Ellie oudling’s May 10th, sold-out show at Columbus’ Express LIVE faced some challenges. One of the openers withdrew due to illness, and the outside event was sure to get rained on, or even cancelled due to lightning. You can’t expect to get the same performance from an artist at Toads Place in New Haven (750 capacity) as you would in London’s O2 (20,000 capacity). Despite the possible complications, the 5,200 people in attendance got the same magic you would expect at a higher profile, televised event.

At the “Rain or shine” performance, people prepared for the coming storm draping speakers with plastic bags and wrapping children in ponchos.

Between the opening and headline sets it drizzled, but when Ellie took the stage, it all dried up. It seemed her magic vocals settled the dispute between the clouds as they went their separate ways. The sky revealed the last bit of sunlight of the day (what photographers refer to as the magic hour). Maybe it was the rain dance they performed.

Once Miss Goulding began sharing her voice with us, we had all forgotten about the threat of the elements.

She played 21 songs (setlist) in total which is divisible by 3, something Schoolhouse Rock has taught this American crowd to be a magic number.

During her performance, she changed her attire no less than 6 times (divisible by 3). My positioning at this sold out show wasn’t great, so I can only imagine that she changed her wardrobe magically, on stage, spinning around like Wonder Woman in the late 70’s.

At one point, we even witnessed her level up! (I’m guessing  a level 3 sorceress.)

With most of the show behind us, Ellie asked that we all put our smartphones away, and just like that, they were gone! I have heard of her doing this for another show, with disappointing results, but this crowd was mesmerized and obedient.

It wasn’t until the last few seconds of the final song Love me Like You Do that the smartphones and cameras resurface.

You don’t have to believe in magic to appreciate Ellie’s 90 minute, 21-song performance, but everyone in attendance left a bigger fan than when they arrived. Which is saying a lot.