headlining tour meaning

What is a Headliner at a Concert? What Do They Do?

JD Rinehart

Updated on: July 23, 2023

A headliner is typically the most popular act at a concert and can be anyone from a solo artist to a band.

Headliners can make or break a concert, and often draw the biggest crowds. So, what makes someone a headliner? And how do you know if the headliner is worth seeing?

In fact, I’ve often gone to festivals and concerts only for certain particular headliners — many people do in fact.

With that being said, let’s dive into everything you need to know about headliners.

Table of Contents

What is a Headliner at a Concert?

Typically, the headliner is the main act or performer who plays last and who draws the biggest audience. They are typically the most famous or popular artist or band on the bill.

Headliners can also be chosen for their ability to draw in fans of other bands on the lineup, creating a more well-rounded show. In some cases, a headliner may not be the most popular act on the bill, but they are booked because they are able to sell more tickets than any other act.

Whatever the reason, headliners are an important part of any show and play a crucial role in setting the tone for the evening.

For example, at a large festival like Coachella , the headliners are typically the most popular artists at the moment. Headliners in the past have included big names such as Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino, and Tame Impala.

Each of these artists is extremely popular and has a diehard fan base that will follow them to any show. On the other hand, smaller festivals may book headliners that are up-and-coming artists or bands that are on the verge of breaking into the mainstream.

These headliners may not be as well known as the acts at larger festivals, but they are chosen because they have the potential to draw in a large crowd and put on an amazing show.

How to Know if the Headliner is Worth Seeing

When choosing whether or not to see a headliner, there are a few things you should take into consideration.

1. Taste in Music

The first is obviously your own taste in music . If you’re not a fan of the headliner, then it’s probably not worth your time and money to see them live.

For example, I’m a huge fan of Rufus du Sol, so I’ve gone to Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado in the past just to see them live!

2. Size of the Venue

Another important factor to consider is the size of the venue . If you’re seeing a headliner at a small club, it’s likely that they will play a more intimate show with less production than if you saw them at an arena or stadium.

This can be a good or bad thing, depending on your preferences. I personally prefer seeing smaller shows because you feel more connected to the artist and the music, but some people prefer the spectacle of a larger show.

3. Consider the Opening Acts

Finally, you should also consider the supporting acts . In many cases, the headliner will bring along a few other bands or artists to play before them.

These supporting acts can be just as good as the headliner, so it’s worth checking them out before making your decision.

In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether or not the headliner is worth seeing. There is no right or wrong answer, and it ultimately comes down to your own taste in music and what you’re looking for in a live show.

What Does a Headliner Do?

The headliner is responsible for closing the show, and they typically play the longest set of the night.

They are also usually responsible for the most production, meaning they will have the most lights, pyrotechnics, and special effects . Headliners often save their best songs for last, so you can expect to hear their biggest bangers during their set.

The headliner is also responsible for setting the tone for the show. If they are a high-energy band, then the crowd will be pumped up and ready to party. If they are a more relaxed band, then the crowd will be more chill. It’s important to consider the tone of the headliner when choosing whether or not to see them live.

How Long Do Headliners Play at Concerts or Festivals?

The length of a headliner’s set can vary depending on the size of the venue and the length of the show.

In general, headliners at large festivals will play for about two hours, while headliners at smaller clubs will play for about one hour.

Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule, so it’s always worth checking the length of the headliner’s set before you go to see them live.

No matter how long they play, you can be sure that the headliner will put on an amazing show that you won’t want to miss. So if you’re a fan of the artist and the opportunity presents itself, make sure to see them live!

How Do You Know Which Band or DJ is Headlining?

There are a few ways to find out who is headlining a show or festival. The most obvious way is to check the lineup , which will usually be listed on the event’s website.

Another way to find out is to look for posters or flyers around town. If you see a poster with the name of the headliner in big letters, then you can be sure that they are the main attraction.

Another way to find out is to ask people who have been to the event before. If you know someone who has been to the show or festival, they may be able to tell you who the headliner was. This is a great way to get first-hand information about the event and what you can expect.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Headliner?

There are both advantages and disadvantages to being a headliner. One advantage is that you get to play the longest set of the night .

This means you can really show off your skills and put on an amazing show for the crowd. Another advantage is that you have the most production , so you can really go all out with your stage show.

One disadvantage of being a headliner is that you have a lot of pressure to perform. The crowd is there to see you, so you need to make sure you put on a great show. Another disadvantage is that you often have to follow up other great bands or artists, which can be tough to do.

