FINNEAS shines AT THE TODAY SHOW
BY LIAM GILLINFinneas brought heart, honesty, and a rare kind of stillness to a bustling Rockefeller Plaza on August 22, delivering a four-song set on the TODAY Show’s Citi Concert Series that felt more like a celebration than just a performance. Known for crafting emotionally charged songs for others—this appearance was a vivid reminder of his own powerful voice as both a solo artist and a collaborative force.
Opening with “What They’ll Say About Us,” Finneas immediately drew in the crowd with his signature lyrical vulnerability and understated intensity. The song’s message of resilience and grief echoed through the plaza, grounding the morning in something meaningful. He followed with “The Kids Are All Dying,” a sharp, socially aware track that added urgency and contrast, showcasing his ability to balance message and melody without missing a beat.
But the true highlight came mid-set when Ashe joined him onstage for a stirring live debut of “The Little Mess You Made,” the lead single from their new project The Favors. Their harmonies felt effortless, their energy unified. It was a performance full of subtle drama and raw connection—proof that The Favors isn’t just a side project but a creative leap. Their upcoming album The Dream, due in September, now feels like one of the year’s most anticipated releases.
Finneas closed the set with a track from his 2024 solo album For Cryin’ Out Loud!, tying together themes of identity, family, and self-reflection. Between songs, he spoke with the TODAY hosts about his creative process, the joy of writing for others, and the freedom of creating something new with Ashe.
What stood out most wasn’t just the music—it was how fully Finneas leaned into every moment. He performed with a quiet confidence, never needing to oversell the songs because they spoke so clearly on their own. The set was a thoughtful, moving showcase of an artist who has stepped confidently into his own spotlight—no longer defined by his work behind the scenes, but by the depth and clarity of his own voice.
