From flicker to flame: Former One Direction bandmate takes the stage as a solo artist

BY EMMA FRANZ

The lights grew dim and the cheers from the crowd increased in volume as fans stood to welcome Niall Horan to the stage. Even the horrid 90-degree weather could not stop these dedicated concert-goers from attending the Flicker World Tour, which had its last show at the Coral Sky Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach.

After dedicating so much time to watching Horan on a minuscule screen, it seemed almost impossible for fans to believe that their idol was standing right before them. Fans traveled from near and far to see the former One Direction star on the final night of his solo world tour and were utterly impressed within the first few opening seconds.

Although Horan’s music falls under the smooth pop category, American country singer, Maren Morris, threw on her country boots and opened the night with a southern twist. She warmed up the crowd with a new summer tune, “The Feels” and finished with a radio favorite, “The Middle.” While the fans excitedly cheered for Morris, the real ear-piercing screams began as the crowd’s favorite Irishman approached the stage.

From the moment Horan took the stage, a whirlwind of emotions ran throughout the amphitheater, which was ongoing until the very end. While there was a range of emotions during the concert, the harmony of the singing audience remained constant.

The show started with Horan’s song “On the Loose,” which set the mood of the night and had everyone swaying left to right. The concert then continued with “Seeing Blind,” a duet between Morris and Horan. It uplifted the crowd with a perfect mix of country twang and Horan’s smooth pop.

The fans soon became sentimental, as they were sent on a trip right down memory lane. Horan sang two One Direction fan favorites, “Fool’s Gold” and “Drag Me Down.” This was a personal moment for both the fans and Horan. As Horan began to strum his guitar, arms rose in the air and created a beautiful array of flashlights.

Although there was little to no commentary during the concert, each melody spoke for itself. Horan completed what seemed like his last song until the audience cheered “Niall! Niall! Niall!” in hopes of an encore. He then made a return for the last songs to complete the show.

The show ended with one of Horan’s most popular songs on the album, “Mirrors.” It was the ideal closing for the show as it began slow and soft and turned into an upbeat song that had everyone out of their seats. The tour transformed from a flicker to a firework.

The end of the show was both bitter and sweet. Horan, Morris, the band and the crew all came on stage for the final bow of the Flicker World Tour. As Horan teared up while thanking everyone who made his dreams possible, the fans shed some tears as well.

Horan sprung to the stage with an intended purpose to woo the crowd and it is certainly clear that his goal was achieved. The tears, sweat and loss of voice were worth it all and created a memory of a lifetime for many.

Photo courtesy of Niall Horan