In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether or not the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. If you’re a great performer and you can handle the pressure, then being a headliner is definitely for you. But if you’re not sure you can handle the pressure, then you might want to stick to being a supporting act.

What Do Opening Acts in a Concert Do While the Headliner is Performing?

The opening acts will be responsible for managing any guests that they have with them. This includes making sure that their guests are comfortable and have everything they need.

Opening acts will also use this time to mingle with the other bands and artists that are performing at the event. This is a great way to network and make new connections in the industry.

What Happens if the Headliner Cancels?

If the headliner cancels, the opening acts will usually be asked to play longer sets. This is because the crowd is there to see the headliner and they will be disappointed if they don’t get to see them perform.

If there are no other bands or artists available to fill in for the headliner, then the event will usually be canceled . This is because the headliner is the main attraction and without them, there is no reason for the event to go on. This is the worst-case scenario.

In some cases, the headliner may not cancel but they may not show up on time . This can cause delays in the schedule and may result in the opening acts having to play longer sets. This is annoying to the audience (I’ve been there) but at least they show up.

No matter what happens, it’s always important to be prepared for anything when you’re a headliner. This means having a backup plan in case something goes wrong.

What are the Different Types of Headliners?

There are many different types of headliners, but the most common type is the band that is headlining the show. This means that they are the main attraction and the crowd is there to see them perform.

Another type of headliner is the DJ . DJs are often the headliners of electronic music events. This is because they are the ones who are responsible for playing the music and keeping the crowd entertained.

There are also headliners who are not bands or artists. These are usually people who are famous for something else, such as being a model or an actor. They may be asked to headline an event because of their celebrity status.

In conclusion, a headliner is the main attraction at an event. They are responsible for entertaining the crowd and making sure that the event is a success. There are many different types of headliners, but the most common type is a band or artist.

Starting with my first EDM event in 2010 at Nocturnal Wonderland and hearing One by Swedish House Mafia and Benny Bennassi’s “Satisfaction” I have been hooked on EDM. While Above&Beyond and Anjunabeats captured my heart in 2012, the genre I love the most is Hardstyle and I feel the most alive when listening to it. My favorite part about the EDM world is the energy that is packed into each genre fan base and event. Writing for Deep In The Mix gives me the opportunity to contribute back to the EDM world I love so much.

most recent

Is Lane 8’s Brand New Mixtape The Perfect Soundtrack For Fall 2023?

News , Skrillex

Is skrillex making a mind-blowing appearance at berghain you won’t believe which party it’s for.

Have You Seen The Epic B2B Set By Dillon Francis And Knock2 At Imagine Music Festival?

Guess Who’s Back! Annie Mac Reunites With Nick Grimshaw For An Epic BBC Podcast – ‘Sidetracked’!

What is Coachella?

What is Phonk and Why is It So Popular?

EDM Glossary

© 2023 DEEP IN THE MIX LLC

Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Site/Affiliate Disclaimer | Sitemap

• Environment
• Real Estate
• Beer & Wine
• Cocktails & Spirits
• Openings & Closings
• Restaurant Guide
• Restaurant Reviews
• Top 100 Bars
• Top 100 Restaurants
• Celebrities
• Film, TV & Streaming
• Sex & Dating
• Concert Calendar
• Concert Reviews
• Local Music

Touring Artists

• New Times Pizza Week
• New Times Out to Brunch
• New Times Tacolandia
• Arts & Entertainment
• Eat & Drink
• Shopping & Services
• Sports & Recreation
• Readers' Choice
• Digital Issue
• Classifieds
• Advertise with Us
• Flipbook Archive
• Newsletters
• Promotions & Free Stuff
• Where To Find Miami New Times In Print
• Sign Up/Sign In

The Age of Team-Up Tours: Why Coheadlining Concerts Are Becoming More Common

Audio By Carbonatix

Newsletter Sign Up

Enter your name, zip code, and email, sign up for our newsletters.

Terrestrial Funk Record Store Is Here for a Good Time, Not a Long Time

By Douglas Markowitz

Sigur Rós Will Bring Otherworldly Symphonies to the Arsht Center

By David Rolland

Headed to the Eras Tour in Miami? Book a Swiftie Hotel Package

By Celia Almeida

Latin Music

Tiago pzk promises plenty of joy during vmas performance.

