Lewis Capaldi returned to Melbourne last night with a show that was equal parts comedy, catharsis and world-class vocals. The setlist moved from Survive and Grace through to emotional heavyweights like Pointless, Before You Go and the encore of Hold Me While You Wait and Someone You Loved, with Melbourne singing every word as if the songs belonged to them too.

What made the night even more special was seeing Lewis in such a good place. He spoke openly about his struggles with mental health and how those challenges ultimately forced him to cancel his Australian shows back in 2023. Hearing him reflect on that while standing on stage, smiling, laughing and soaking in the moment felt incredibly moving. By the end of the night he genuinely didn’t want to leave and clearly buzzing to be performing again. It felt like a return, not just a show.

Before Lewis took over, Melbourne was treated to two outstanding support acts.

Fletcher Kent opened with songs like Blind Spot, Open to the Light and Wasted. Bringing out his fiancé, Lily, was one of the most heartfelt moments of the night and knowing he secured this support slot on the ten-year anniversary of his brother’s passing added an emotional weight to his performance. If you want to know what love looks like, watch the way he and his partner look at each other under the stage lights.
He even came down after the show into the pit to thank the audience, give high fives and take photos. You can tell how much this means to him and how important his fans are. With a February tour on the way, he’s absolutely one to keep your eye on.

Aaron Rowe followed and there is truly something magical about an Irish artist backed by a violin. His voice cut straight through the room, the kind that settles deep in your chest. Even fans who didn’t know him beforehand were won over quickly. He is a must-see before Lewis walks on stage.

And then came Lewis, turning Rod Laver Arena into a full-scale singalong. The show was part comedy, part emotional release and part vocal masterclass. At times he laughed mid-song because of something happening in the crowd. Other times he stood quietly and let thousands of voices carry the melody. It’s rare to see an artist make arenas feel intimate, but Lewis does it effortlessly.

He is, without question, a bucket-list artist. Last night was proof of that and I’m certainly glad to tick him off mine.

Lewis, I loved the hell out of you.

Lewis Capaldi – Australian Tour 2025

Sunday 30 November – Wolfbrook Arena – Christchurch, NZ
Tuesday 2 December – Spark Arena – Auckland, NZ
Thursday 4 December – Entertainment Centre – Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 6 December – Qudos Bank Arena – Sydney, NSW
Sunday 7 December – Qudos Bank Arena – Sydney, NSW
Tuesday 9 December – Qudos Bank Arena – Sydney, NSW
Wednesday 10 December – Rod Laver Arena – Melbourne, VIC
Friday 12 December – Rod Laver Arena – Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 13 December – Rod Laver Arena – Melbourne, VIC
Monday 15 December – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena – Adelaide, SA
Wednesday 17 December – RAC Arena – Perth, WA

Tickets via secretsounds.com