On September 17, Griff brought all the feels to New York’s Terminal 5, delivering a
performance that showcased her undeniable talent as a global pop sensation. Currently on tour
for her recently released debut album Vertigo—and fresh off standout performances opening for
Taylor Swift—Griff captivated the crowd with her unique blend of introspective pop anthems and
raw vulnerability. Even though it was one of many stops on her 48-date tour (including select
dates supporting Sabrina Carpenter), it felt like everyone in the room got a genuine piece of
Griff,

Vertigo is a testament to Griff’s skills as both a singer and songwriter. If you give it a listen, you’ll
discover that her pop anthems and heartfelt ballads are irresistibly catchy. The album
seamlessly blends existential themes with uplifting songwriting, evident in tracks ranging from
the high-energy “Anything” to the fan-favorite “Miss Me Too” and, of course, the title track
“Vertigo.” In concert, this effect is amplified.

While Griff’s performance was exceptional, the stunning stage and lighting setup at Terminal 5
created a dreamlike ambiance that elevated the entire experience. With its warm lighting and
iconic balconies towering over the crowd, the venue set the perfect stage. Griff’s set featured an
eye-catching wrapping chandelier, elevated platforms for her bandmates, and a section where
she could access her Akai MPK keyboard. As the 9:00 pm start time approached, the crowd’s
anticipation mounted—Terminal 5 can get pretty loud.

Finally, Griff emerged with spunky energy, making her presence felt immediately. Sporting a
seamless black-and-white outfit, chunky shoes, and her signature ponytail with a kiss curl, she
commanded attention from the start. The moment her angelic voice hit the mic, the audience
was entranced, fully invested in every note. Her aura was beaming, and Terminal 5 definitely felt
the love. She could have sung for hours!

One standout moment was during “One Night,” where Griff perfectly captured the frustration
many of us feel during breakups—the inability to truly distance ourselves from the other person.
Her raw, heartfelt vocals made the emotion behind the song even more relatable. I appreciated
that she has multiple versions of these tracks in her discography, but we were treated to a more
intimate, stripped-back rendition that really drove the message home.

She followed that up by surprising the audience, breaking the fourth wall, and jumping into the
crowd to perform a cover of “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan. It’s rare to see artists leave
the safety of the stage, but when it happens, it creates an unforgettable moment. Griff instructed
the crowd to part the red seas and form a circle around her. The joy on the fans’ faces was
undeniable as they got a chance to be closer to their idol. Lit by a sea of flashlights, the entire
room stood still. While my view was obstructed, it was definitely a treat for the lucky fans who
got close.

The night reflected her journey, moving through themes of self-discovery, emotional turbulence,
and triumph. Despite her relatively short career, Griff commands the stage like a seasoned
veteran. She effortlessly switches between styles, genres, and instruments while staying playful and relatable. As this British star continues to dominate stages across the globe, it won’t be long
before she’s recognized as one of the premier heavyweights in pop music—if she isn’t already.
Griff is worth the price of admission, and Vertigo is sure to be remembered as one of the best
pop albums of the year.