MARINA Brings Us Into Her “Digital Fantasy” in Philadelphia

By Aleisha Flores

OCT 4 2025

MARINA may have dropped “& The Diamonds” from her name long ago, but let’s be clear: she’s shining brighter than ever. The September 24 Philadelphia stop of the Welsh pop star’s Princess of Power tour at Franklin Music Hall proved just that.

Opening the show was Australian singer Mallrat. The dark, hazy vibes of the stage complemented her equally dreamy indie-pop set. Songs like “My Darling, My Angel” and “Wish On An Eyelash” took the crowd into the clouds. Mallrat’s cover of Lana Del Rey’s “Radio” was also a welcome treat – fitting for all the former Tumblr kids in attendance. 

A pixelated loading screen, Star Wars-esque rolling text, and a character selection screen introduced the first “level” of MARINA’s adventure: Star Fields. Dressed in a maroon catsuit adorned with blue stars and armed with her signature pink ribbon mic stand, MARINA looked every bit the video game superheroine as she took the audience through 15 years of beloved bangers.

This first act was a witty declaration of MARINA’s inner power with songs like “PRINCESS OF POWER,” “Are You Satisfied?,” and “CUPID’S GIRL.” The second level, Familiar Hells, explored themes of being lost and struggling to find oneself. Fan favorite songs “Hermit the Frog” and “How to Be a Heartbreaker” defined this portion of MARINA’s set, and each had the audience singing along at the top of their lungs.

Level four, Cocoon, followed, and saw MARINA acknowledge her pain and then transform into the star she was meant to be. Her raw vocals during “EVERYBODY KNOWS I’M SAD” and “I Am Not a Robot” brought on chills. She performed the cathartic “BUTTERFLY” against the visuals of a glowing cocoon that burst into a beautiful blue butterfly.

“DIGITAL FANTASY” opened up the level of the same name, delving into desire and the pursuit of love. This stage was for the #JusticeforFroot truthers: MARINA surprised fans by playing “Blue,” which she said she hadn’t sung in years and just decided that day to put on the setlist for Philly. She followed up with “METALLIC STALLION” and, of course, the beloved “Froot.”

One of the night’s highlights was MARINA’s Party Paradiso, which was a joyous celebration of self-love and personal expression. For “CUNTISSIMO,” she brought up select fans to the stage for a friendly competition for who had the cuntiest costume. Many attendees were vying for MARINA’s validation that night. We spotted light and dark angels, plenty of sequins and glitter, and even Marie Antoinettes – complete with large, powdered wigs. She gave props to one fan whose outfit was giving “2012 Electra Heart Tumblr era” (MARINA’s own words), but eventually chose a fan dressed as an angel as the winner. The party culminated with “Bubblegum Bitch,” and it seemed as if the crowd was louder than MARINA herself for the throwback hit.

Finally, it was time for the boss level: Keys to the Castle. MARINA was victorious in her penultimate battle with “FINAL BOSS” and “ROLLERCOASTER.” The show reached its peak with “Primadonna,” another iconic track, and she ended with “I <3 YOU” as “GAME OVER” flashed in the background.

Overall, MARINA brought a night full of joy and whimsy to Philly. We loved that it wasn’t just about the music, but fostering community. $1 of every ticket sale from the tour and 10% of proceeds from merch went to The Marina Fund, which works to provide mental health care and support to LGBTQ+ individuals across the U.S. and deliver urgent relief in Palestine.