Today, Ellie Goulding, who I adore beyond reason, had an in-store performance at the Mall of America Best Buy. The performance started at 7 so what time did I get there? 1:30. Obviously.
And obviously I was the first one in line.
It may seem like a long time to wait in line but I brought with homework to do to make the time pass. Did I end up getting much done? Of course not! This is me we're talking about. Turns out there were some really cool Ellie fans who came soon after me and we got to talking and telling people who asked what we were waiting for that we were in line for the Playstation 4. I'm an asshole.
While waiting in line, a man came out and asked how long we'd been waiting. He then went on to explain that he was Ellie's handler (basically, the guy who keeps Ellie out of trouble and makes sure that no one asks her to sign their vagina) and that because we were such dedicated fans, he wanted to give us a little something extra. The show already included a meet and greet so I didn't know what that extra could possibly be. Well, he explained that he wanted someone to take pictures and it would be my task to get some good shots for her Facebook page.
After I regained consciousness, I agreed. Obviously.
Skipping ahead to show time, I managed to get front row center. When Ellie came out, I was like 3 feet away from her. I could have probably have tackled her if I wanted to... but I didn't. Because I'm not crazy. Obviously.
Ellie started out the set with "Guns and Horses." She played her acoustic guitar and sweet lord was it amazing. It was like the heavens opened up and sprinkled sweet, sweet love on the eardrums of everyone present. Ellie really has a voice that can't be matched. It's soft and strong. It's heart wrenching and inspiring. It's like nothing else you'll ever experience.
In between songs, Ellie was charming and funny and couldn't stop smiling. She really seemed to be enjoying herself, as did the audience. During her second song, "Your Song," an Elton John cover, one of my friends from the line was even moved to tears. It takes something real special to be able to do that.
I, on the other hand, was swept over with this overwhelming feeling of joy. Everything felt so right. Listening to Ellie's gorgeous voice and seeing her shining face brought out feelings that were so overwhelmingly positive that I haven't experienced in a long time. I have a feeling I looked like an idiot because I couldn't stop smiling.
After, one of the younger audience members had requested that Ellie do "Starry Eyed" so, even though she had only been planning on doing three songs, Ellie decided to do an extra. Normally, the song is an electronic dance type song so I was surprised how well it translated into a stripped down acoustic version. But really, should this have surprised me? No. I mean, this is Ellie Goulding we're talking about. She can do anything. Obviously.
Ellie closed the set with "Lights." And it was rockin'. Everyone was dancing and bopping around. And at the very end, it went into the Bassnectar remix of the song with live vocals from Ellie, to the delight of everyone there.
After the show came the meet and greet where Ellie showed that not only is she a great talent and freaking gorgeous but she's also a genuinely nice person. She said she saw me up front and asked my name and gave me a personalized autograph. I then asked if I could get a hug and she was like, "Of course!" I walked around the table and hugged her and told her that she was wonderful. She was incredibly gracious and super kind. I got a quick picture and then was on my way.
I left the show feeling so overwhelmingly happy. What an amazing experience. Today was a day that I don't think I'll ever forget.
Obviously.
This was my third show of my whirlwind Month of 10 Concerts... These shows keep getting better and better! Next up is First Aid Kit on Saturday. What will that bring? Only time will tell!