By Osvaldo Espino

• View This Week's Print Issue
• Food & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Things To Do
• New Times Events
• Advertise With Us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Voice Media Group
• Dallas Observer
• Denver Westword
• New Times Broward-Palm Beach
• Phoenix New Times
• V Audience Labs
• V Digital Services

Megan Moroney Announces Headlining 2025 ‘Am I Okay? Tour’

Emo cowgirl on the road.

Today, Megan Moroney’s announced her headlining 2025 Am I Okay? tour, named for her recent sophomore album .

The run will kick off in March in Canada, and end in August in Boston, Massachusetts, and while no openers have been announced quite yet, Meg said she will be crossing off some “bucket list” venues and she can’t wait to see her fans again:

“I’m so excited to announce the AM I OKAY? TOUR!!! I get to play some of my bucket list venues & it’s going to be a very blue, very magical year on the road. I’m already counting down the days until I get to see your faces & all of your ‘homemade t-shirts & homemade signs.’ :,)

I know I’ve said it a lot but thank you for making all of my dreams come true – just over the mooooooon that i get to do this. My artist presale begins Thursday, sept 12th at 10am local- head to @moroneyhq for sign up details!”

Meg spent the summer opening up for Kenny Chesney in stadiums across the country, and has quickly become one of the most popular ladies at the forefront of country music, following the success of her viral hit “Tennessee Orange” and subsequent album Lucky .

I have no doubt this will be one of the most anticipated tours of 2025, with Meg playing some of her biggest venues yet in an extensive tour that is all her own.

Public ticket on-sale begins this Friday, September 13th, and you can check out all the dates in her post below.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Megan Moroney (@megmoroney)

“Am I Okay?” Headed To Country Radio As Lead Single From Megan Moroney’s Sophomore Album

The easy standout from Am I Okay?

Megan Moroney’s rockin’ anthem from her recently-released her impressive sophomore album, and the one that I’ve had on repeat since the July 12th, is officially headed to country radio as the first single from the project.

The title track is one of the more upbeat, rock-infused songs she’s ever put out, and the title is deceiving, because it’s not a sad, lamenting breakup tune like you would think, especially because Meg is so good at those kinds of songs.

It’s refreshing to hear this happier, more lovestruck side of Meg, and I think this one has a ton of potential at country radio and will do really well:

The title track from @_megmoroney ’s sophomore album, ‘Am I Okay?’ will serve as the lead radio single at US Country Radio. It follows her recent Top 15 single, “I’m Not Pretty”. pic.twitter.com/q4BN324Y0g — U.S. Radio Updater (@USRadioUpdater) August 3, 2024

“Am I Okay?” was written by Meg along with Luke Laird and Jessie Jo Dillon, and finds her getting over a breakup and “playing less Black Keys,” which is a good indicator that she’s finally moving on. Of course, it helps when a 6’2 man walks in the way he did for Meg, who doesn’t play games, means what he says, is funny and smart and good in… well, you get the point.

It’s super catchy and a really fun way to start the record, and as a side note, I also love her reasoning for not including the word “bed” in the chorus, which she talked about in an interview with Kelleigh Bannen on Today’s Country Radio on Apple Music Country:

“I just feel like sometimes you don’t have to say it. You knew what I was talking about.

And so when we were writing it just kind of came out and it was like, ‘And he is good in,’ and then it was like it’d be cool to be, ‘Good in … instead of being good in bed.’ Sometimes you just don’t have to say it. You know what I mean?”

I think the best songwriters know when to say certain things, and almost more importantly, when you don’t even need to.

She explained that the meaning behind the song in general is quite simple, and based on personal experience when she found herself in a relationship (that’s now over) and content and happy about it for once:

“People are probably going to think it’s going to be a heart-wrenching song, but it’s just not. It’s like you’re actually happy for once and you’re asking yourself, ‘Oh my God, am I okay?’ And yeah, that’s how I felt at one time.

I think it lasted… I think that when I had hope in a relationship with this guy, it lasted for a month or two until he showed us true colors. But we live and we learn. We got a good song out of it.”

There’s just something so catchy about the production, and it’s one of those country songs you want to listen to at maximum volume and scream at the top of your lungs, which is usually a perfect combination for single at country radio.

It’s also unique in terms of the sound of her broader catalog, and a huge hit if you ask me…

Turn it up:

MORE FROM WHISKEY RIFF

WHISKEY RIFF RAFF PODCAST

WHISKEY RIFF SHOP

STAY ENTERTAINED

A riff on what country is really about.

