Concert Review: Caroline Kingsbury Delivers an Epic Dose of Shock Treatment to Orlando Florida

It's a Saturday night, and the streets of downtown Orlando are already buzzing as music pulses through Orange Ave. But dare I say the energy outside is nothing compared to the energy about to hit the Social tonight? Caroline Kingsbury is poised to hit the stage on her Shock Treatment tour—one that holds quite the significance. Not only is it her first headlining tour across the US, but making it even more special is the fact that tonight is her hometown show. And, based on what I know about this incredibly talented artist, I am certain it will be a show Orlando won't forget.

Caroline Kingsbury is an independent singer-songwriter from Central Florida but based out of L.A. She began professionally creating music when she was 18. Her music is an exciting fusion of new wave, 80s-inspired synth, and pop-rock elevated by raw, relatable lyrics that explore life, love, and self-expression. Her debut album, Heaven's Just A Flight, hit the scene in April of 2021, followed by the EP, I Really Don't Care!, in October of 2024. Interestingly, it was the viral resurgence of her song "Kissing Someone Else" in 2024 (three years after its initial release) and "Take My Phone Away" that catapulted her into the spotlight and garnered her the recognition she deserved. Caroline's newest EP, Shock Treatment, dropped September 26, 2026. A project that posed the question: What if things were reversed, and we lived in a world where queerness were not only celebrated but also the social norm and heterosexuality were marginalized? This past year she performed at Lollapalooza and All Things Go musical festivals. Looking into the future, Caroline will be performing at Chicago Pride and then making her way across the pond in June to deliver some Shock Treatment overseas.

The crowd inside The Social continues to grow as Bershy, a singer-songwriter from Ohio, kicks off the night. Under deep red lights, with a mic stand and a stage covered in roses, they lure fans in with their smooth voice and relatable lyrics. Accompanied by bandmates on bass and drums, Bershy shines as they work through a set that includes songs like “Provider” and “Sixty Seconds." By the end, Bershy has the crowd rocking out as they perform the popular hit "Radio," a song just shy of 40 million streams on Spotify. The crowd is now prepared for what is to come following the dynamic performance.

The stage is set. To my right, an old TV lights up, with a mannequin placed on top of it. On the floor, an old boom box and two guitars—one acoustic and one electric—stand in the back. A lone floor tom-drum sits slightly off-center. To my left, an SJC drum set and white Arturia keyboard and synthesizer, along with a bright yellow phone, sit waiting to be played. Taking center stage is a yellow polka-dot microphone. A silence fills the room as the lights fade, followed by a monstrous cheer from the crowd. Caroline strikes the stage with a surge of energy and a head-turning ensemble. Dawned in a neon body suit, covered by a pink blazer with stars, piano-print tights, and multicolored metallic boots. Her hair is an awesome neon yellow with killer makeup accessorized with carabiner and key earrings. The words "shock treatment" echo throughout the room. Caroline pumps the crowd up as she dances and then rips off her blazer and dives straight into "Chocolate." The crowd drawn in by her magnetic energy inches even closer to the stage.

Alongside her drummer Sierra Leuschen, Caroline switches between a pink sparkled electric guitar, a keyboard/synthesizer, and a floor tom throughout the night. Her setlist is an irresistible mix of songs spanning her career. A musical journey that flows from high-energy moments to intimate ones. As the night unfolds, “16,” “Strawberry Sheets,” and “Meteorite” have everyone fully in 80s nostalgia, dancing—giving a little right-and-left two-step sway, if you know what I mean. Caroline lights up the Social from beginning to end, delivering phenomenal vocals, captivating theatrics, and spotlighting her multi-instrumental abilities.

In a beautiful moment, the stage seamlessly turned into a living room-like space where she paused to speak about her song "Pain and Pleasure." A song she shares was written about her brother and reflects on how, as we grow older, we come to realize that life is a constant swing between both emotions. She truly shines in this moment, captivating the audience with her vocals as she plays on her acoustic guitar.

I can’t help but be reminded of and catch subtle nuances of some 80s rock legends—David Bowie, Pat Benatar, Cyndi Lauper, and Marie Fredriksson of Roxette—as I watch Caroline. She truly performs with an electrifying confidence, blending theatrical flair with joyful energy all while being unapologetically expressive.

During “Alabama,” she eyes the crowd and brings three adoring fans onto the stage to dance alongside her. She performs “Take My Phone Away" into a bright yellow phone, adding a cool, distorted effect to her voice. She turns the room into an even bigger dance party as she takes the fun down into the crowd, singing her hit “Kissing Someone Else” and dancing with all her fans. And, in a full-circle moment, Caroline closes out the night the same way she started it—performing "Shock Treatment." Everyone in the room is beaming with absolute happiness and joy. Caroline and Sierra savor the last few moments of the night as they thank the crowd.

Tonight's headlining performance from Caroline Kingsbury truly solidified that she can rock a stage like no other and had a blast proving it. And, even though Caroline Kingsbury might be "moving on" like she did in her "Kissing Someone Else" lyrics, I can guarantee you that Orlando will not be "moving on" from this unforgettable night of music.