MARINA’s Princess of Power tour stop at The Pinnacle was nothing short of a glitter-drenched reclamation of pop perfection. Was it a reunion? A birth of new fans? Or perhaps a rebirth? Outfits shimmered like a Pinterest board (we all had one- don't lie..) pulled straight from 2014 Tumblr, reimagined through a bubblegum pop fantasy. Corsets, satin, rhinestones, and lotssss of glitter made the stage feel both nostalgic yet modern. The audience reflected that duality– a mix of fans who once screamed “How to Be a Heartbreaker” in their bedrooms a decade ago and a new wave of listeners just discovering her.
One thing that needs to be addressed: MARINA IS THAT GIRL. What makes her so captivating is that she doesn’t rely on flashy choreography or massive pyrotechnics to command a crowd. Instead, she glides across the stage with effortless grace, her presence magnetic enough to fill the room on its own. Her performance is just her. Opening with “Princess of Power,” MARINA launched into a set that felt like a love letter to every era of her career. She clearly takes joy in revisiting her past work, treating older hits and newer material with the same affection. When she performed “Primadonna,” the crowd’s collective scream could’ve powered Nashville’s newest venue — healing at least 85 people on the spot, give or take (including me, don’t worry).
The show also carried heart beyond the music. With $1 from every ticket donated to The Marina Fund, supporting LGBTQ+ communities and civilians affected by conflict, the night had a tangible sense of purpose. Attending concerts is always a privilege so it is warming to know that artists like Marina are using their platforms. Oh and.. Let’s take a moment for the setlist. While some artists use their setlists as a timeline or just random songs thrown together, she immersed her fans into 6 different acts:
Level 1: Star Fields
Level 2: Familiar Hells
Level 3: The Cocoon
Level 4: Digital Fantasies
Level 5: Party Paradiso
Level 6: Keys to the Castle
Level 2: Familiar Hells
Level 3: The Cocoon
Level 4: Digital Fantasies
Level 5: Party Paradiso
Level 6: Keys to the Castle
Each level represented a different facet of her artistry, unfolding like a story told through sound, visuals, and emotion. Sometimes you would forget about the level before that because she did such a fantastic job at immersing every part of herself into that level. By the end of the night, it was clear that MARINA doesn’t just perform; she curates experiences. She is THE experience. Okay, can we stop hating on pop now? You guys are missing out and I need to talk about it.
- Gabby Sanchez
