If anyone knows how to have a revival, it’s 23-year-old pop singer/songwriter/performer Selena Gomez. Currently on her worldwide Revival Tour in support of the album of the same name, she’s proving to be a force to be reckoned with. Leaving the Biebs behind – seemingly for good this time – and adopting a much more confident swagger, Gomez rocked the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on May 22 and Toronto’s Air Canada Centre on May 25 – two of the tour’s Canadian stops – reminding everyone in the room why it’s cool to be a Selenator.

Ottawa fans were treated to opening sets from X Factor alum Bea Miller and Canadian singer/songwriter Tyler Shaw. Miller delivered a killer four-song set, smashing out fan favourites including “Young Blood” and her new single “Yes Girl.” Shaw, who you may recognize as the winner of the 2012 MuchMusic Coca-Cola Covers Contest, also performed a selection of songs from his album ‘Yesterday,’ like the hit single “Wicked,” and an awesome cover of Twenty One Pilots’ “Stressed Out.” The Ottawa show was Shaw’s last night on the Revival Tour and the Ottawa crowd definitely gave him a great farewell!

A few days later, Toronto welcomed Bea Miller and the Jonas Brother-fronted DNCE for a triple-decker night of amazing music. Miller added a cover of MNEK and Zara Larsson’s collab “Never Forget You” and gave it a pop/rock edge that Larsson has already taken to Twitter to commend. Afterwards, DNCE played a 40-minute set that quickly turned into an epic party with over 13,500 people. The crowd sang and danced along to the kazoo-driven “Jinx,” the unreleased self-titled track “DNCE” and the new single “Toothbrush.” DNCE saved the best for last, coming out for their encore with a high-energy, jump-around-the-room performance of “Cake by the Ocean” that had Snapchat’s servers running a lap.

But as it was suggested by the booming beats of Calvin Harris and Rihanna’s “This Is What You Came For” minutes before the lights dimmed, what fans were eagerly awaiting was Selena. Luckily, she did not disappoint. For both shows, she served 70 minutes of on-point vocals, well-choreographed dance numbers and lots of girl power.

Gomez’s setlist encompassed all of her five-album catalogue, incorporating the majority of ‘Revival,’ including the singles “Same Old Love” and “Hands To Myself,” and even old goodies like “Come and Get It” and “Who Says.” Her vocals took centre stage on her cover of the worship group Hillsong United’s “Transfiguration,” which she performed while playing a grand piano in a beautiful bodysuit with a lace covering.

Although Gomez performed her song “Slow Down,” her set never slowed down. Even in-between costume and set changes, her band and dancers kept the energy alive and video clips kept all eyes on the stage.

These Ottawa and Toronto shows were originally slated to be played in reverse order, but had their dates swapped to accommodate the Toronto Raptors’ playoff schedule. Fans, however, didn’t seem to mind. Even though the reigning Queen Bee, Beyoncé, was playing a few blocks away from the ACC on the same night, with teen pop band Emblem3 also nearby, Gomez’s show was still a sold-out hit. Some fans even donned their Beyoncé merchandise in the crowd.

Another popular wardrobe choice at the Toronto show? Raptors jerseys. Both DNCE and Gomez rocked theirs, sending the guys, who were playing in Cleveland that night, love from the 6. Unfortunately, they still lost an upsetting 116-78.

On this leg of the tour, Gomez is also continuing her tradition of giving back to the fans. Her team handed out pit and backstage upgrades to fans in the top levels of the stadium and Gomez herself came outside to greet hundreds of fans after both shows. (I was one of the lucky fans to snag a selfie with Sel in Ottawa and I’m still internally fangirling.)

The Revival Tour is not one to be missed. If you have yet to catch a show, you’re in luck – the tour continues throughout North America until July, with overseas dates to follow. Visit https://www.selenagomez.com/revivaltour for date and ticket info.

In the meantime, browse through my snaps of the Ottawa and Toronto shows, all taken from the floor.

(Header Photo Credit: Angela McLean)