Concert Review: Teddy Swims Brings the UGLY Tour to Tampa with Wyatt Flores, MarcLo
MarcLo and Wyatt Flores Set the Stage for Teddy Swims in Tampa
Before Teddy Swims brought his powerhouse vocals to Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena, opening acts MarcLo and Wyatt Flores warmed up the crowd with two distinctly different sounds, proving that great music doesn’t need to fit neatly into one genre.
Kicking off the evening, singer-songwriter and producer MarcLo brought his smooth blend of contemporary R&B, soul, and pop to the stage. His melodic vocals and laid-back grooves offered a refreshing introduction to the night, setting the tone for an evening filled with musical versatility.
Next up, Oklahoma-born Wyatt Flores shifted the energy with his signature blend of country, folk, and Americana. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and raw, emotionally driven songwriting, Flores delivered a sound rooted in authenticity. His gritty vocals and storytelling brought a different kind of soul to the arena, bridging the gap between traditional country influences and a new generation of Americana artists.
While their musical styles couldn’t be more different, both performers complemented Swims’ genre-defying approach to music. From MarcLo’s R&B rhythms to Flores’ country grit, the opening sets offered a little something for everyone.
Two artists, two completely different sounds, and one fitting introduction to a night that refused to be defined by genre.
Teddy Swims Brings Soul, Power, and a Little Chaos
Teddy Swims delivered a powerhouse performance filled with soulful vocals, infectious energy, and a few unexpected surprises.
When Swims took the stage, the production was nothing short of spectacular. A massive, multilevel cityscape inspired by his Atlanta, Georgia roots brought the arena to life with towering buildings, industrial staircases, and glowing neon signs. Midway through the show, the set underwent an unexpected transformation, trading its gritty urban backdrop for a vibrant, carnival-inspired version of Atlanta’s iconic Little Five Points neighborhood. Complete with psychedelic visuals and an enormous skull with hypnotic eyes, the stage became a colorful playground for the remainder of the evening. The elaborate production was just as captivating as the music itself.
Backed by his band, Freak Freely, Swims showcased the raw, soulful vocals and undeniable stage presence that have made him one of music’s most captivating performers. The set featured a mix of fan favorites, including “The Door” and “Lose Control,” alongside new material from his highly anticipated album, UGLY, scheduled for release on January 22, 2027. Fans were treated to tracks including “Perfect Man,” “Mr. Know It All,” “The Rain,” and “Cut Me Loose,” offering a glimpse into the next chapter of his musical journey. Seamlessly shifting between heartfelt ballads and high-energy anthems, Swims kept the crowd engaged throughout the night, proving his connection with an audience goes far beyond his powerhouse vocals.
One of the night’s most unexpected highlights came when WWE legend and Fozzy frontman Chris Jericho made a surprise appearance to help shoot hot dogs into the crowd. Yes, hot dogs. It was an absurdly entertaining moment that perfectly captured the playful, unpredictable personality Swims brought to the stage.
Despite the massive production, Swims never let the spectacle overshadow the music. His powerhouse voice, genuine personality, and natural connection with the audience remained the heart of the performance.
The UGLY Tour was anything but ugly. Between the incredible vocals, imaginative stage design, and a surprise appearance nobody saw coming, Teddy Swims gave Tampa a night worth remembering.
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