Tori Kelly was originally set to perform at Suburban Park at The Great New York State Fair at 8 p.m. Wednesday. However, due to a weather advisory and flooding on the fairgrounds earlier in the day, her performance was moved up to 5 p.m. Unfortunately, the schedule change meant that many fans who had planned to attend her set were unable to make it but, those who did make it to Suburban Park showed just how much Kelly’s music and connection with her fans mean to them.

Tori Kelly singing at the start of her set. — Photo: Mandy Lain – Tori Kelly at Suburban Park

Kelly is an American singer-songwriter and musician who rose to fame after posting to YouTube before signing to a major label and releasing Unbreakable Smile in 2015. She has since gained Grammy recognition, building a career in blending R&B, pop, and soul.

Tori Kelly at The Great New York State Fair — Photo: Mandy Lain – Tori Kelly at Suburban Park

As soon as she came on stage, the crowd lit up in excitement. They were ready to see Tori Kelly, even with a shortened setlist and an impending storm coming to Syracuse. ‘thing you do’ from her fifth studio album, TORI. was clearly a hit as fans waved their arms back and forth to her singing.

“Alright NY, I see y’all dancing; it’s real cute, but I need to turn the energy up real quick,” and they did as soon as ‘oceans’ started. Attendees of all ages were singing back, enjoying Kelly’s set even if it wasn’t how they pictured their day going.

Tori Kelly singing in Syracuse — Photo: Mandy Lain – Tori Kelly at Suburban Park

Kelly expressed to everyone how good it feels to play new music: “This song is really special. I mean, they’re all special; I say that about every song, but this one I just basically wrote it about somebody who I felt hurt by, and the only place I really know to go is my music.”

That song was ‘Pray for You’; special in meaning, clearly resonating with everyone present. From the lighting choices to the backing track, Kelly drew in the audience through the story of being hurt and trying to be the bigger person.

Audience at Tori Kelly performance — Photo: Mandy Lain – Tori Kelly Fans at Suburban Park

Kelly also took the audience back a little with songs like ‘Hallow,’ encouraging the crowd to sing the “ohhh” back to her, as well as other hits like ‘I’ll Find You’ and ‘Should’ve Been Us.’ Kelly smiled throughout the entire set as fans showed up for her unexpected, earlier-than-planned, and shorter performance. Despite the last-minute change, the connection between Kelly and the audience made the show special, one that those in attendance won’t soon forget.