Billie Eilish Explains the Deep Meaning Behind Fans Singing ‘The Greatest’ at Her Concerts

When Billie Eilish performs ‘The Greatest’ during performances, she connects with her audience on a deeper level. For the 22-year-old musician, the song, which is included on her 2024 album ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’, has great personal meaning. In a recent interview with Apple Music, where she celebrated winning Artist of the Year, Eilish explained why it makes her feel so good to hear people sing along to the song.

She recalled the poignant moment she experienced during the opening performance of her current tour when she took off one of her in-ear monitors and heard an arena full of fans singing ‘The Greatest.’ All of her songs were sung by the audience, but this one stood out due to its sentimental value and the memories associated with its composition. She has a strong appreciation for the awareness that her music has a tangible impact on people, which she gained from witnessing her fans embrace it with such fervour.

Image Courtesy: People

The sardonic pride-laced lyrics of Eilish’s debut live performance of ‘The Greatest’ on The Stephen Colbert Show in June had listeners wondering if the song is about a romantic relationship or her nuanced thoughts about stardom. The singer acknowledged that the song has a special place in her heart and has been open about the difficulties she faces in public life. She said it moved her to tears after performing it at a listening party earlier this year.

This personal bond is shown in her Apple Music acoustic set, which was taped in her birthplace of Los Angeles with her brother and collaborator Finneas O’Connell. After its 17th December premiere, the set will be accessible to Apple Music users on demand.

–Farheen Ali