Virginia To Vegas’ Greatest Hits Tour brought an electric atmosphere to Winnipeg's West End Cultural Centre on September 20, 2024. With special guests noelle and Alex Porat, the evening was filled with pop anthems, emotional lyrics, and plenty of singalongs.
noelle. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Rising Canadian pop-artist noelle kicked off the night with a set that was as much a preview as it was a performance. Performing a short fifteen-minute set chock full of a majority of unreleased songs, she showcased her evolving sound and emotive vocals. Her new single, "Jealous," though which was not released yet as of her performance, was a standout moment. She engaged the crowd with her genuine stage presence and gave fans a taste of what’s to come, setting the tone for a night of powerful performances.
Alex Porat. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Next up, Alex Porat kept the momentum going with a setlist that mixed her hits, unreleased songs, and a fan-favourite cover. She opened with "I'm Not Crying," immediately connecting with the audience through her introspective lyrics and rich vocals. From "Better Than That" to "Sensitive," the infectious "Face Like Yours," or the set closing banger, "HATELOVE," Alex delivered a performance that was both vulnerable and vibrant. However, it was her cover of Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me" that was a real crowd-pleaser, adding her unique touch to the pop classic and making it a highlight of her set.
By the time Virginia To Vegas took the stage, the room was buzzing with anticipation. Kicking off with "Just Friends," he launched into a set that was packed with hit after hit after hit, each one met with enthusiastic cheers and word-perfect singalongs from the Winnipeg audience. Fan favourites like "Amnesia" and "Selfish" had the crowd on their feet, dancing and singing along. Virginia To Vegas' stage presence was dynamic, effortlessly switching between upbeat tracks and more introspective songs, and he always shared the story behind each song with the audience before performing it.
Virginia To Vegas. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
A special moment in the set came when noelle joined him on stage for a duet of "daydreaming." Their chemistry was palpable, and the song showcased their harmonies beautifully, giving the crowd a heartfelt performance that added a personal touch to the evening.
As the night progressed, Virginia To Vegas kept the energy high with songs like "Internet" and "Don't Fight The Music." He closed out his Greatest Hits Tour setlist with the powerful trio of "What Are We," "We Are Stars," and "Lights Out," where he walked off the stage and into the audience to share a final connection with his fans before the night came to an end. Each song was filled with emotion, and the crowd responded with an equal level of enthusiasm, belting out the lyrics to every word.
The Greatest Hits Tour stop in Winnipeg was a testament to Virginia To Vegas' ability to connect with fans through relatable lyrics and infectious beats. With stellar performances from noelle and Alex Porat, the night was a true celebration of Canadian pop music and a memorable experience for everyone in attendance.