Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Throughout a series of EPs, mixtapes and a compilation of standalone singles, Kim Petras was already making a significant splash in the dance-pop landscape, but once the Sam Smith collaboration “Unholy” topped the charts and made her the first openly transgender artist to win a Grammy Award, the door to superstardom blew wide open.

Those who already saw the German singer/songwriter joining the likes of Charli XCX and Troye Sivan or getting going as a headliner already could’ve predicted it was coming around the corner, but after selling out the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom with banging beats and boundless charisma, even those who just jumped on board would likely agree she’s arrived.

In fact, Petras seems to have sights set on arenas, which is undoubtedly her next step, performing on a multi-level stage, flanked by three dancers, a giant video screen, countless costume changes, and eventually, a disco ball version of a certain phallic symbol as the centerpiece.

It was one of many winks the colorful personality made throughout a steamy and spectacular set, ranging from the proper full-length debut, “Feed The Beast,” to the surprise official release of the previously leaked “Problématique,” plus a lot of earlier material.

The only element missing was a live band, although no one seemed to notice or care once she dramatically entered to the current title cut, or provided similarly bold expressions throughout a gothic-themed “King Of Hearts” and “Unholy.”

This conceptual show was divided into four more distinct acts, such as Petras’ “Slut Pop” side and a somewhat understated by comparison segment of more romantic tunes presented atop a pile of pillows in a bedroom.

A series of scarier “Turn Off The Light” selections were especially timely with Halloween around the corner, followed by the tone turning equally bright by the bubblegum bliss of “Icy” and “Castle In the Sky.”

The encore built towards the supreme sugar rushes of “Alone 2.0,” normally a Nicki Minaj duet, “Problématique” and “Heart To Break” as Petras further embraced her destiny of becoming a full-blown pop queen.

For additional information on Kim Petras, visit KimPetras.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom include Boys Like Girls (Oct. 19); Men I Trust (Oct. 20); Motionless In White (Oct. 21); TV Girl (Oct. 22); Lil Uzi Vert (Oct. 23); Tinashe and Shygirl (Oct. 28); Sexyy Red (Oct. 31); 6LACK (Nov. 1); Lil Yachty (Nov. 3); Reventon Sonidero! (Nov. 4); Kesha (Nov. 9); Svdden Death (Nov. 10); Nghtmre (Nov. 11); Ivan Cornejo (Nov. 16-17); R&B Only Live (Nov. 18); Slander (Nov. 24-25); Pierce The Veil (Nov. 30-Dec. 1); Lil Tjay (Dec. 2); DannyLux (Dec. 3); Twisted XMAS: The Black Keys (Dec. 5); Twisted XMAS: Lovejoy (Dec. 6); Twisted XMAS: Bleachers (Dec. 7); Twisted XMAS: Young The Giant (Dec. 8); Hot Mulligan (Dec. 15) and Nora En Pure (Dec. 31). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

Related Articles

Carly Rae Jepsen: “So Nice” Tour at Aragon Ballroom From “Call Me Maybe” to “The Loneliest Time,” Carly Rae Jepsen “So Nice” to sold out Aragon H.E.R.: “Back Of My Mind” Tour at Aragon Ballroom Conan Gray: “Kid Krow” Tour at Aragon Ballroom Germany’s “robot pop” pioneers Kraftwerk take a “3-D” ride on the “Trans-Europe Express” Sting & Shaggy: “44/876” Tour at Aragon Ballroom Substance-filled songwriting, soul and authenticity make H.E.R. the leading lady of R&B Aragon sell out points to Conan Gray becoming the next superstar singer/ songwriter