Never Miss Out

• More from M-W
• To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Definition of headline

 (Entry 1 of 3)

Definition of headline  (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

Definition of headline  (Entry 3 of 3)

Examples of headline in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'headline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

1860, in the meaning defined at sense 1

1906, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing headline

headline inflation

Dictionary Entries Near headline

Cite this entry.

“Headline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headline. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of headline.

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Kids Definition of headline  (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on headline

Nglish: Translation of headline for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of headline for Arabic Speakers

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Plural and possessive names: a guide, 31 useful rhetorical devices, more commonly misspelled words, absent letters that are heard anyway, how to use accents and diacritical marks, popular in wordplay, 8 words for lesser-known musical instruments, it's a scorcher words for the summer heat, 7 shakespearean insults to make life more interesting, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), 9 superb owl words, games & quizzes.

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best of Miami for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy Miami without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

Drake and 21 Savage concert in Miami: timings, setlist, tickets and everything you need to know

Two of rap's biggest stars will light up Kaseya Center for back-to-back shows in Downtown on the It's All a Blur Tour.

After delaying the launch of their It's All a Blur Tour earlier this year, Drake and 21 Savage are set to play two rescheduled shows this week at the Kaseya Center in downtown Miami.

The co-headlining tour promoting the Canadian and Atlanta-based rappers' collaborative album Her Loss (2022) kicked off in Chicago on July 5 and is set to wrap in Columbus on October 9, 2023. In that span, fans have been treated to around two hours of basically nonstop bangers at nearly 50 shows across North America.

Many reviews have praised the tour for its sheer number of era-defining hits from throughout Drake's career. His catalog is diverse and his range is matched by few other rappers. Others have taken issue with Drake's "made-for-Instagram" visuals and his set list's jarring flow. (Rather than opening the night, 21 Savage's set is inserted midway through Drake's performance, interrupting the show's momentum, according to some .)

Looking for the full scoop on Drake's upcoming concert in Miami with 21 Savage? Read on for all the most important deets, including timings, setlists, tickets and everything else you should know.

How many dates are Drake and 21 Savage playing in Miami?

Drake and 21 Savage will play two dates in Miami: Thursday, September 28 and Friday, September 29.

What time do doors open at the Kaseya Center?

According to the Kaseya Center website, doors to the Drake and 21 Savage concert will open at 7pm on both nights.

What time will Drake come on stage?

Based on reports from previous tour stops around the country, expect Drake to hit the stage around two hours after doors open. For Miami, that means you should definitely be in your seat and ready to turn up sometime around 9pm.

Who is supporting Drake at the Kaseya Center?

This is technically a co-headlining tour, meaning rapper 21 Savage shares the top of the bill and stage time with Drake. That being said, Drake's set consists of around 40 songs, while the 21 Savage portion of the show runs for only 12 songs, six of which are performed alongside Drake.

What's the setlist?

Set lists have varied slightly from city to city, but the show's three acts will be broken out into some version of the below:

• “Look What You've Done”
• “Marvins Room”
• “Say Something”
• “Shot for Me”
• “Can I”
• “Feel No Ways”
• “Jaded”
• “Jungle”
• “Over”
• “Headlines”
• “The Motto”
• “HYFR (Hell Ya (Expletive) Right)”
• “Started From the Bottom”
• “Energy”
• “Know Yourself”
• “Nonstop”
• “Meltdown”
• “Sicko Mode”
• “Way 2 Sexy”
• “BackOutsideBoyz”
• “Jumbotron (Expletive) Poppin”
• “Laugh Now Cry Later”
• “God's Plan”
• “Childs Play”
• “Wait for U”
• “In My Feelings”
• “Nice for What”

Set 2 with DJ

• “Controlla”
• “Too Good”
• “Find Your Love”
• “Hold On, We're Going Home”
• “Passionfruit”
• “Work”
• “One Dance”
• “Calling My Name”
• “Massive”
• “Sticky”
• “Search & Rescue”

Set 3 with 21 Savage

• “Knife Talk”
• “On BS”
• “Spin Bout U”
• “Hours in Silence”
• “Jimmy Cooks”
• “Rich Flex”
• “Legend”

Are there any tickets left?

Yes, tickets are still available for both nights of Drake's Miami shows. On Thursday, the cheapest seats are currently going for around $400 plus fees; Friday's show is slightly more expensive, starting around $450 plus fees for the cheapest seats via Ticketmaster . You can also find tickets via third-party sellers like StubHub and SeatGeek , starting at around $300 plus fees.

