On Oct. 13, at noon, the Hopkins Organization for Programming (HOP) introduced the fall concert artist for Hoptoberfest: Khalid.
With more than 32 billion streams worldwide and multiple platinum records, Grammy nominee Khalid has become one of the defining voices of contemporary R&B. Known for hits like “Location,” “Talk” and his collaboration with Billie Eilish on “Lovely,” the 27-year-old singer-songwriter will headline the Hoptoberfest concert.
The announcement was made via HOP’s Instagram page, which featured an active story counting down to the artist’s identity was revealed. Excitement quickly spread across campus as students shared the news online, with many expressing surprise and anticipation for the performer.
In an email to The News-Letter, sophomore Stephanie Marcus expressed her excitement regarding the announcement, highlighting her personal love for Khalid’s music.
“As I opened my phone to the news of our fall performer, I was ecstatic,” she wrote. “He is, without fail, on almost all of my playlists, so being able to see him live is super exciting!”
Marcus’s enthusiasm was also echoed by other students, many of whom shared their appreciation for the HOP’s ability to secure such a well-known artist. Sophomore Mercedes Rend praised the organization’s efforts and the widespread appeal of the choice in an email to The News-Letter.
“When I saw that Khalid was going to be the [fall artist,] I texted my friends right away!” Rend wrote. “Him being the artist has me excited especially since he is so mainstream [...] Great choice, [HOP]!”
Several students reflected on how the announcement marked a shift in campus sentiment when asked about how this selection compared to previous artists selected by the HOP. Marcus elaborated on this shift, sharing that this year’s choice felt like a response to student feedback.
“I think the student body in general was overwhelmingly disappointed after last year’s spring concert and [was] concerned about our voices not being heard by [the] administration. I genuinely feel the difference in our atmosphere from when last year’s performers were announced,” she wrote. “Khalid is a prominent artist in our generation, and his presence on campus will definitely boost Hopkins pride and morale!”
In an email to The News-Letter, sophomore Shayaan Ahmed shared his opinion on the decision to have Khalid come to Hopkins, and how it compares to the two main artists who performed last year.
“I personally am very excited for Khalid to be performing during Hoptoberfest, and think that it is crazy that we could get him to come… I think this artist is definitely an upgrade from last spring’s artist and is more on the popular side,” he expressed. “I think in comparison to last fall’s artist, they are both pretty popular and I listen to both Khalid and Bryson Tiller a lot.”
The fall concert will take place on Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. after doors open at 7 p.m. in the Ralph S. O’Connor Center. Tickets are free for Hopkins affiliates and will be required for entry. Registration will open on Hopkins Groups on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m.
