In a year that’s been nothing short of career-defining, Troye Sivan made sure New Zealand wasn’t left behind.
On Monday night (December 2nd), the Australian pop superstar wrapped up his globe-trotting Something to Give Each Other album tour at Auckland’s Spark Arena. Fresh off dominating the 2024 ARIA Awards with three wins and a sold-out co-headline stint with Charli XCX earlier this year, Sivan had everything to celebrate.
The question was: could Auckland match the undeniable showmanship he’s perfected since his last visit in 2019? “I feel so lucky to be spending tonight with you guys, seriously,” Sivan said, beaming from three massive on-stage projectors. “You’re already one of my favourite crowds.”
As soon as Sivan kicked things off with “Got Me Started” – the propulsive, Bag Raiders-sampling track from his latest (and best) album – the entire room was literally jumping. A sea of sparkly glowstick-wielding fans tossed dozens of inflated condoms (which had been handed out at the door along with free lube) skyward, catching the light in the frenzy of red and blue strobes.
From there, it was pure Sivan: unapologetically sexually-charged hits turned into a loud, horny spectacle, complete with numerous outfit changes (from studded leather vests to bedazzled assless chaps) and impressive choreography.
His six dancers – mostly shirtless and flexing six-packs – were a highlight, with physicality and the theatre of bodies at the heart of the heady show. Whether performing lascivious routines straight from his sexy music videos or looser, lustier moments like singing from a microphone fastened onto a dancer’s crotch or doing a keg stand and sharing an on-stage kiss during the electrifying “Rush”, the performance felt like a club night super-sized for an arena. “You guys are soooo sexy, Auckland. I’m obsessed… I thought tonight was going to be sad but it’s not. We just got off the ‘Sweat’ tour and, lowkey, I’m having just as much fun here.”
Credit: Tom Grut
The hits came fast, with the platinum dance-inducing “My My My!” early on, followed by “Bloom”, Sivan’s gay anthem, introduced with: “Are there any gay people here tonight? This one’s for you and everybody going out tonight.” The Auckland crowd roared in response.
Sivan couldn’t not spotlight his zeitgeist-defining time with Charli XCX and her Brat album (which Rolling Stone US just declared this year’s best), performing the electricifying duo of “1999” and “Talk Talk”, teasing, “You guys had a Brat winter, right?” The crowd cheered. “Oh yeah, you guys ate with that one.”
Newer tracks like the sultry Spanish-led “In My Room”, performed while Sivan lounged on a bed of silky silver sheets, and deeper cuts like “Rager Teenager!” and “EASE” for the “Blue Neighbourhood girlies,” highlighted his diverse catalogue – rooted in themes of queerness and vulnerability.
The tender “Can’t Go Back Baby”, co-written with opening act Nick Ward (who was definitely worth arriving early for), brought the night’s emotional depth. “That’s the depressing song,” Sivan laughed. “That’s crazy, you guys are too lit… seriously, my favourite crowd ever.”
The night’s standout moment came with the sultry and gorgeous “One of Your Girls”, with Sivan smouldering on screen in black-and-white, making full use of the projector cam.
Credit: Tom Grut
If there was one downside, it was that the loud backing tracks sometimes masked Sivan’s strong vocal range. But honestly, it didn’t really matter. This night wasn’t about perfection; it was about the spectacle, the energy, and the connection between artist and crowd. Something to Give Each Other was the promise of a full exchange – and Sivan gave it all.
As the show ended and the crowd spilled into one of Auckland’s warmer evenings, a sense of lingering euphoria hung in the air. People were still singing, still dancing, still caught in the rush. We didn’t want to let go, and it was clear: neither did Sivan.
