As the clock struck 9:30 p.m. PT, The Weeknd made a striking entrance, shrouded in an air of mystery, surrounded by 30 dancers clad in red-hooded cloaks. Abel emerged wearing a black design by Christian Cordella, complete with a golden mask that matched the glitter that adorned him. The performance of “The Abyss” marked the audience’s first dive into the captivating darkness of the XO frontman’s world, encapsulated in his upcoming project Hurry Up Tomorrow.

Witnessing Mike Dean perform on the keys is akin to observing a master craftsman at work. A true secret weapon for any artist, Dean has been a pioneer in the music industry, producing a myriad of hits since the 1990s. Positioning himself to the right of the stage provided an up-close view of Dean’s brilliance as he skillfully guided Abel throughout the performance while seamlessly igniting the atmosphere in between tracks.

The extensive catalog of hits from The Weeknd seems boundless. With an impressive 37-track setlist, it felt as though he could have delved even deeper into his treasure trove of anthems, potentially reaching a 50-song performance. Tracks like “Can’t Feel My Face” felt as fresh as if they were released in the latest album cycle, yet they have aged like fine wine. Notably, Abel’s six Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, including “Heartless,” “Die For You,” “The Hills,” “Blinding Lights,” “Save Your Tears,” and “Starboy,” served as exhilarating highlights throughout the set, amplifying the crowd’s energy.

Throughout the first six songs of his set, The Weeknd donned a striking golden illuminated mask, but the crowd erupted in excitement when he removed it after “Heartless” as he transitioned into “Faith.” This moment symbolized the first genuine connection with his XO family, reinforcing the bond between the artist and his devoted fans.

In a heartwarming moment, The Weeknd moved through the crowd, greeting and interacting with fans who were seated against the rail in the front row. He created unforgettable memories for a few fortunate members of the XO tribe by handing them the microphone to join him in singing the chorus of “Out of Time” from Dawn FM, turning the performance into a shared experience.

Playboi Carti made a spectacular return to the stage, joining The Weeknd for their chart-topping hits “Timeless,” which recently received a remix from Doechii, and “Rather Lie,” a standout track from Music. While Carti’s microphone seemed slightly low, Abel showcased his remarkable vocal range during the outro of “Timeless.” The chemistry between the two artists was palpable, culminating in a warm embrace before Carti exited the stage.

When it comes to transitioning between songs, no one does it quite like The Weeknd. It felt as if he could have concluded the show with several songs; however, he chose to keep the energy alive. Initially, it seemed he might close with “Hurry Up Tomorrow” or the explosive hit “Blinding Lights,” but instead, the Toronto superstar ended the night with the mesmerizing “Moth to a Flame,” produced by Swedish House Mafia.

As he wrapped up his two-hour set, he expressed his gratitude, saying, “The great Mike Dean on the motherf—ing keys,” before declaring, “And Phoenix, Arizona, I go by the name of The Weeknd and I motherf—ing love you!”

Playboi Carti expressed heartfelt gratitude during his return to the desert, noting it was his first visit to the area in a decade. He acknowledged the overwhelming support he’s received from Arizona’s capital, making it clear that he considers Phoenix a second home.

“I ain’t been out here since 2015,” he shared. “One thing I always tell my young n—-s is that Phoenix is the most vibrant city, and they support everything you do. They buy your merch and come to your shows. Y’all n—-s know me, and I did a lot of shows in Phoenix early in my career, and it feels so good to be home. You know what I’m saying?”