Billie Eilish calls performance ‘The Greatest’ a ‘special’ fan connection

Billie Eilish recently reflected on the powerful connection she felt while performing her song “The Greatest.” Hit me hard, hit me softly travel.

In an interview with Apple Music, Eilish, who was named Artist of the Year, shared that hearing fans sing the song to her was an unforgettable experience.

“When I did the first show of the tour, specifically, The Greatest, there was a lot of content — it was special to us,” she said. “But I was singing ‘The Greatest,’ and I took out one of my earphones, and I just loved hearing this huge arena full of people singing that song. And they sang every other song, too, But hearing that song means so much to me and having such a memory for me and loving the memory of us making it and the creative spirit that it brought us to.

She continued, “Just hearing that group of people singing this song, it really made me like, you know, the evidence is right in front of me. I can see it with my eyes, I can hear it with my ears. That’s also Something that I take very seriously every time I have the opportunity to really see how something I do or anything affects people in real time, that’s the focus.

“The Greatest” live premiere The Late Show with Stephen Colbert In June 2024, it became a highlight on her playlist. The song’s thoughtful lyrics include the chorus, “Man, I’m the greatest/My congratulations/All my love and patience/All my admiration,” leaving fans speculating whether it’s about a romantic relationship, Or her complicated relationship with fame — something Eilish has talked about publicly throughout her career.

Eilish also spoke about the emotional impact the song had on her. “I absolutely love this song. It’s really special to me. I actually performed it the other day and cried,” she told BBC Radio 1 in a previous interview. new music show With Jack Sanders.

The live acoustic set was filmed in Los Angeles with her brother and long-time collaborator Finneas and included a Q&A and renditions of hits from Eilish’s third studio album, Hit me hard, hit me weaklyincluding The Greatest and Birds of a Feather .

Alish’s Hit me hard, hit me softly The tour has become a global phenomenon, with sold-out shows and critical acclaim. Upon its release, the album soared to No. 1 on Apple Music’s all-genre album charts in 138 countries around the world. The project also peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 Albums All Genres chart.

Entering 2025, she has been nominated for seven Grammy Awards. Hit me hard, hit me softly Nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, while Birds of a Feather was nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. “L’Amour De Ma Vie”‘s “Over Now Extended Edit” was nominated for Best Pop Dance Recording, while “Guess,” a collaboration with Charli XCX, won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Fans can watch Apple Music’s Artist of the Year performance live on December 17, now available on demand for subscribers.