RILEY RAINS / ARTS AND CULTURE  EDITOR

LARA DOMINIQUE SOLANTE / COPY EDITOR

Last week, students waited in anticipation to find out who would be this year’s artist for the Big Blue Bash. To kick off the homecoming festivities, the Torero Program Board (TPB) revealed Malcolm Todd would be this fall’s headliner. Many Toreros were excited to hear some of his top hits, such as “Chest Pain (I Love)” and “Roommates.” On Friday, students sang along as he spun around the stage and performed surprise covers of infamous theme songs. 

Malcom Todd performed multiple of his hit songs on USD’s campus at the Big Blue Bash on Oct. 10 for many student supporters. Lara Dominique Solante/The USD Vista

Malcolm Todd is currently working his way through North America and Europe on his tour, titled “The Wholesome Rockstar Tour Pt. 2.” 

The 22 year old alternative R&B artist got his start after “Out of Bounds” blew up on TikTok in 2022. After convincing his parents to take a gap year from University of Oregon, Todd inked a deal with Columbia Records and began pursuing music full time. 

Before Todd played “Walking to Class,” a song about a college girl, Todd mentioned his past experience with college. 

“Guys, I dropped out of college, so I’m living vicariously through you,” Todd laughed. 

Todd was energetic on stage. In between hits, he joked with the crowd, encouraging students to study instead of partying. Todd coined   the  word  of   the night as “fun” – and   “fun”  is  exactly what students had. 

“The concert exceeded my expectations,” USD first-year Gabe Roine raved. “He played all of his popular  songs  which was lit. I loved singing along and jumping around with my friends. And the surprise iCarly theme song — chef’s kiss.”

Todd pranked USD students, readying them for an original, emotional piece.“This is very vulnerable for me,  so    sorry    if   I  cry,” Todd exclaimed. “I’m just  going to do it.”  

He then played the iCarly theme song, sparking Toreros to go berserk – everyone was jumping and screaming the lyrics. 

USD  spared  no small expense  to  bring   the    captivating pop star to campus. Although TPB declined disclosing the  exact budget, last year the  University  spent around $180,000 to bring Tinashe to campus – a ballpark estimate of what USD spent this year. 

Toreros were wildly surprised at 2024’s budget, and very  grateful to  the university for  their commitment  for student connection. USD sophomore Frida Duarte shared  her thoughts. 

“I mean it’s really sweet that they’re bringing up school spirit,” Duarte said. “This is a time for all of us to kind of decompress, time to connect with each other. Me and all my friends here, we haven’t spent a lot of time together recently so it’s really nice, especially with an artist like Malcolm Todd.”

Big Blue Bash is an annual concert that occurs during USD’s Homecoming and Family Weekend. The events include a variety of programs created for alumni and parents to enjoy while they visit campus. October, for many Toreros, is midterm season. The Big Blue Bash being placed in the middle of such a stressful time is part of the appeal. USD   sophomore   Sophia  Shirk explained her relief. 

“This has been getting me through the week,” Shirk smiled. “It’s just so worth it for all of us to come together.”

This year, Toreros were pleasantly surprised when USD announced the artist on Tuesday instead of the day of like the past couple of years. Some students have been fans for years. USD first-year Aliana Urdaneta-Rodas explained her history listening to Todd.

“I was so excited because I love Malcolm Todd,” Urdaneta-Rodas gushed. “I’ve been listening to Malcolm Todd for years now. I remember listening to him before he even went viral and everything.”

While Urdenta-Rodas has been a fan since his debut, not all Toreros knew who Malcolm Todd was, but the excitement around campus was infectious. USD junior Sydney Ignasiak explained her reaction to USD’s announcement of the headliner.

“I honestly didn’t know him very well, but all  my roommates really knew and liked his music,” Ignasiak recalled. “I was excited because they were excited.”

In previous years, artists have canceled at the last minute causing USD to scramble for a replacement. This year, Todd signed the contract early – this allowed anticipation to build and Torero’s to prepare for the big night. With Malcolm Todd making the night hit harder than “Concrete,” Toreros can only hope that next year’s Big Blue Bash is as exhilarating.

Malcolm Todd giving Toreros a loving heart. Lara Dominique Solante/The USD Vista