Watch out world: Alessia Cara is here to stay

Photo Credit: Melody Shahsavarani

It was last Friday and just a few blocks away Adele was performing at the Wiltern, but Los Angeles was ready to witness young songstress, Alessia Cara, perform for a sold-out crowd at the El Rey Theatre.

Alessia Caracciolo, notably known as Alessia Cara, rose to fame with the help of YouTube. The Canadian-born singer gained a following after she uploaded her rendition of The Neighbourhood’s “Sweater Weather” in 2013. Up until the release of her debut album, “Know It All,” Cara would record on a constant basis after school, leaving friends to question the disappearances. It paid off as her party confessional hit “Here” broke through the world of music.

Photo Credit: Melody Shahsavarani

The final show of her U.S. Know-It-All Tour featured opening acts: Leaf, Craig Stickland and Kevin Garrett. All three acts brought a different feel to the stage. Leaf kicked off with an essence of R&B. Following was Cara’s lead guitarist Stickland, who made girls and boys swoon around the room as he rocked out with his long locks and guitar. The final opening act, featured shy yet quirky lead singer Garrett, whose soothing vocals meshed well for the arrival of Cara.

Leaf      Photo Credit: Melody Shahsavarani

Craig Stickland        Photo Credit: Melody Shahsavarani

Jack Garrett      Photo Credit: Melody Shahsavarani

Curly haired Cara graced the stage with simplicity, wearing a black suede jacket to match her black skinny jeans, along with her notable Adidas sneakers. Her stage presence is something to take note, she emits confidence and positivity while never-failing to engage with the audience.

Within a second the opening number “I’m Yours” engulfed the room, the fans were quick to project their hearts out to their pop idol.

The second single off her debut album, “Wild Things” truly presented Cara’s eclectic vocal talent. Piercing through the speakers, the range and falsettos she hits leaves one speechless and in awe.

Photo Credit: Melody Shahsavarani

Back in Oct. 31 renowned artist, Taylor Swift, invited Cara to perform her record-breaking single “Here” for an attendance of 55,000. Swift was quick to tip her hat off, impressed and amazed she called Cara “absolutely fearless” and one of her favorite up and coming artists.

As her fan base is undoubtedly surrounded by the younger generation, Cara took a moment to give a motivational message.

Photo Credit: Melody Shahsavarani

“We tend to pick out our flaws, I do it too”  the 19-year-old said. “You need to know that someone out there will love all those parts of you.”

Following the message, a group of fans immediately put up signs that spelled out the song she swayed her way into, “Scars to Your Beautiful.” Her eyes beamed with happiness as she began the first verse. The chorus led to fans shedding a few tears as the underlying message weeped the stage: strength, courage and positivity. As she hit the bridge she held the high note effortlessly.

Cara’s double platinum, Billboard Hot 100 single “Here” was welcomed into the music scene just last year. In the hit, Cara describes her time at a dreadful party she attended with friends. Questioning her attendance, realizing she is surrounded by people who don’t care about her well-being, announces her need to escape the chaos.

Photo Credit: Melody Shahsavarani

The singer songwriter, shared the struggle she went through to get this song on the radio, as many turned it away due to controversial storyline. With the power of her fan base and the faith of her team, this song captivated the world.

Screams heard all around, fans belted every word in high volumes. The parents couldn’t resist as they joyfully sang along. The powerful performance from both her and the crowd left the vibe at a high.

Departing the stage after the smash, an encore was evident. Within a few seconds she was back, guitar strapped back. She performed her rendition of “Sweater Weather” which she credits as her ticket towards the dream. The finale of the show ended with the track “My Song.” The uplifting song illustrated the authenticity Cara carries.

Photo Credit: Melody Shahsavarani

At such a young age, many can be blown away by Cara’s talent. She truly exemplifies herself as a future prominent artist.