At just 25 years old, Icelandic-Chinese-American musician Laufey has established herself as a singular force in contemporary music, seamlessly blending jazz, classical, and pop influences. Her highly anticipated debut at the Hollywood Bowl on Wednesday night was nothing short of extraordinary. Accompanied by the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the direction of Thomas Wilkins, Laufey delivered a performance that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly modern—a testament to her unique appeal across generations.
A Star Made for the Bowl
For many, Laufey’s rise to headlining one of the world’s most iconic venues seemed inevitable. With a style reminiscent of classic mid-20th-century jazz singers yet deeply resonant with younger audiences, she has cultivated a devoted following that far surpasses the niche appeal of many genre-crossing artists. Her rapid ascent was evident last summer when she performed at the Ford Amphitheater, a more intimate venue located just across the ravine from the Bowl. Even then, it was clear she was ready for a much larger stage.
When tickets for her Hollywood Bowl show sold out almost instantly—and resale prices soared—it became apparent that a single performance was hardly enough to meet demand. Given the enthusiasm of her fans, Laufey could have easily filled the venue for multiple nights. Yet, despite her Grammy win this year and a string of sold-out concerts from Los Angeles to New York’s Radio City Music Hall, she remains somewhat under the radar for mainstream audiences. Perhaps this only adds to the charm of an artist whose music thrives on an air of timeless exclusivity.
A Night of Musical Brilliance
Laufey, known for her intimate live performances with a small ensemble or string quartet, took things to a new level at the Bowl. This was not her first time performing with a full orchestra—just days earlier, she had played with the Chicago Philharmonic at Lollapalooza, marking the festival’s first-ever symphonic performance. However, the Hollywood Bowl audience was treated to an even grander spectacle.
Unlike in Chicago, where her set was limited to 15 songs, Laufey delivered a more extensive program in Los Angeles. The evening unfolded in two acts: a first half featuring 11 songs performed with her usual ensemble, followed by a full orchestral set of 15 songs after intermission—mirroring her Lollapalooza setlist but with the added depth and grandeur of a full-length concert experience.
A Personal Touch
The first half of the show provided a glimpse into Laufey’s evolution as an artist, featuring songs that reflected both youthful wonder and an emerging sense of maturity. She introduced “Slow Down” as a song she rarely performs anymore, explaining that it was written when she first moved to Los Angeles after attending Berklee College of Music. The lyrics, which express concerns about life moving too fast, now feel distant from her present reality, though the song’s message remains universally relatable.
Other early songs, such as “Everything I Know About Love” and “Dear Soulmate,” captured the aspirational innocence of romance from her early twenties, a stage she has since grown beyond but still revisits through her music. Adding an extra layer of charm to the first act, Laufey brought out her twin sister, Junia—her graphic designer and lookalike, but also a gifted violinist. Their playful performance of “Best Friend” showcased not only their deep bond but also the lighthearted humor that Laufey brings to the stage.
The Future of Laufey
As she continues to expand her reach, Laufey remains a rare artist who bridges multiple generations, offering a sound that feels both classic and contemporary. Her Hollywood Bowl debut confirmed what many fans have already known: she was born to perform on grand stages. With demand for her music growing and her ability to command both small and large venues alike, it seems only a matter of time before she returns for an even bigger run. If this performance was any indication, Laufey is just getting started.
