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    Malcolm Todd,l NYC’s Hottest Wholesome Rockstar

    Malcolm Todd brought his sold-out Do It Again Tour to Radio City Music Hall on Tuesday, September 22. The first of two Radio City shows, Todd pulled out all the stops to make night one a moment his NYC fans would never forget. 

    Malcolm Todd by Kait Dugan

    Chances are Todd’s smooth voice and playful persona have found their way to your FYP or Instagram feed in the past few years. Whether it be singles from his second studio album, 2026’s Do That Again, or even sleeper hit “Earrings” off of his 2024 Sweet Boy mixtape, Todd has proved his place across the internet as an artist on the rise. At just 23, the singer-songwriter is embarking on his first world tour. Currently on the North American leg of the Do That Again World Tour, Todd is set to perform internationally through mid 2027, bringing the upbeat vibes of Do That Again to Asia, Europe, and Australia.

    Malcolm Todd by Kait Dugan

    54 Ultra started the night with a pop, Latin-soul fueled opening set. The solo project of singer-songwriter JohnAnthony Rodriguez, the name 54 Ultra is an homage to New York City’s Studio 54 and Frank Ocean’s Nostalgia, Ultra mixtape. Hailing from Bloomfield, New Jersey, 54 Ultra was especially excited to perform at the iconic Radio City Music Hall. Immediately winning over the crowd as he softly slipped between English and Spanish, Rodriquez succeeded in capturing the audience’s attention, with many rising from their seats for “No Tengo Valor.” By the end of his set, Malcolm Todd fans gained a new favorite artist as they danced in the aisles and sang along to 54 Ultra’s super catchy, retro-soul hits. 

    54 Ultra by Kait Dugan

    When the full-stage screen flashed red, Radio City Music Hall shook with anticipation for Malcolm Todd to arrive on stage. As the lights dimmed, camera operators gave us a glimpse backstage, where Todd and Co. were hyping themselves up to face the music. Reminiscent of a player introduction, we were taken down the line as band members kissed, jumped on each other’s backs, and goofed around in front of the camera. Once his backing band members ran on stage, fans waited expectantly for the Wholesome Rockstar himself to arrive in mere moments. 

    Malcolm Todd by Kait Dugan

    Running onto stage for a quick, dramatic interlude of “Jean Skirt,” Todd posed for the crowd in his tiny sunglasses and snail face wash headband. Looking up from the front row to the third mezzanine, the singer-songwriter strummed out the last few notes of the set-starter before transitioning to “Breathe.”

    Malcolm Todd by Kait Dugan

    Shrugging off his sunglasses and guitar, Todd grabbed the microphone from its stand to dance around the stage in his authentically charming, boyish way. He pressed against his chest and neck as if the song was breathing life into him. Todd summoned the crowd to join in on the chorus, waving his arms as if he was conducting an orchestra. 

    Malcolm Todd by Kait Dugan

    The show is filled with silly, scripted moments that apply to certain songs, including a live monologue during “X’s & O’s.” Falling to his knees to record a voicemail on a red prop phone, Todd recites a monologue to his lover, not knowing where they stand anymore, begging for her love. Pleading into the phone, he says, “I just wanted to tell you I miss you, I love you, I love you so much, I want you, I want you so bad – If you wanna come find me, you can come to Radio City in New York, we’re having the best f***ing time ever!” before excitedly entering the chorus. 

    Malcolm Todd by Kait Dugan

    “Obessica” had some of the coolest stage visuals of the night, with Malcolm Todd’s current and former infatuation’s names gracing the screen as he references them one by one. Many of the girls in the crowd went crazy when their names flashed on the screen. If you’re a Stacy, Macy, Rebecca, or Jessica, get ready. 

    Malcolm Todd fans by Kait Dugan

    Towards the middle of the set, Todd gravitated over to a piano. While he played “Gun to My Head” and “Good Bye,” fans raised their phone flashlights, igniting Radio City’s proscenium arch in bright lights. It was an incredibly wholesome moment that tied perfectly into Todd’s “Wholesome Rockstar” image. 

    Malcolm Todd Crowd at Radio City by Kait Dugan

    “Earrings” brought another classic Malcolm Todd bit. After thanking his fans, the venue, and his family members in the crowd, including his sister, singer-songwriter Audrey Hobert, he acted shocked and asked everyone to pause for a second. “My heart is beating so fast, I’ve been looking literally everything for these things,” the singer exclaimed. As the camera panned down to the floor, two golden hoop earrings laid at his feet. He sang a teased excerpt of “Earrings,” held up the found pair with pride, and performed the entire song in full.

    Malcolm Todd by Kait Dugan

    A Malcolm Todd show wouldn’t be complete without “Roommates.” Once the addictive guitar rhythm began, Todd encouraged the whole crowd to give all their energy to the final song. Taking his shirt off (and receiving the loudest ovation of the night), the singer ran around the stage, playing the guitar as his NYC fans sung the lyrics back to him. On the last chorus, the entirety of Radio City united to jump in sync with Todd and his band, marking the moment as the end of the show together.

    Malcolm Todd by Kait Dugan

    Setlist: Jean Skirt, Breathe, Malcolm in the Middle, Free.99, Difficult Love, Ain’t That the Truth, Walk to Class, Bleed, You Owe Me, X’s & O’s, Obsessica, 4Me 4Me, Mr. Incorrect, Sweet Boy, Make Me a Better Man, Gun to My Head, Good Bye, Cheer Me On, Chest Pain (I Love), Earrings, I Saw Your Face, Do That Again, Roommates

    Malcolm Todd by Kait Dugan

     

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