What's the bag policy for the Kaseya Center in Miami? 

Bags or purses must be smaller than 10"x6" and will be subjected to a search before entering the arena. If your bag exceeds these dimensions, rentable Binbox lockers will be available for storage and are available one hour prior to doors opening and until one hour post-show. Lockers are located on the South Plaza above Gate 7 steps and adjacent to the Box Office (near Gate 4/5). A medium locker costs $15 and a large locker costs $20. Kaseya Center is a cashless arena.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

Time Out magazine

Example sentences headline a tour

He sets out on a headline tour this autumn.

You're gearing up for a huge headline tour .

Before the band's first headline tour , their record company said they could have anything they wanted as stage props.

We have our debut album and our first headline tour .

Now this — her first headline tour .

Definition of 'headline' headline

Definition of 'tour' tour

Related word partners headline a tour.

Browse alphabetically headline a tour

• headlessness
• headline a tour
• headline news
• headline rate
• headline rate of inflation
• All ENGLISH words that begin with 'H'

Wordle Helper

Scrabble Tools

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Score: 0 / 5

• Access the entire site, including the Easy Learning Grammar , and our language quizzes.
• Customize your language settings. (Unregistered users can only access the International English interface for some pages.)
• Submit new words and phrases to the dictionary.
• Benefit from an increased character limit in our Translator tool.
• Receive our weekly newsletter with the latest news, exclusive content, and offers.
• Be the first to enjoy new tools and features.
• It is easy and completely free !

Missy Elliott Announces First-Ever Headlining Tour in 2024

Em Casalena

Updated: 

With a career that spans decades, and numerous hits and Grammy awards under her belt, you’d think that Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott would have kicked off many headline tours through the years. However, she hasn’t; but that’s about to change! Elliott will kick off her first headlining tour of North America this summer with support from fellow big names in rap and hip-hop, including Timbaland, Busta Rhymes, and Ciara. The Out Of This World Tour will span two dozen concerts across the US and Canada in July and August. “Get Ur Freak On” fans are about to lose their minds!

Videos by American Songwriter

The Missy Elliott 2024 Tour will start on July 4 in Vancouver, British Columbia at Rogers Arena. The tour will close on August 22 in Rosemont, Illinois at Allstate Arena.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Missy Elliott (@missymisdemeanorelliott)

It looks like Ticketmaster is the main ticketing platform for the Out Of This World Tour. There are a ton of different presale events to choose from. Some of the presale events will start on April 9 and others will start on April 11, and so on. Check your specific tour date on Ticketmaster for more information. You can get your hands on the artist presale code via Elliott’s website .

General on-sale kicks off on April 12 at 10:00 am local. The presale events are going to sell out a lot of tickets, so if you missed your chance during the presale events, try Stubhub . Stubhub is our go-to recommendation for finding tickets to sold-out shows. Plus, the FanProtect Program ensures that your tickets are legitimate and free of scams.

“This is an incredible time in my life as I am experiencing so many milestone ‘firsts,’” said Elliott in a press release for the tour. “Being the FIRST female Hip Hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and now going out on my FIRST headline tour. Fans have been asking me to tour forever but I wanted to wait until I felt the time was right because I knew if I was ever going to do it, I had to do it big, and I had to do it with family!”

This is going to be a major tour that hip-hop heads won’t want to miss. Get your tickets fast! Seats for the first-ever Missy Elliott headlining tour will not last long.

Missy Elliott 2024 Tour Dates

July 4 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

July 6 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

July 9 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena

July 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena

July 13 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena

July 16 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

July 18 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

July 20 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

July 21 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena

July 24 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena

July 25 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena

July 27 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

August 1 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

August 2 – Hampton, VA – Hampton Coliseum

August 3 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena

August 5 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

August 8 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

August 9 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center

August 10 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

August 12 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

August 15 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

August 17 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre

August 19 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

August 22 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena

Photo by Paras Griffin

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Leave a Reply

Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.

