Credit: Karis Tam

Singer songwriter Charlie Puth came to Boston to perform for his “Whatever’s Clever” tour on May 22.

Leaving behind a newborn baby is hard, but what if you had to leave your baby home for a world tour? That’s exactly what new dad, singer and songwriter Charlie Puth is doing for his “Whatever’s Clever World Tour.” His tour has travelled to many locations already, including Boston’s MGM Music Hall on May 22.

Puth released his album, “Whatever’s Clever” in March of 2026, which is the same month he welcomed his newborn baby into the world. Just a month later, he began his tour all across the globe. With over 50 shows, a new album and a new baby, Puth has had a busy 2026. However, selfishly, I’m glad Puth was able to take the time away from his newborn son to perform in Boston’s MGM Music Hall so that I could be able to attend the concert.

The show started with opening acts from singer and songwriter Daniel Seavey and singer Ally Salort. To be honest, I think the opening acts were the main highlight of the concert (sorry Puth!). Coming into the concert, I had no idea who Seavey and Salort were, and now I play their songs on repeat.

When Salort took the stage and sang her song “Pretty Face,” the crowd went crazy. Her voice blew us out of the water and her stage presence was undeniably amazing. Her cover of “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls was one of the best covers I’ve ever heard. Her vocals were on point and she carried herself with such joy and confidence that it quickly carried over to the audience.

After Salort, Seavey took the stage alongside a slew of instruments including a cello, guitars, a piano and drums even as I noticed no one else joined him on stage. He then played each instrument individually, and the audio of each built off of the next one to the point where it eventually made a whole arrangement of background music.

He revealed to the audience that he likes to do loopers and build a backing band by himself. All of his original songs that he played, like “The Older You Get,” were amazing as his voice conveyed a heartfelt message with an outstanding rhythm. He then challenged the audience to give him any song and told us that he would play it. “Drop Dead” by Olivia Rodrigo was the song that the audience chose and Seavey created a loop using all his instruments and sang the melody of the song. It was mindblowing to see just one person make an arrangement on the spot.

The openers set a really high bar for the actual performance. When Puth came onto the stage he performed “Beat Yourself Up” from his new album alongside three backup singers. The set design was amazing as there were a ton of colored lights and an impressive background screen which really set the mood. The vocals of both him and the backup singers were impeccable.

Throughout the show, Puth, a Berklee College of Music Alum, would say how Boston is a second home to him to the audience’s pleasure.

His piano playing skills paired with his upbeat songs were the perfect duo to liven up the crowd throughout his concert. His performance on stage showcased his expertise in music and how talented he truly is as he played the piano, sung beautifully and explained the true meaning behind music in between his songs.

Rather than having backup dancers and bells and whistles, Puth hosted his show with the basics: backup musicians, instruments, lights and himself. His choice to only have the necessary parts added a rawness and a simple feel to his concert..

One of his final songs, “One Call Away,” was especially vulnerable, intense and rich. It had a level of complexity that the Spotify recording could not mimic, and I genuinely would just go back to the concert for that one song.

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed Puth’s concert, with both his opening acts and passionate songs leaving a deep impression on me. I would recommend anyone to go see him live in concert as recordings don’t do him the same justice.