By Simona Mihalca 
The air in Bucharest on July 5th was electric (and steaming hot), all set for a night with Aurora. For so many of us, she’s more than just an artist; she’s this incredible force, a true guiding light for anyone who feels things deeply. Her music, which she perfectly describes as being “for all emotional people,” just hits you right in the heart, offering a rare blend of vulnerability and quiet strength. Getting to finally see her live was a moment I’d been buzzing about. And wow, what a night it turned out to be! It wasn’t just about the music; it was about this incredible, palpable human connection, even if it pushed a few boundaries.
The evening kicked off with Amalie Holt Klaeve, an artist who, despite a logo that was pretty hard to make out from a distance, turned out to be the perfect opener for Aurora. Her sound leaned into more electro vibes, creating a cool, atmospheric build-up. She mostly stayed balanced behind her keyboard on a pretty empty stage, which actually made it super easy for photographers to capture her thoughtful presence. I did wonder what language she was singing in, which just added to her mysterious vibe.
Even though she was reserved, Amalie managed to connect with the crowd, getting us to clap along and even learning to say “mulțumesc” (that’s “thank you” in Romanian), which was a sweet touch. When she left the stage, she showed a clever QR code for her music, a really smart way to share her art directly with the audience, even if it was a bit hard to scan from the back. The sound mix wasn’t quite perfect for her set, but she definitely set the right mood for the main act.
Then, Aurora arrived, and the whole energy shifted instantly. She was thrilled “the sun f**ked off,” which was just so playful and relatable. What truly blew me away was her constant, genuine interaction with the crowd. She shared little stories, like how she got adorably “scared” earlier in the day by two fans she met who tapped her on her shoulder to say hello, while she was spaced out. She talked to us constantly, creating this amazing intimacy you rarely get at bigger shows. So many people were dressed up, with intricate makeup and outfits transforming them into little elves and fairies. It was like a pop music Comic Con, where everyone felt completely free and accepted.
This incredible vibe seemed to fuel Aurora’s passionate moments. Her charming, unscripted banter was a highlight; she just kept talking and talking, often losing her point but always winning us over. It was so endearing to us fans! Though, I imagine it wasn’t quite as endearing to the promoters. Aurora actually finished her encore songs well after the 22:00 curfew, which could mean a fine from the mayor’s office. This curfew, I hear, is precisely why shows have started earlier recently, with doors at 18:00 and headliners around 20:00, which isn’t ideal when you’re dealing with 37-degree Celsius days.
During her heartfelt chats, Aurora was fearless. She vehemently spoke up about human rights for everyone, championing the right to be what gender you want, to love who you want, and for refugees to receive support. Her powerful voice extended to calling for the liberation of Palestine, Syria, and Iran. She acknowledged how the world sometimes feels like it’s “going backwards,” but she powerfully reminded us that we need to still care about one another. It was genuinely inspiring to see an artist use her platform with such raw conviction.
The sound quality was significantly better for Aurora’s set, letting her intricate, atmospheric music completely fill the venue. It was a masterclass in how to put on a show with atmospheric music, totally captivating everyone there. Watching her, it was truly hard to believe Aurora is a real person and not some mythical fairy who had wandered out of a Norwegian forest. Her performance wasn’t just singing; it was pure, embodied emotion.
Photo Credits: Andreea Neamtu
Visually, the show was a triumph. Aurora brilliantly played with lights, with space (and its absence), and with projections of videos and animation. Every element was so meticulously thought out. They didn’t just accompany the songs; they balanced and enhanced them without ever taking over. She knew exactly when to shift from one song to the next, perfectly building more power or emotion with each note and visual cue. Her vocals are insanely good, honestly better than anything you hear on her already brilliant albums. That’s precisely why you absolutely have to experience her live shows. And of course, her characteristic way of moving and dancing on stage a fluid, almost ethereal grace tied it all together, making the entire performance a cohesive, breathtaking piece of art.
One of the deepest takeaways from the night was realizing the immense strength it takes to feel everything profoundly and just feel, without shielding yourself from life. Aurora’s vulnerability and openheartedness on stage were a powerful reminder of this, making the concert an unexpectedly cathartic experience for so many of us.
The setlist was a captivating mix of fan favorites and newer tracks. Songs like “Runaway,” “The Seed,” and “Queendom” had the audience singing along with such passion. The energy soared through the encore, which included the catchy “Cure for Me” and the poignant “Invisible Wounds,” leaving us utterly satisfied.
Just a quick thought on concert logistics: I usually don’t harp on drink prices since, well, it’s a business. But when it’s that hot, and frankly, always, I wish there was free tap water and options for reusable bottles (instead of mountains of plastic).
Ultimately, Aurora’s Bucharest concert was so much more than just a musical performance; it was an immersive journey into raw emotion, genuine connection, and the beautiful, unfiltered expression of self. It left the audience not just entertained, but perhaps a little more in tune with their own feelings, and certainly with a story about a delightful artist who truly dances to the beat of her own drum.