Big Time Rush – Xcel Energy Center – St. Paul MN – August 8th 2025

Big Time Rush live at the Xcel Energy Center on August 8th 2025 with special guests Katelyn Tarver

Review and photos by Peyton Rondeau

As the evening’s direct support, Katelyn Tarver offered a compelling blend of indie‑pop intimacy and emotional resonance. Known for heartfelt tracks like “Weekend Millionaires” and the viral ballad “You Don’t Know,” Tarver brings a keen songwriting sensibility and raw vocal clarity to her performances.

She stepped onto the stage bathed in warm lighting, sporting a “The Twin Cuties” top, understated band beside her—vying not for spectacle, but for emotional connection. Her voice resonated through the cavernous arena, lending a focused, soulful contrast to the high‑energy pop that would follow. She delivered stripped‑down renditions of “You Don’t Know” that sparked a hushed attentiveness in the crowd, and “Weekend Millionaires” might have brought a gentle, wistful uplift.

Fans familiar with her music felt a reflective calm wash over them before the main event—a moment to breathe, connect, and be anchored in earnest artistry.

On a warm summer night, the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul buzzed with anticipation as Big Time Rush brought their In Real Life Worldwide Tour to Minnesota. The vibe and energy were electric — a colorful mix of teenagers in outfits referencing the TV show, twenty-somethings reliving their middle school playlists, and parents who probably knew every lyric despite pretending otherwise.

In a fun twist, fans embraced the group’s fictional roots from their Nickelodeon days, when Big Time Rush was “from” Duluth, Minnesota. That bit of TV lore turned the night into a pseudo–hometown show, with cheers and signs proudly claiming the band as local heroes. The crowd’s energy felt personal, almost like the guys were returning to where it all began — even if it was only true on screen.

From the moment the lights dropped and the opening notes of “Windows Down” hit, the group proved they’re more than just a nostalgia act. Kendall, James, Carlos, and Logan brought a polished, high-energy set that perfectly balanced choreographed pop spectacle with moments of genuine connection. Their harmonies were as tight as ever, but what really made the night shine was their chemistry — years after their TV debut, they still look like four best friends who can’t believe they get to do this for a living.

Highlights included a stripped down version of “Worldwide” with 4 lucky fans joining them on stage, a euphoric singalong to “Boyfriend,” and a heartfelt acoustic section that let their voices carry the night. The stage design was bright and dynamic, leaning into LED visuals and bursts of cryotechnics that matched the upbeat tone of the setlist.

Big Time Rush didn’t just give fans a concert; they gave them a reunion with their younger selves. It was joy, nostalgia, and pure pop fun rolled into one — the kind of night that reminds you why some songs never leave your head, and why some bands never leave your heart.