More From: Tour Announcements

MTV VMAs Skips Biggest Record-Breaking Awards of the Night as Fans Air Their Grievances

LL Cool J and Public Enemy Celebrate 40 Years of Def Jam Records with a Medley of Old-School Hits at the MTV VMAs

Taylor Swift Makes History as the VMAs’ Most-Awarded Artist Ever

Camila Cabello Gives Emotional Performance of “Godspeed” in Return to MTV VMAs

Lenny Kravitz Teams with Quavo for Electrifying Performance of “FLY” at the MTV VMAs

Halsey’s Rocking “Ego” Performance at 2024 VMAs Was a Total Vibe

You may also like.

Missy Elliott Goes Out of This World: NASA Transmits Her Song “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” to Venus

Missy Elliott Extends Headlining Tour in 2024: How To Get Tickets

Ciara Stands by Her Husband Russell Wilson After He Is Kicked to the Curb by the Denver Broncos

Missy Elliott On Being the First Female Rapper in Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: “Words Cannot Describe”

Missy Elliott Joins Remix of Viral Hit “You Wish”

Busta Rhymes Recruits Coi Leray for “Luxury Life”

Missy Elliott is ditching sweets to prepare to tour, says her dog is 'like my best friend'

First it was induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as the inaugural female hip-hop artist.

Then, the announcement that after a 25-plus year career a first-ever headlining tour would be unveiled this summer.

Add to that a prominent role in Pharrell Williams’ currently untitled movie project about his life and clearly, it’s a Missy Elliott-palooza.

On July 4, a few days after she turns 53, Elliott will embark on the Out of This World tour with co-stars Busta Rhymes and Ciara , as well as Timbaland, who has known Elliott since high school and helped innovate smashes including “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” “Hit Em Wit Da Hee,” “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It.”

The 30-date run, which kicks off in Vancouver, will wind through Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Houston, Tampa, Atlanta, Baltimore, Brooklyn and Philadelphia among its stops.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Elliott, who lives in Atlanta, is also filming the Williams movie in Richmond, Virginia – both hail from the Virginia Beach area – while prepping for her tour. She'll star alongside Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph , Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry and fellow music luminary Janelle Monáe.

Here is what Elliott had to say about this fulfilling period in her life.

More: 50 essential hip-hop songs to celebrate 50 years: Grandmaster Flash, Jay-Z, Outkast, more

Question: Your performance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in November was electrifying. What was going through your mind that night after being inducted as the first female rapper?

Answer: Whenever I go into any performance it’s a lot of thought process, from the clothes to what songs you’re going to perform to the dances. I think most of the time I’m engulfed in everything. But this time I felt like I was floating because I was in the room and watching many artists that had been around for way longer than I have just getting into the Rock Hall. It’s still a pinch-me moment, like "Wow, I’m here." … Until stuff like that happens, like (being inducted into) the Songwriters Hall of Fame , those things felt like they were so out of reach until I was on that stage.

With you, Eminem, LL Cool J and several other hip-hop artists getting into the Rock Hall, do you think they’ve improved their acknowledgement of the genre?

It’s a good thing, an amazing thing, and hopefully me being the first female, it opens the door for other females and hip-hop artists in general because it has had such an impact on so many genres of music. I go to Japan and all of the stores are playing nothing but hip-hop.

It’s hard to believe this is your first headlining tour, so why now?

My first tour was Lilith Fair (in 1998). Then I did Rock the Mic with Jay-Z and 50 Cent (in 2003), and my last tour (in 2004) was me, Beyoncé , Alicia (Keys) and Tamia. I had the opportunities to tour alone, but because I was so engulfed in writing and producing for myself and other artists, I never felt like I wanted to be out that long without being able to continue doing that. But then one day I was like, "I want to go out." My management, they didn’t believe me. But my manager called me the next day and said, “Are you serious?” and I said, "Yeah, I want to go out." I believe God aligned it. Mentally, I was ready. Physically, I was ready.

Why is it called the Out of This World tour?

The first thing I thought of is anything that I have done sonically, musically, visually has been kind of out of this world. I felt even Busta , who I’ve watched before I even came along, has been that way, too. And Ciara and Tim(baland), his music has been futuristic . So that title was fitting for all of us. I believe we all embody being out of this world.

What can you share about the show or production?

It’s going to be a little bit of everything . I’m biting my nails wanting to tell what will happen, but I want everybody to come and see it. I can tell you the energy is going to be through the roof. I tell people bring your slides, no heels, no shoes, because you’re gonna dance the whole night.

Since touring isn’t typical, how are you preparing?

