Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft world tour took an unexpected turn during her recent performance in Glendale, Arizona. The 22-year-old Grammy and Oscar-winning artist was struck in the face by an object, reportedly a bracelet, while performing her Oscar-winning song What Was I Made For? from the Barbie movie soundtrack.
Unwelcome Interruption
The incident occurred as Eilish sat to deliver the emotional ballad. Just one line into the performance, a thrown object hit her, causing her to flinch and miss the next lyric. Despite the interruption, Eilish quickly regained her composure and continued performing, while concertgoers booed the disruptive act.
A Growing Issue in Live Music
This incident is part of a troubling trend where artists are targeted with objects thrown by audience members. Recent cases include Zach Bryan stopping a concert over a similar act, Kelsea Ballerini walking off stage after being hit, and Bebe Rexha requiring stitches after being struck by a cellphone.
Kid Cudi also left the stage during the Rolling Loud festival in 2022 after objects were repeatedly thrown at him. In response, many artists and industry insiders have expressed frustration over the disrespectful and potentially harmful behavior.
Why Is This Happening?
Some experts believe this behavior may be fueled by the pursuit of viral moments on social media. Morgan Milardo, managing director at the Berklee Popular Music Institute, told NBC that such incidents might reflect society’s obsession with attention-grabbing stunts.
“As a society, we need to work to overcome these attention-grabbing moments and look beyond that,” Milardo explained. “Concerts are supposed to offer a community where people can come together to share in the magic of live music.”
Eilish’s Take on the Trend
While Eilish has not yet publicly addressed the Glendale incident, she previously spoke about the issue at the world premiere of Barbie last July. “I’ve been getting hit onstage with things for like, literally, six years,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “I don’t know why this is like new. People just get excited, and it can be dangerous.”
A Call for Respect in Concert Culture
Incidents like these serve as a reminder for fans to uphold the shared spirit of live music. Concerts are spaces meant for celebration, connection, and artistry—not for attention-seeking acts that put performers’ safety at risk. As Eilish’s career continues to thrive, her professionalism and resilience in moments like these remind fans of the respect and care that live performances demand.
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