It’s funny how much a five foot five man can rile you up. 

My first concert experience started this past summer when my mom casually mentioned that she’s going to Bruno Mars’ concert with her friends in October. I looked up to her, kind of confused why on earth a group of mothers want to see my childhood hero. She then offered me a ticket to go with them. 

Now, I was in a dilemma. On one side, I wanted to jump up and down in my chair from getting the opportunity to see the man I have adored since elementary school in person. On the other hand, I felt hesitant to attend this concert with my own mother and her friends. In the end, I agreed, however. I mean, who can refuse such a ticket? 

So October rolls around, and by this time the concert kind of slipped my mind. A few days before the concert, my mother reminds me about it. I, being the basic fangirl of a teenager that I am, jump up in excitement. The overwhelming stress of junior temporarily leaves my preoccupied head. I’m seeing Bruno Mars. 

Fast forward to the night of October 26. My mom, her three friends, and I arrive at the Staples Center. I look up to see the banner of the Bruno Mars concert displayed. My head thumps with confusion, wondering what to expect as the only “concert” I have ever been to was the far back seat at Wango Tango. In front, there is a mom and four women yelling and taking photos in front of the banner. My mom makes a comment which, under my honor, cannot be disclosed, and I chuckle. 

After about an hour of eating a LudoBird sandwich and watching the World Series, I sit in my plastic chair with my mom in the stadium, waiting for the concert to start. Our seat was, quite frankly, not that great. It was partially behind the stage, giving us a full view of the backstage but only part of the front. My mom kept grumbling about how bad the seat is, to which I silently agreed. 

The lights finally come on after about half an hour, and Ella Mai arrives onstage. My heart leaps as I see the goddess herself. Her beautiful, seductive voice filled the stadium as the audience stood up and vibed. She sang her newest album, Ella Mai, and I felt myself floating through the air as she serenaded her songs to the audience. I don’t think I ever experienced a feeling like that; A feeling where you feel yourself drifting through the air with a raw voice passing through your heart and soul. 

Now, the man himself appeared onstage. With his crew, Bruno Mars stepped onstage with fireworks going off behind him and “24K Magic” in the air. My mom and I grooved to his songs and he progressed through the concert, and I was genuinely having fun. I didn’t feel awkward from being with moms or stressed from the work to do once I go home––I felt like I was breathing fresh air for the first time. 

Then, Bruno started to vocalize with “When I was your man.” This was when I, in my opinion, truly felt the concert experience. I could hear his raw, beautiful voice sing through the lyrics he wrote all those years ago. I could feel the emotions he felt as he sang through the chorus: Love, heartbreak, frustration, sadness, bittersweetness. The countless lights from the audience’s phones danced in the crowd as his fans sang every word along with Bruno, including myself. I was part of his experience, his feelings––his concert. I carried this sensation with me until the end of the concert.

After the concert and all of its goodness ended, I stepped out of the Staples Center with my heart heavy in my hands. I didn’t feel tired despite how late it was or how little hours I slept the night before. I felt complete and happy. It really is funny how much a five foot five man can rile you up. 

Bruno mars concert 33
Bruno Mars concert 2

The lights finally come on after about half an hour, and Ella Mai arrives onstage. My heart leaps as I see the goddess herself. Her beautiful, seductive voice filled the stadium as the audience stood up and vibed. She sang her newest album, Ella Mai, and I felt myself floating through the air as she serenaded her songs to the audience. I don’t think I ever experienced a feeling like that; A feeling where you feel yourself drifting through the air with a raw voice passing through your heart and soul.

Now, the man himself appeared onstage. With his crew, Bruno Mars stepped onstage with fireworks going off behind him and “24K Magic” in the air. My mom and I grooved to his songs and he progressed through the concert, and I was genuinely having fun. I didn’t feel awkward from being with moms or stressed from the work to do once I go home––I felt like I was breathing fresh air for the first time.

Then, Bruno started to vocalize with “When I was your man.” This was when I, in my opinion, truly felt the concert experience. I could hear his raw, beautiful voice sing through the lyrics he wrote all those years ago. I could feel the emotions he felt as he sang through the chorus: Love, heartbreak, frustration, sadness, bittersweetness. The countless lights from the audience’s phones danced in the crowd as his fans sang every word along with Bruno, including myself. I was part of his experience, his feelings––his concert. I carried this sensation with me until the end of the concert.

After the concert and all of its goodness ended, I stepped out of the Staples Center with my heart heavy in my hands. I didn’t feel tired despite how late it was or how little hours I slept the night before. I felt complete and happy. It really is funny how much a five foot five man can rile you up.