OWENN may have wrapped up his tour with Taylor Swift in August, but it’s still a “pinch me” moment for the rising star.
Born Christian Owens, the singer-songwriter — and former backup dancer for Swift, 33 — reflected on his Eras tour opener with PEOPLE at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball in New York on Friday.
OWENN said he thought about how far he had come “every day” while on tour this summer, but was particularly thoughtful while working out – before the fans flocked.
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“Soundchecking when the stadiums were empty and it’s just me up there just walking through, it’s surreal,” he told PEOPLE.
“I think at the first sound check I said, ‘Please pinch me. This can’t be real,’ added the “Baby Girl” singer. “I think it’s always that moment.”
OWENN performs at the iHeartRadio 2023 NYC Jingle Ball before the show.
Gary Gershoff/Getty
That feeling continued after the Swifties hit the halls, he recalled, adding, “And then the stadium fills up and the music — it’s just surreal.”
When asked what his upcoming project is called — a “rock/R&B” EP. Changestold Z100 — will break out as a solo artist, OWENN told PEOPLE, “You know, I guess we’ll have to see and find out!”
He added, “But I just hope everybody’s watching and wanting to, you know?”
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Before joining the Eras Tour as an opener — alongside acts including Paramore, Haim and Sabrina Carpenter — OWENN was an integral part of Swift’s two eras. During Reputationjoined her on tour as a dancer and for Loverhe starred in the music video for the album’s title track.
The artist’s collaboration expanded beyond Swift’s oeuvre when Midnight the singer helped OWENN get signed to Republic Records.
“She actually contacted the head of the Republic herself on my behalf, which was kind of crazy,” he previously revealed during Instagram Live.
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Since then, OWENN has expressed his gratitude to the “Karma” singer several times on social media.
When he first announced he would be joining the tour in November 2022, the singer wrote: “Honestly, I’m speechless and can’t believe I’m making this announcement… I’m so blessed and grateful for this opportunity.”
“Thank you @taylorswift a million times!!!” he continued. “Come see me open for T on ‘Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour’ next year! I can’t wait to perform for you and be a part of this greatness!! This is truly a dream.”
He added: “Thanks everyone for the support.. Still processing! I can’t wait to play with you all at shows and share more music with you SOON! 🌹🌹♥️♥️ #TSTheErasTour.”
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In August, after wrapping up his time on the Eras tour, the singer shared a video documenting his final performance, in which he yelled into the camera, “Eras, I love you!”
“What a journey… thank you @taylorswift for changing my life so many times lol,” he wrote in the caption. “I feel like it’s very rare to meet such sincere souls.. I’m beyond blessed to have you as a friend in my life.”
In October, the “Rest of My Life” musician thanked the singer once again after attending the star-studded premiere of her concert film Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.
Alongside a clip of himself on the red carpet, OWENN wrote: “Thank you @taylorswift for an amazing night! And congratulations to you and everyone involved! The movie looks fantastic! Let everyone watch this magical woman! 🌹#taylorswift #tstheerastour #eras.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education