Daring and Devilish: Doja Cat's Unforgettable Dallas Concert Experience

Published on 17 November 2023, by Juliette Blanc

In bringing her Scarlet Tour to the American Airlines Center on Thursday, Doja Cat appeared to embody the epitome of what people expect in a pop star—at least on the surface.

A versatile artist, Doja Cat seamlessly combines singing, songwriting, and rapping, transcending traditional genre boundaries. Her live performances are nothing short of mesmerizing, offering a true spectacle for her audience. A distinct sense of humor threads through all her work, establishing a unique and authentic artistic identity.

Doja Cat painted the town red at her Dallas show. Dana Jacobs/Getty Images for Live Nation

Crucially, in the eyes of today's music enthusiasts, she has consistently projected an image of authenticity. In an era where realness is highly valued, any hint of contrivance can lead to being labeled an "industry plant" or, worse yet, deemed "cringe." For those who prioritize authenticity, Doja Cat has emerged as something of a revelation.

Yet, beyond her musical prowess and genuine persona, Doja Cat is also known for her trolling antics. A perpetual agent of online chaos, she's inclined towards eccentric stunts that sometimes elevate her iconic status. From the quirky "MOOO!" to reciting lyrics in a Shakespearean accent, her unpredictability keeps fans guessing.

However, her notoriety often stems from less amusing controversies, including the use of offensive language, associations with controversial figures, and online clashes. While her supporters defend these as jokes, the broader audience often remains unamused.

Doja Cat serenades her adoring fans despite allegations of hating them.

Even amid these controversies, fans seemed willing to overlook them until she openly antagonized them, criticizing her own popular songs and dismissing her fans as unintelligent. As we entered her Dallas show, we couldn't help but wonder if this erratic behavior would spill over into her performance.

The show kicked off with an impressive set from up-and-coming rapper Doechii, who, if you didn't know better, could easily be mistaken for the headliner. Her elaborate setup and dedicated fans set a high bar for the night. After Doechii's energetic performance, anticipation for Doja Cat soared. Despite no official start time, many expected her to take the stage between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

At 9:43 p.m., as the crowd attempted for the third time to coax her onstage, concerns mounted that the show might indeed turn disastrous.

Doja Cat finally started her set at 9:53 p.m., acknowledging her tardiness due to a stomach bug and jokingly addressing the possibility of an onstage mishap. Uncomfortably real, as always.

Setting aside the tardiness and offbeat humor, Doja Cat delivered an impeccable performance for the rest of the night. Despite initial concerns, every aspect of the show was tightly executed, flawless, and wildly entertaining. While the preceding description may sound like an unusual prelude to a glowing review, it reflects the complexity of Doja Cat's persona. Despite reservations about her antics, there's an acknowledgment that she is a unique and exceptional pop auteur—a multifaceted artist with undeniable talent.

"You lookin'?"

The Scarlet Tour, supporting her latest album, seamlessly incorporates the record's darker elements into the show. The performance unfolds like a cinematic journey, drawing from imagery across all her albums. Doja Cat's awareness of how her show translates to both the live audience and cameras is evident.

Several moments appeared deliberately posed for the giant LED screens, enhancing the visual experience. Throughout, the show skillfully weaved in audio from a viral episode of Trading Spouses, adding a touch of internet humor to the darker themes.

Addressing ongoing controversies, it's apparent that Doja Cat possesses a level of self-awareness, shaped by her online upbringing. Despite social media uproar, her Dallas show drew an enthusiastic and blissfully unaware crowd. Fans arrived in full costume, showcasing their unwavering love for an artist who, despite her quirks, continues to captivate.

The enigma of Doja Cat remains, and while her actions may confound, one undeniable fact persists—it's working.