Billie Eilish announced the release of her third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, on April 8, 2024.[2] On April 29, a few weeks before the album's release, she announced the dates for Hit Me Hard And Soft: The Tour. The announcement was followed by a tour trailer posted on her official YouTube account consisting of a compilation of videos from her previous concerts and a teaser of the song "Lunch", which she previously teased during Coachella Festival.[3] She announced 81 dates across North America, Oceania, and Europe. On September 30, Billie announced two additional dates for Inglewood to be held on December 20 and 21 at the Kia Forum, bringing the total to five shows at the venue.[4]
On May 19, 2025, Eilish announced two shows in Japan and a second North American leg.[5]
Ticketing
Tickets for the tour were sold primarily by Ticketmaster and the sales for the US leg started on April 30, with a pre-sale for American Express Card Members only. There were some additional pre-sales throughout the week, with remaining tickets sold during the general sale, which began on May 3.[6]
To prevent ticket scalping, Eilish used Ticketmaster's Face Value Exchange, where those who purchased tickets could only resell their ticket for the same price they initially paid. Eilish also chose to make the tickets mobile only and restricted from transfer. To further support fair access, ticket delivery was delayed until two weeks prior to the date of the concert.[7][8]
Critical reception
The tour was received with rave reviews from critics. Lindsay Zoladz of The New York Times praised Eilish's ability to bringing the intimacy of her songs to the arena stage, noting Billie "suddenly transforming acoustic numbers into arena-rocking power ballads and playing the adoring audience like a well-tuned instrument".[9] Melissa Ruggieri of USA Today pointed Billie's authenticity with her audience, saying that "There is no artifice to her. No questioning her level of sincerity when she tells fans at the end of the show, 'I will always cherish you ... I will always fight for you'".[10]
Writing for The Guardian, Rob LeDonne complimented Billie's ability to connect with the audience, calling her "the master of playful confidence, a quality on full display".[11] Kyle Denis from Billboard highlighted the fact that Billie plays multiple instruments throughout the show, showcasing her ability on piano, acoustic guitar and electric guitar: "From writing to acting, the world has been getting familiar with Billie's countless talents for years — but seeing her flaunt most of them in one setting never gets old".[12]
For Variety, Chris Willman called Eilish "a special gift (...) to the pop landscape", complimenting her vocals during the show and noting that she became "one of pop’s best vocalists".[13] Brendan Hay of Spin wrote that every element of the show "highlighted her unique ability to blend pulse-pounding beats with gentle vocals for a vibe I can only describe as 'grandly intimate'".[14] While Deadline's Anthony D'Alessandro pointed that the show has a lot of standout moments, noting that Eilish "performance wattage is what’s bedazzling in how she can take the singles from her recent chill, self-reflective album Hit Me Hard and Soft and turn them up onstage to 11 (in Spinal Tap volume speak), whether it’s bass or belting".[15]
Nui Te Koha from the Herald Sun in Melbourne said that Eilish redefined the meaning of a truly spectacular arena concert with a non-stop multisensory thrill ride. He wrote that Billie is a siren of the times, a natural performer, and deeply cares about her fans. The writer also added that for all the bells and whistles, and there were many, the show always tapped into the essence of a singer-songwriter who crafted, and recorded, significant pop masterpieces in her bedroom and became a global megastar.[16]
The European leg of the tour received rave reviews from critics. Annabel Nugent from The Independent gave 4 stars out of 5 and jokes saying that professional though she is, what she lacks in back-up dancers and choreography, she makes up for in pure, Duracell bunny energy and also showing off an introvert’s approach to pop spectacle.[17] Rob Meyers from Clash callled Eilish an enigma; a screen first child of her generation, as the show is curated like a Greatest Hits. Rob also added that she is a true talent with the voice of an angel, building a legacy one wounded confessional at a time.[18] Katie Hawthorne from The Guardian also gave 4 stars out of 5 and called Eilish pop’s sharpest commentator as she plays with fame’s power dynamics and balances intimacy and spectacle, filming her screaming fans as she paces a stage akin to a boxing ring. Katie added that Eilish is the rare pop star just as interested in watching her audience perform, and it feels both intimate and combative to be looked at like that.[19] Thomas Turner from The Line of Best Fit called Eilish the forerunner of Gen-Z as he wrote that she has been a vocal patron and astute commentator for that generation since emerging a now interminable eight years ago, he adds: "Eilish has always had a symbiotic relationship with the zeitgeist and pushed forward the envelope of pop culture". Thomas also noted how much care has been put into the live layout itself, calling her a gladiator on display, hurtling between all vantage points to allow everyone in attendance a near front row seat.[20]
Commercial performance
In Sydney, the tour broke the long-standing single event attendance record previously set by Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveShow 18 years prior at Qudos Bank Arena. The new record set on February 28, 2025, boasted 21,001 attendees, surpassing the previous mark of 20,839 held by Timberlake for the November 13, 2007 show. 3 of the 4 dates broke the previous arena attendance record.[21]
In Prague, the tour broke the single event attendance record previously set by Metallica's WorldWired Tour 7 years prior at O2 Arena. The new record set on June 1, 2025, generated 20,209 attendees, surpassing the previous mark of 20,174 held by the band Metallica for the April 2, 2018 show.[22]
In the United Kingdom, Eilish continued her long-standing relationship with non-profit organisation Reverb (non-profit) for the tour to promote environmental sustainability.[23] This included hosting a Eco Village at The O2 Arena, where fans could learn about taking action on global warming and watch a pre-recorded short film narrated by Eilish.[24] In this venue and at other venues including Co-op Live, Eilish requested that every food vendor only offer plant-based options for the duration of her shows in alignment with her dedication to environmental action.[25]
Accolades
Awards and nominations for Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour
Starting with the show in Boston, "You Should See Me in a Crown" was removed from the set list.[31]
During the last show in New York, "Male Fantasy" was replaced with "I Love You".[32]
Starting with the show in Nashville, "Male Fantasy" was removed from the set list and replaced with "Your Power". Eilish covered the Beatles' "Yesterday" in place of "Skinny".[33]
During the second show in Chicago, the first part of "L'Amour De Ma Vie" was removed.
During the third show in Inglewood, Eilish brought out Charli XCX to sing "Guess". Eilish also sang "I Love You" in place of "Your Power" and covered "Silver Bells".[39]
During the fourth show in Inglewood, Eilish sang "I Love You" in place of "Your Power" and covered "Silent Night".[40]
Starting with the first show in Brisbane, Eilish sang the second part of "Blue" after "Lovely".[41]
During the second show in Stockholm, Eilish brought Finneas and both of them sang "I Love You".
During the first and second shows in Amsterdam, Eilish covered “Creep” by Radiohead. Also, during the first show, Eilish sang "idontwannabeyouanymore" after "Lovely".[42]
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