We had already seen Khalid in the summer at World Pride 2025, so the excitement that Hopkins finally had a somewhat mainstream artist for Hoptoberfest 2025 dwindled between us. Nevertheless, I donned my favorite pair of jeans and halter-top combo, and I giddily ran to the end of the line on Oct. 24.
Still, there was something about hearing his name again that reignited our excitement, and honestly, Khalid is the kind of artist whose voice sounds like summer even in October.
Boasting over 32 billion streams with his career that’s reshaped R&B, Khalid has carved out a space as a distinct storyteller. The 27-year-old artist behind anthems like “8TEEN,” “Talk” and “Outta My Head” continues to maintain his easygoing charm, making his music feel unique and effortlessly universal (which is perfect for a campus crowd).
The show itself was sold out on the day that tickets were released on Hopkins Groups (Oct. 14), with over 1,700 registered participants. Doors opened at 7 p.m., with a DJ playing music to warm up the crowd before Khalid performed.
I was lucky enough to be up front, right against the barricade when the doors opened. The bass from the speakers pulsed through the floor as the crowd began to press in, everyone eager to claim their spot before the lights dimmed. Crowds swarmed and voices rose in anticipation, the air thick with the scent of hairspray and perfume.
Around 9 p.m., Khalid entered the stage to a roar of cheers, opening with his smooth, laid-back track “OTW” that features 6LACK and Ty Dolla $ign. The crowd immediately erupted, hands waving and voices joining in as the bass thumped through the floor. From there, the concert flowed seamlessly into a setlist that balanced nostalgia and growth.
Khalid performed various hits like his track “Lovely” with Billie Eilish and “Saved.” He also sang additional songs from his album American Teen, showcasing his evolving sound. His transitions felt intentional, and the choreography was captivating. The lighting also shifted with each track, offering a performance that felt polished and personal.
When Khalid was announced as the headliner for this year’s concert, the Hopkins community burst with discussion. People were glad that there was a well-known artist performing at this year’s event, and with that excitement came high expectations that, by the end of the night, were exceeded. From the moment the lights dimmed to the first note that echoed through the Ralph S. O’Connor Recreation Center, it was clear that Khalid knew how to command a crowd.
What surprised me about the concert was the production value put into his set. Khalid’s performance was accompanied by live instrumentation rather than a backing track, in addition to brilliant choreography performed by four dancers. The show was “lovely,” a seamless blend of soulful vocals, atmospheric lighting and genuine crowd connection that made the night feel intimate despite the sea of people.
Between songs, Khalid spoke to the audience about gratitude and growth, reminiscing on how far he’d come since his first album. In his words, he described himself as “Unc Status” as of now, a playful nod to how long he’s been in the industry. The crowd laughed and cheered, many shouting lyrics from his early hits, as if to remind him that they’d grown up right alongside him.
By the time he closed the show, the crowd was swaying in unison. As the final notes faded, I realized that even though I saw him just months before, there was something special about hearing Khalid live again, this time surrounded by the Hopkins community.
