British-born Canadian pop sensation Lauren Spencer Smith brought her The Art of Being a Mess tour to The National Stadium in Dublin and delivered a night that was as emotionally raw as it was high-energy. Performing to a packed venue, largely made up of enthusiastic teenage fans, Spencer Smith gave a heartfelt, honest performance that showcased her impressive vocal range and vulnerable songwriting.
Before Lauren took to the stage, the evening kicked off with two opening acts: American singer Conor Burns, followed by British pop artist Henry Moodie. Both delivered solid performances that helped build the anticipation, with Henry Moodie especially drawing cheers from the young crowd thanks to his emotional lyrics and boy-next-door charm.
By the time Lauren appeared, the energy in the stadium had reached a fever pitch. Screams erupted as she walked on stage, opening her set with a powerful delivery that immediately set the tone for the night. From there, she launched into a setlist of 22 songs a mix of fan favourites, newer releases, and even a few surprises.
Tracks like ‘Narcissist‘ / ‘Flowers‘ and ‘Looking Up‘ were clear standouts, with the crowd singing along passionately to every word. One particularly special moment came when Lauren performed ‘Thick Skin‘, an unreleased track that gave fans an exclusive taste of what’s to come in her evolving sound.
A notable highlight came early in the set when Lauren spotted a young child in the crowd sitting on their mother’s shoulders. She paused her performance to speak directly to them, creating a heartwarming and intimate moment that reflected her down-to-earth personality. It’s moments like these that make live music feel truly special and it was clear that Lauren was as excited to be there as her fans were.
One of the emotional high points of the evening was her rendition of Miley Cyrus’s ‘The Climb‘. Her stripped-down cover brought a hush over the room, proving that even in a venue full of screaming fans, Lauren could capture complete attention with just her voice and a piano.
Visually, the concert was a treat. The lighting was spectacular, creating a moody, immersive atmosphere that changed with the tone of each song. Lauren’s stage setup added depth and personality to the performance. (See photos.)
As the night came to a close, she returned for a two-song encore that left the audience buzzing. The final songs were the perfect send-off emotionally charged yet uplifting, ending the night on a high note that had fans still singing as they left the venue.
Overall, Lauren Spencer Smith’s Dublin show was a strong reminder of why she’s quickly becoming one of pop music’s most promising young voices. Her ability to connect through honest storytelling, paired with her impressive live vocals, made for a memorable evening. Whether she was belting out heartbreak anthems or connecting with fans between songs, Lauren owned the stage with a confidence that belied her young age.
If The Art of Being a Mess tour is about embracing imperfection, then Lauren made it look effortless — and a whole lot of fun.
Conor Burns photos:
Henry Moodie photos:
Lauren Spencer Smith photos & set-list:
Set-list:
If Karma Doesn’t Get Youy-I Will
Lighting the flame
28
Bigger Person
Worse
Bridesmaid
Parallel universe
Narcissist
Best Friend Breakup
What A Beautiful Day
That Part
Flowers
Someday…
Small
Looking up
Things You Never Say
The Climb (Miley Cyrus cover)
Thick Skin
Worse
encore
Fingers Crossed
Sticks & Stones
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic