Lauren Spencer Smith Lights Up Fillmore Detroit
This past Saturday, February 28, The Fillmore Detroit hosted an incredible performance from rising pop singer Lauren Spencer Smith, and it was a night that really showed how powerful her music is in a live setting.
Lauren first gained attention online for posting singing videos and later expanded her audience after appearing on American Idol. Since then, she’s become known for emotional, honest songs about relationships, family, and growing up. Her powerful vocals and relatable lyrics have helped her build a strong fanbase, and seeing that connection with fans in a live setting was amazing.
From the moment Smith hit the stage, the crowd erupted into cheers as she began her wildly popular “IF KARMA DOESN’T GET YOU (I WILL),” a song that earned her over twenty-four million listens on Spotify alone. Smith’s vocals were just as powerful as the lyrics of the song itself, showcasing her masterful lyricism and just how unafraid she is to speak her truth. She put her entire soul into this song, blending that classic rock-and-roll sound with a touch of pop, pulling inspiration from similar bands, such as The Pretty Reckless and Dorothy. This song set the tone for the night, leaving the fans aching for more.
Smith’s second song of choice was “Lighting the flame,” and while drastically different from the opening track in sound, the stone-cold retribution was felt deeply with every word she sang. Smith’s vocals— backed by a delicate yet catchy piano— were confident, giving the crowd something to relate to on a personal level, which was felt potently in the room. Bodies swayed with the beat, fans sang from the depths of their bruised hearts, showing those who had left them behind just how much better they were doing without them, all led by Smith herself.
The third song I had the pleasure of capturing was none other than the beloved fan favorite, “28.” The vibe shifted visibly, going from a strong redemption to a tender, heartfelt break, where tears were shed, and the crowd shone their lights while swaying in unison. “28” was delivered delicately but not without punch behind it by Smith, tugging deep on those heartstrings not only from her own experiences with family complexities but from the audience’s own. Smith’s vocals were almost drowned out entirely by the chorus of voices singing their deep-seated, heartbroken rage over a family betrayal, even going so far as to make Smith pause just to let the crowd have their beautiful moment— a reminder that, no matter how complex your life is, no matter what hardships you’ve faced, you’re never truly alone. This song created a wondrous sense of community among strangers, showcasing how much this concert meant not only to the fans but to Smith herself.
Lauren Spencer Smith puts on a must-see show, utilizing her voice, honesty, and connection with the crowd. It made the performance feel both powerful and personal for the fans, and we recommend you do the same. Catch Lauren on tour by checking her future dates here.