On October 11th, Omar Apollo concluded the final show of his “God Said No” world tour at the Rady Shell in San Diego. The tour follows the release of his second studio album earlier this year. Despite the rolling fog that enveloped the venue, lending the night an intimate and mysterious ambiance, the crowd’s anticipation was palpable, with fans buzzing with excitement for Omar’s performance.

Omar began his set gently, opening with “Be Careful with Me,” a mellow track that serves as the first song on his new album. Before the song was even halfway through, he unveiled his brilliant dance moves, joining his backup dancers in their intricate choreography. Beyond his impressive dancing, Omar captivated the crowd with his smooth, lovely vocals. As he transitioned into “Useless,” one of his better-known songs, the upbeat energy of the guitar intro signaled that the audience was ready for an unforgettable evening. He effortlessly hit the high notes, sounding just as he does on the recorded track.

When the intro to “Spite,” my favorite song from his new album, began, I felt a surge of excitement. Omar engaged the audience, inviting us to sing along to certain lines, and his signature “ow ow” yells were charming and full of personality. His constant spins and playful shouts added a personal touch that set him apart from other indie-pop acts I’ve seen.

As the curtain dropped, anticipation filled the venue for what was to come next. What followed was one of the most impressive dance intros I’ve witnessed for a non-stadium tour. With the curtain down, Omar’s shadow appeared as the intro to “Less of You” began to play. He leaped into his role as a dancer, captivating the audience with a mesmerizing solo performance. This seamlessly transitioned into an elaborate dance sequence, where he delivered an energetic and synchronized routine alongside his backup dancers, their moves effortlessly matching his. His glittering, metallic outfits, combined with the lifts and jumps, resembled a high-caliber routine straight out of So You Think You Can Dance.

Throughout the night, Omar continued to perform a mix of songs from both his current and debut albums, favoring the more mellow tracks. He proudly acknowledged his Mexican heritage by inviting the fans in the crowd to perform a grito, a traditional Mexican shout. This moment deepened his connection with the audience, showcasing his cultural pride and dedication to celebrating his roots. He followed this by performing “Dos Uno Nueve (219)” while the backdrop displayed a heartfelt compilation of home videos from his childhood.

After this touching segment, Omar continued to explore his discography with “Killing Me.” The audience eagerly jumped along at his command during the chorus, their energy building with each moment. Following an outfit and set change, the crowd was primed for “Kamikaze,” the song that originally made me an Omar Apollo fan. From intricate background dancing and graceful lifts on a large cube to a high-energy, dynamic dance sequence, the performance was nothing short of electrifying.

To close out a stellar set, Omar performed “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All),” a fan favorite, followed by “Glow,” a powerful and vocally expansive track. His smooth, heartfelt outro led him and his dancers off the stage. After the crowd enthusiastically shouted for an encore, Omar returned for one final song, the upbeat “Go Away,” leaving the audience on a high note for their walk home. Omar’s undeniable stage presence, impressive vocals, and captivating dance routines made for a truly memorable evening.