Pink’s upcoming concert in Houston, Texas on October 15, 2023 has generated a lot of excitement and speculation around who will be the opening act. As a top-selling female pop artist with multiple Grammy awards and record-breaking tours under her belt, Pink attracts big crowds and fans are eager to find out who she has selected to kick off the show in the Lone Star State.
Opening Act Speculation
Although Pink’s tour promoter Live Nation has not yet announced an official opening act for the Houston show, a few names have been floated as likely candidates based on tour history and scheduling. Here are some of the artists rumored to potentially open for Pink in Houston:
- Julia Michaels – Pop singer-songwriter who has opened for Pink in the past and has tour dates aligning with Pink’s Houston stop.
- Bishop Briggs – Indie pop artist who opened for parts of Pink’s Beautiful Trauma tour in 2019.
- Brandi Carlile – Americana/folk rock singer-songwriter who is good friends with Pink and has an open date on her tour schedule.
- Bleachers – Solo project of fun. guitarist Jack Antonoff, who has produced songs for Pink and has a show in Austin, TX the night before.
While any of these artists would make an exciting opener, Pink has been known to bring in wildcard openers on past tours. She has provided opportunities for up-and-coming acts like Dear Rouge and Jorja Smith to play big venues by having them open her shows. So there is always a chance she could tap a newer artist or one flying under the radar.
What to Expect From the Opening Act
If previous Pink tours are any indicator, her opening act will likely play a 30-45 minute set comprised of their own instantly recognizable hit songs. The goal is to get the crowd energized and excited before the main headliner takes the stage. It needs to be an artist capable of commanding an arena, so many bets are on an established pop/rock act with an engaging stage presence.
Judging by some former Pink openers like The Ting Tings, Kid Cudi, and Wrabel, her openers tend to match the high energy and spectacle of her own performances. Whoever lands the Houston gig will need to come ready with their own choreography, visuals, and commanding vocals to enthuse the 20,000+ fans who will fill the Toyota Center.
Why the Opening Act Matters
While the opening act may only play a quick set compared to the headliner, their role is critically important in setting the tone for the whole evening. Their performance will be many fans’ first in-person impression of the concert experience. A strong opening set can excite the crowd, prime them for the headliner, and add extra value that makes concertgoers feel they are getting more for their ticket money. On the flip side, a weak or ill-fitting opening act can drain energy and receive an underwhelming response from impatient fans awaiting the main attraction.
That’s why Pink and her team put a lot of thought into curating an opening act with the right sound, style, and energy level to mesh well with the Peter Pan of Pop. They want to choose someone who will feed off the Houston crowd and turn the venue into a high-octane dance party by the time Pink takes over. For many fans, seeing who she will pass the opening torch to is an anticipated part of the pre-concert build-up.
Past Pink Openers
Let’s take a look back at some of the artists Pink has tapped as supporting acts on previous tours:
| Tour | Opening Acts |
|---|---|
| I’m Not Dead Tour (2007) | The Veronicas, Butch Walker |
| Funhouse Tour (2009) | The Ting Tings, Butch Walker |
| The Truth About Love Tour (2013) | The Hives, Gossip |
| Beautiful Trauma World Tour (2019) | Julia Michaels, KidCutUp |
This snapshot shows Pink has a history of bringing along buzz-worthy contemporary acts across different genres to set the stage for her headline set. Her openers also tend to be artists who match her spunky pop/rock style even if they don’t neatly fit in the mainstream top 40 radio world. Names like The Ting Tings, The Hives, and KidCutUp prove she thinks outside the box.
Who is Most Likely to Open Pink’s Houston Show?
Taking into account all the factors mentioned earlier – tour history, scheduling, buzz-level, and energy – here are the top 3 artists most likely to open Pink’s upcoming Houston concert:
- Julia Michaels – The pop singer-songwriter has opened for Pink before in recent years, including several 2019 tour dates. She’s edgy enough to match Pink’s vibe and has tour stops aligning with Houston. As a seasoned performer despite her young age, she can command the big stage.
- Bishop Briggs – This rising indie pop/rock artist brought her anthemic hits and powerhouse vocals to Pink’s 2019 tour. As a great fit energy-wise, she could reprise her supporting role for the Houston date.
- Japandroids – While this Canadian garage rock duo may seem like an outside the box choice, their experience whipping festival crowds into a frenzy makes them an intriguing wildcard pick. Their sound echoes Pink’s earlier grungy rock roots.
The Reveal is Coming
Pink’s official tour promoter Live Nation has not yet released an announcement revealing who will warm up the Houston crowd. But with the show just days away, an announcement could drop any moment. Keep your eyes peeled on Pink’s social media pages for her typical video or Instagram story reveal announcing which artist will kick off the party in Houston. It will be someone ready to ignite the night with an energy and attitude befitting one of the most daring divas in pop music.
No matter who scores the coveted opening slot, Pink’s beloved Houston fans are in for an incredible night of show-stopping performances. The opening act is just the first taste of the musical feast ahead when the icon herself takes over the Toyota Center stage with her signature flair, fearless athleticism, and timeless hits. It will be a night of pop celebration that concertgoers will never forget – no matter who opens the show.
Conclusion
Speculation and anticipation is high for who will open Pink’s upcoming Houston show on October 15, 2023. While an official announcement has not yet been made, artists like Julia Michaels, Bishop Briggs, and Japandroids seem primed as likely candidates based on tour schedules and previous supporting roles. No matter who warms up the crowd, Pink’s diverse catalogue, showmanship, and longevity at the top make her one of the most exciting concert acts around. Fans can trust that she has carefully chosen an opening act capable of starting the party right and setting the tone for an epic evening. All will be revealed soon when Pink’s tour promoter Live Nation unveils the eagerly awaited news of who will kick off the night in Houston. One thing is certain – it will be a powerhouse performer ready to turn up the volume and energy in anticipation of Pop’s princess taking over the spotlight.
