Billie Eilish, 22, was hit in the face by a necklace thrown by a fan during her performance at Glendale, Arizona’s Desert Diamond Arena on Friday. The incident occurred while she was singing the emotional ballad “What Was I Made For?”
In fan-captured footage, Eilish, seated cross-legged on stage, flinched as the necklace struck her face, briefly pausing while the audience gasped. She resumed singing shortly after, calmly picking up the necklace and tossing it offstage.
Fan Reactions
Fans took to social media to condemn the incident:
- “Wrong on so many levels,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
- Another fan added, “This is so scary, hope Billie’s okay.”
- “I miss concert etiquette, why is this allowed?” lamented another.
Some warned of escalating risks, with one writing, “Someone is going to do this to the wrong artist one day, and they’ll get what’s coming to them!”
A Troubling Trend
Eilish has previously addressed fans throwing objects during concerts, noting that it has been an issue throughout her career. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in July 2023, she said:
“People just get excited, and it can be dangerous. It’s absolutely infuriating when you’re up there … but you know it’s out of love, and they’re just trying to give you something.”
She added, “You’re in a vulnerable position. I’ve been getting hit with stuff for years.”
Eilish is one of several artists who have been targeted by objects thrown during performances. In 2022, Harry Styles was struck in the groin by a bottle. Last year, Cardi B had a drink thrown at her in Las Vegas, and Bebe Rexha was hit by a cellphone in New York City.
Adele Calls Out Disrespectful Behavior
Adele also addressed this trend during her “Weekends with Adele” residency in Las Vegas, saying:
“Have you noticed how people are forgetting f–king show etiquette? Stop throwing things at the artist … These people have lost it.”
The incidents have sparked widespread discussion about concert safety and fan behavior, with many urging for better etiquette to ensure performers’ safety on stage. Eilish’s calm reaction highlighted her professionalism, but the incident underscores the ongoing challenges artists face in maintaining a safe performance environment.
