Noah Cyrus photographed by Lanie Kapsalis
Photographing a tour on opening night is always a magical feeling. You have fans eagerly waiting in line wondering which one of their favorite songs made the setlist, and new tour merchandise hung up on the walls. It’s a nostalgic feeling… similar to waiting for the world premiere of a show or music video as a kid.
Noah Cyrus is not new to the spotlight. We all know that household last name. Actress/singer-songwriter Noah Cyrus released her debut album “The Hardest Part” on September 16th, 2022. I listened to the album in it’s entirety on the way to the venue and had no idea I was also in for an emotional ride. Luckily, I was able to hear it live hours later which was a whole different whirlwind of sensations. Cyrus performed in an intimate music venue and lounge in Downtown Phoenix called the Crescent Ballroom. Don’t forget that this is the opening night of touring her debut album, so I’m sure the nerves in her body are itching to release. After singing her first song “Stand Still,” someone in the crowded screamed “album of the year!” I can certainly assent to this statement.
Noah Cyrus photographed by Lanie Kapsalis
Noah was very talkative during her set, often opening up about her addiction and depression during her grandmother’s death. She admitted to the crowd that her grandmother told her to write this next song and send it to her mom. “I cannot express how much these words mean to me and I really feel them every time I sing these lyrics,” Noah voiced. This was a perfect transition into “Loretta’s Song,” dedicated to Loretta Lynn and very special women in general as Cyrus stated. Her voice was in full power as she lead a choir in commemorating life and the afterlife.
It’s evidently clear that Noah Cyrus belongs in the spotlight as a singer and role model to young women dealing with self-isolation. She is only one year younger than me, yet appears more wise and mature than I’ll ever be. Her debut album is vulnerable and full of feeling, and there is no doubt in my mind that you will also experience this seeing her live on tour!
Article + Photos by Lanie Kapsalis