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Review & setlist: Isabel LaRosa brings her signature sound off TikTok and onto the Boston stage
“I’m actually in awe of you guys, like, this is insane.”
Isabel LaRosa at Brighton Music Hall, Sept. 17, 2024
Almost two years after releasing her hit song “i’m yours” that became a viral sensation on TikTok, Isabel LaRosa graced Brighton Music Hall on Tuesday night, putting on a show filled with guitar solos, airy vocals, and strobing lights.
Known for her dark and moody electro sound and haunting melodies, the 20-year-old alt-pop singer played all the fan favorites with a rock twist. Her producer and co-writer (and older brother) Thomas LaRosa performed onstage with her, supporting the entire set with his guitar.
LaRosa’s track “favorite” has now been used in more than 204,000 videos on TikTok, where she has amassed over 1.3 million followers. She often posts close-up videos with a bright flash on her face and snippets of her music, a formula that has proven successful — her account has more than 57 million likes. LaRosa has also recently been posting clips to promote her tour. Her local fanbase responded, coming out in droves to show their support.
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“I love you guys!” LaRosa shouted to the young crowd towards the beginning of her set. “I literally think you guys have been the loudest so far on tour.”
As she stepped on stage, she was greeted by red flashing lights, a low synth tune, and an eager crowd. The hum melted into the beginning notes of her song “eyes don’t lie” as a stream of wind dramatically blew her hair back. She fidgeted with the mic for a moment, then motioned for the audience to keep singing throughout the performance, maintaining a smile all the while.
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The song ended, and she called out, “I’m sorry, my mic isn’t working!” Before disappearing backstage for a few moments, she also said, “It just proves that I’m singing live,” earning more cheers in response. Just minutes later, LaRosa returned, and the show continued thereon without a hitch.
When LaRosa told the crowd to jump, they jumped. When she told them to scream, they did just that. When she performed several unreleased songs — some of which she’s only sung on tour — the crowd sang along even louder, swaying their arms, turning on their phone flashlights in a sea of white, or jumping until the floor shook.
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The show saw no lull in energy. She often kneeled down to interact with fervid fans, and in between songs, the crowd continued to shout, “I love you” and “Marry me!” One called out, “Sing that sh—!” at the beginning of a song, causing LaRosa to giggle into the mic.
Thomas played several guitar solos, including in a cover of Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face,” eliciting ear-splitting cheers as his sister motioned at him. The siblings also performed a cover of Ari Abdul’s viral song “BABYDOLL,” which Thomas produced.
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“I’m actually in awe of you guys, like, this is insane,” she said after singing “Heaven.” LaRosa explained that she and her brother had been making music since they were children, and they’d never seen a crowd as loud as this one.
“I want you to sing it as loud as you possibly can, do you understand?” LaRosa yelled. “I said, do you understand?” Hoots and shrieks rang out as she launched into the popular lyrics, “Baby, I’m yours.”
In what seemed to be the end of the show, she ran off stage as the lights dimmed, vanishing under a shroud of black. But the fans were still hungry for more — a chant arose: “Favorite! Favorite! Favorite!”
And LaRosa responded in kind. She appeared once more and shouted, “Are you ready?” She didn’t even need to ask. Fans jumped and screamed as the song’s hard-hitting beats shook the hall, bringing LaRosa’s concert to a powerful end.
Though much of her music features whispery vocals, Tuesday’s live show proved that is not the extent of her skill. Paired with a unique electric sound and striking guitar accompaniments, LaRosa’s voice only added to an already electrifying performance that lingered with the crowd long after she left the stage. As fans filtered out of the venue, excited chatter spilled onto the streets, a hum of energy almost tangible after an unforgettable night.
Setlist for Isabel LaRosa at Brighton Music Hall in Allston, Sept. 17, 2024
- eyes don’t lie
- Pretty Boy
- more than friends
- HEARTBEAT
- without you
- HELP
- Home (unreleased)
- Therapy
- Good Girl (unreleased)
- BABYDOLL (cover)
- [unreleased song]
- [unreleased song]
- older
- Poker Face (cover)
- HAUNTED
- Muse (unreleased)
- HEAVEN
- i’m yours
- favorite
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