold two million copies in its first week of release. Swift also sold more than 107,000 tickets and raked in $14 million for her two shows at Levi’s Stadium in Northern California before heading south to the Rose Bowl where more than 118,000 Swifties filled the Pasadena stadium, reports Billboard. Want to keep up with the latest from PEOPLE? Sign up for our daily newsletter to get our best stories of the day delivered straight to your inbox. The outlet adds that Swift beat U2’s 2017 record by more than $467,000 at the Rose Bowl and also broke the band’s box-office record in Denver by outselling their gross ticket sales by $1.2 million. After staying largely under the radar for more than a year, Swift was warmly welcomed back by her loyal fans who (slightly impatiently) waited more than her usual two years for a new album. Taylor Swift in Concert - , AZ, Glendale, USA - 08 May 2018 Taylor Swift | Credit: Rick Scuteri/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock And the star has returned the favor while busy rehearsing and traveling for her tour. In every city, Swift has had surprises in store for Swifties and also held meet-and-greets before and after each show. During her last dress rehearsal, she welcomed her “littlest fans” — foster children from Arizona — to the University of Phoenix Stadium for an intimate concert and pizza party shortly after visiting a little girl recovering from severe burns in the hospital. Swift has embraced the snake during her reputation era after she was bullied on social media with the reptile and previously explained to her fans why she chose to do that during a vulnerable moment with her Swifties on opening night. Taylor Swift 2018 reputation Stadium Tour Taylor Swift | Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty “I think something that came out of it that was good is that I learned a really important lesson that I’ve been telling you from the stage for about 10 years but I never had to learn it so harshly myself. And that lesson has to do with how much you value your reputation,” she said on-stage in Arizona while acknowledging she went through “low” times in the last year.