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Ariana Grande’s Fortnite gig was a dreamlike, surreal gay extravaganza – and fans loved it

Aug 09 2021
Written by Ed Nightingale

The Rift Tour in Fortnite. (Epic Games)

Players riding unicorns farting rainbows over the clouds with a giant Ariana Grande singing. Fortnite has never been gayer – and it was all the better for it.

The past weekend saw the latest in Fortnite’s music crossover events: The Rift Tour featuring Ariana Grande.

Previous performers include Deadmau5, Travis Scott and Marshmello, but Ariana is by far the biggest popstar to feature in the game – a significant milestone in gaming–music crossover events.

Excuse us, we love you

Thank you to everyone who drifted into the #RiftTour with us and @ArianaGrande pic.twitter.com/1SfUaLJGWZ

— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) August 8, 2021

Yet where those performers had a more typical virtual stage setup, or towered over the existing map, The Rift Tour was more a game-within-a-game.

Akin to Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, the concert had players flying through rifts visiting different worlds for each Ariana track.

A sunrise over the ocean; glorious pastel bubbles in the sky; a speedway of blue, pink and white that screamed “trans rights”. There was even a shooting section on a plane early on that had players competing for points.

Fortnite The Rift Tour. (Epic Games)

And of course, a giant Ariana avatar loomed over every scene, shimmering in a crystalline outfit, signature ponytail flowing behind her, and glittering wings that made her look like a Final Fantasy summon. The finale had her slowly emerging from a crystal planet as players leaped around in low gravity to “positions”.

Perhaps best of all was an Escher-inspired world where Ariana slowly sashayed up a staircase of Grecian columns looking like a goddess; players following through portals that shifted perspectives.

That epitomised the surreal yet beautiful and classy visuals the Rift Tour offered up. Artistically, this was a stunning achievement.

It just needed more… Ariana. The main section was just short of seven minutes and was a medley of six tracks from her recent albums. Of course, there are plenty of bangers to choose from, but some of the older (and better) tracks would’ve been welcome – sorry, but where was “Into You”?

Ariana herself has supported the event on socials, but having the real Ariana prominent – not just the avatar – in the event would’ve been an amazing addition. Sadly, Lady Gaga was not included, despite rumours.

https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1423776149365084160?s=20

Still, while numbers are yet to be released, The Rift Tour is likely to be the biggest event in Fortnite history, in terms of viewers. And perhaps in sales too: themed costumes and items are available to purchase, with plenty of Arianas watching Ariana throughout the weekend.

A technical wonder without hiccups and a visual feast, The Rift Tour was a prime example of music and games combining for a unique experience. Virtual concerts are undoubtedly the future. Thank you Ariana, who will be next?

Fans were certainly ecstatic at the event.

https://twitter.com/PurexGFX/status/1424379037636513792?s=20

The Ariana Grande #RiftTour in Fortnite was so good! Never experienced anything like it pic.twitter.com/TLb0EWpsoX— Joe Burridge (@JoeFindsTalent) August 8, 2021