It’s most definitely a grind. You have to be in a good mental space. I have Busta and Ciara and Timba out there so it’s going to feel like family and not, I’m going to work. On top of that, I have a physical therapist I’m starting with and they put these big things on my legs to loosen everything up. And I have to start eating right. I am most definitely putting down any sweets, and that is hardest thing for me. I’m gonna eat my last cupcake in a week. But I hike the mountains every day.

More: Hip-Hop legends Big Daddy Kane, Melle Mel celebrate the genre's 50th anniversary

Is there anything you have to bring with you on the road?

My (Yorkie) dog, Fendi. I lost one of my dogs in November and that crushed me, so she’s like my best friend. She calms my anxiety. She’s living her best life. She’s in a couple of Instagram photos (on my page), and she has her own page and her own fans.

As you get ready for a headlining tour and look back at what you’ve accomplished, do you feel you’ve become a pioneer for women in hip-hop?

I guess now I can say that yeah, I get a chance to sit back and look back at all the new females coming. People don’t know how hard it is when you’re a female coming up. My hat goes off to them for doing it for real. You have to be tough and strong and consistent, and I’m on the sideline cheering them on.

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of headliner in English

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

• She was the headliner for the Superbowl halftime show.
• It was after ten o'clock by the time the headliners took the stage .
• They are the headliners on a world rock tour featuring five different bands .
• He worked with many famous headliners when they came to Caesar's Palace in the 1960s and 70s.
• anti-musical
• cloth-eared
• fog machine
• have cloth ears phrase
• in concert idiom
• jam session
• post-concert
• throat singing

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Word of the Day

Something that is imaginary is created by and exists only in the mind.

Treasure troves and endless supplies (Words and phrases meaning ‘source’)

Learn more with +Plus

• Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
• Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
• Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
• Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
• English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• English–Dutch Dutch–English
• English–French French–English
• English–German German–English
• English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
• English–Italian Italian–English
• English–Japanese Japanese–English
• English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
• English–Polish Polish–English
• English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
• English–Spanish Spanish–English
• English–Swedish Swedish–English
• Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
• English    Noun
• All translations

To add headliner to a word list please sign up or log in.

Add headliner to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Critic’s Pick

Missy Elliott, Pop World Builder, Brings a Hip-Hop Fantasia to Brooklyn

For her first headlining tour in an innovative three-decade career, Elliott unleashed a relentless and exhilarating display of theatrical and visual ambition.

By Jon Caramanica

It’s nearly impossible to fathom that until this summer, almost three decades into her career, Missy Elliott had never headlined an arena tour. One of the most influential hip-hop and pop performers, songwriters and producers of all time, she built a career on hyperreal imagery and music that suggested an intergalactic, quirky, sensual future that even now feels fanciful and far-off.

And judging by the performance Elliott, 53, delivered at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Monday night, it would have been impossible to ascertain that she’d never toured at this level before. The deftness and imagination on display suggested a performer with a hyperdeveloped sense of image-making, a bone-deep understanding of her catalog, and a desire to make up for lost time and opportunity.

The tour, titled Out of This World — the Missy Elliott Experience, was a taut, relentless and exhilarating 75 minutes full of theatrical and visual ambition. At times, it had the complexity and density of recent peak pop spectacles, like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, or the Weeknd’s 2021 Super Bowl halftime show . But it was also kin to the films of Baz Luhrmann, Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics — events in which precision, creativity and absurdism comfortably coexist, and actually rely upon each other.

The show was less a conventional concert than a dynamic carnivalesque D.J. set of strung-together Elliott smashes (her own, mainly, but at one point late in the night, some which she wrote or produced for others, like Aaliyah). It presented as one grand adventure — the front-loaded section of hits like “Sock It 2 Me,” “I’m Really Hot” and “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” (which was preceded by a quizzical nod to “Singin’ in the Rain”) wasn’t much more distinctive than the mid-show run of sex romps “Get Ur Freak On,” “One Minute Man” and “Hot Boyz.” And neither of those sections was more commanding than the sometimes choppy closing run, peppered with laser-beam bouncers like “Work It” and “Lose Control.” The less effective songs sprinkled throughout worked as accent pieces, but also at times undermined the potency of her biggest hits.

But Elliott was trying to make a point: Like all the most memorable and durable pop heroes, she has built a worldview much bigger than any one of her songs.

What was perhaps most striking, though, was how that world didn’t always require Elliott’s presence. During this show, there were countless things to keep an eye on — platforms popping up from the stage and flying out over the crowd; circular screens hovering over the audience; a video backdrop filled with colorful, surreally animated clips; fire spouting out of either side of the stage; dancers in ferocious lock step; and a small cast of sidekick characters doing light skit work.

