It might have been a Monday night but Milwaukee music-lovers filled the Pabst Theatre for Jesse McCartney. Like many of the other audience members attending the show who remember him from our Disney childhood days, my inner child was definitely healed just a little bit more last night. It was a magical show.

But, before Jesse took the stage, we were graced by the stylings of Lorelei Marcell - her voice was sweet and delicate. The crowd watched in awe as she gracefully moved around the stage. I’m definitely going to be keeping an eye for her in the future (You should, too!) as I loved her set. 

Finally, it was time. It was time for Jesse McCartney. The stage darkened, screams pierced the air, the band took stage, and lights began to flash. The intensity in the room grew as the band began to play, ready for the star’s big entrance. Just moments after stepping on stage, everyone in the crowd was already on their feet singing along. Phones were out to capture every single second of his iconic performance. Jesse was smiling from ear to ear at the crowd giving him their 100% all. 

As lights flashed and fans cheered, Jesse owned the stage with his powerful vocals and his mesmerizing dance moves. Every woman was just swooning at his boy-ish charm. (I mean, I was… I’ll admit it, haha.) It can’t be denied that Jesse McCartney is a very good looking man. I grew up with a crush on him, just as I’m sure all of the other women in the room did. He interacted with the crowd between songs, danced around stage, smiling & pointing at the crowd - he came to own that stage. In the middle of the set, one lucky girl, who’s name I believe was Angie, was brought on stage to be serenaded. She was all smiles and just in shock at what was happening, as I’m sure anyone would’ve been. It was incredibly cute and I know she was on cloud nine the whole time.

His setlist was full of classics, new songs, covers, and acoustic slowed down versions; the evening was very well thought out and flowed well. He even had an outfit change - I haven’t been to a show with an outfit change in a while. Finally, we reached the end of the setlist. But, we all know there’s a sneaky little encore. The song that I know the best by Jesse… The song that I was most excited to hear live, to be honest… It was time for him to play “Beautiful Soul.” And it was indeed, beautiful.

Everything was just right that night, from the set changes, to the acoustic, to a piano - it was so incredibly planned. The lights definitely made the stage setup with the stairs, the mic stand, the band… it was all there to make the show as one perfect moment for Milwaukee. The Pabst Theatre is a beautiful three story venue, but beware the stairs to the third floor. (I got winded since I was unaware of the trek up and then instant vertigo coming out.)

There was merchandise available and if you didn’t buy a Meet & Greet pass ahead of time, there was a limited number available for purchase at the table. So get to the show early if you want one. Also, just show up early to support the opener(!) You never know what new favorite artist you could discover.

Anyway, the tour is still going on so go grab a ticket if you want to live out your teenage dreams with Jesse McCartney.