Elliott was there, too, decked out in phenomenally inventive, flamboyant and dynamic outfits — a graffiti-covered puffer parka, fully rhinestoned track suits, a black exoskeleton-like jacket trailed by, essentially, a billowing cape-cum-cocoon that was inflated and trailed behind her for several feet. That was a nod to the outfit that made her famous — the interstellar trash bag chic she showed off in the video for her 1997 breakout single, “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly).”

When she smiled, which was often, it was electric. But often all you could see of her was the space between her nose and neck, like a person who doesn’t quite wish to be perceived. She rarely appeared fully fixed on the stage, or even on the idea of performing itself — she performed few full songs front to back, instead relying on the immediacy of the chorus and the familiarity of the opening words to trigger a communal response, and then easing back into the ensemble. She was the star, but maybe more important, she was the creative director. When she stepped offstage for a costume change, the show did not take a breather.

Around 20 dancers in ruthlessly choreographed routines did the bulk of the visual work, making for a spectacle that was part Busby Berkeley, part “Star Wars” trilogy, rendered through an artificial intelligence reimagining of “Wild Style.”

And it was notably loud, too, meaning there was less pressure on Elliott’s rapping and singing. Those were just small parts of a bombastic, meticulously produced soundtrack to a novel visual fantasia. It was also a reminder that Elliott in her prime was less a pure vocal hero than a rhythmic genius, a technophilic visual wizard, an imagineer of futuristic Black pop.

She made an argument here that she was also building a tent — late in the night she was joined onstage by her longtime collaborator Timbaland and the R&B technician Ciara, the night’s first two openers, and also Lil’ Kim, a fellow female hip-hop hero of the ’90s. There was also Busta Rhymes, the main support act, who in his prime was hip-hop’s premier eccentric and a sometime Elliott collaborator. He seemed extremely at home amid the pandemonium — his visual accompaniment was as antic as Elliott’s — and he brought out LL Cool J for a rowdy and meaningful performance of their verses on the seminal remix of Craig Mack’s “Flava in Ya Ear.”

In Elliott’s music and her often flabbergasting, decades-ahead visual presentation, she laid out threads that would later be picked up on by Kanye West, M.I.A., Drake, Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott and many others. The scale of her impact — she was the first female rapper inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — belies the actual length of her commercial peak. Elliott’s time in the limelight was curiously short — her most meaningful hits appeared during a five-year stretch, from 1997 to 2002. And since then, Elliott has gone long periods without being much seen or heard from.

She appeared grateful for the opportunity to bask in the adoration from an audience that had waited decades to hail her. She returned briefly onstage after the house lights came up to soak it in without the barriers of costume and sound.

It was hard not to engage in a dash of sliding-doors speculation. Had a show like this gone on the road two decades ago, it would have instantly recalibrated what hip-hop extravaganzas could be in a live setting. It would have not only bolstered Elliott’s claim to the innovator throne, but possibly created a pathway for her career to develop even beyond the already substantive level of influence she achieved. Elliott peaked early, and then left the pieces behind for others to pick up and iterate on. Imagine instead Elliott cartoons, films, theme parks, energy drinks. Would we — even more than we currently do — simply live in a world of Elliott’s imagination?

Out of This World — the Missy Elliott Experience continues Friday at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio, and runs through Aug. 23.

Jon Caramanica is a pop music critic for The Times and the host of the “Popcast” podcast. He also writes the men's Critical Shopper column for Styles. He previously worked for Vibe magazine, and has written for the Village Voice, Spin, XXL and more. More about Jon Caramanica

Explore the World of Hip-Hop

LL Cool J is 56, and has been a hip-hop eminence for four decades. Now, with his first album in 11 years, he’s returning to the form he helped create .

The artist Missy Elliott breaks down the inspirations  for her first-ever headlining tour, drawn from a pioneering three-decade career.

After unofficially winning  a high-profile diss war with Drake , the rapper Kendrick Lamar hosted a Juneteenth concert  that celebrated local heroes and made a request for Drake to return Tupac Shakur’s iconic crown ring .

As their influence and success continue to grow, artists including Sexyy Red and Cardi B are destigmatizing motherhood for hip-hop performers .

Hip-hop got its start in a Bronx apartment building in 1973. Here’s how the concept of home has been at the center of the genre ever since .