REVIEW | All Things Go, All Things Besties – Day 2 in Toronto, 2025

It may have been the second day of All Things Go Toronto, but the energy at the Budweiser Stage was anything but tired. Sunday felt even bigger, with the crowd keeping the energy soaring between sets, laughing and cheering at the kiss-cam on the big screens and grooving over to the Corona Tropical Oasis Stage, where DJ Levi kept the party alive all weekend. Besties were back in full force, bonding over music, swapping stories, and of course, debating who Role Model’s mysterious “Sally” might be (top guesses? Drake, Shawn Mendes, or Justin Bieber because really, what’s more Toronto than that?).

Baby Nova got things started with raw emotion and dreamy pop, her sweet but powerful vocals instantly drawing the early crowd in. Alemeda kept the momentum high, blending indie rock and pop as she shifted effortlessly between silky love songs and fiery anthems, keeping Besties jumping along. Joy Oladokun then took the stage without her full band due to border issues, delivering a stripped-back, folk-rooted acoustic set that became the day’s most moving moment. Her rich vocals and honest storytelling filled the space with warmth, leaving a lasting impression. Finally, hometown favourites Valley brought the energy roaring back, even though they were running on fumes. Their shimmering alt-pop anthems and unstoppable stage presence transformed the audience into one massive, full-on singalong.

As the sun dipped, Noah Cyrus transformed the stage into a hauntingly dreamlike world. A mossy forest framed her setup as she glided out carrying a flickering lantern, opening with “I Saw the Mountains.” Ethereal yet grounded, her set mixed elegance with raw emotion. Between songs, she reflected on her journey, sharing how the love and support she received for “July” launched her career. From the tender “If There’s a Heaven” to the aching “Make Me (Cry),” Noah’s performance struck a perfect balance between Nashville roots and something entirely new.

Charlotte Cardin followed, commanding the stage with sleek lighting, rhythmic beats, and that signature head-bopping groove. She moved seamlessly between electric guitar and piano, even taking a quiet moment alone to perform “Anyone Who Loves Me,” letting her voice fill the venue. Sharing inspiration from Jim Carrey’s speeches, she explained how it led to a song about marrying the actor and breaking free from her ego. Her set balanced reflection and poise, with a few French songs sprinkled in as a nod to her roots.

Role Model took over next, running with the energy from the first note. The crowd sang so loudly it was impossible to tell where his voice ended and theirs began. His pop-rock heartbreak and stadium-sized choruses sparked full-on singalongs, while his infectious dance moves had everyone bouncing along. Between songs, he joked with the crowd, calling himself and his band “1965” (a cheeky nod to 1975) and even referencing Twenty One Pilots. Role Model shared how much he loved the idea of moving to Toronto, clearly soaking in the city’s energy as much as the fans were soaking in his. The big reveal of his “Sally” came when Charlotte Cardin joined him on stage, wine in hand for her and Tucker, adding an extra layer of fun. He closed with “Still Deeply in Love,” leaving the crowd exhilarated and emotionally spent.

Finally, Kacey Musgraves brought the weekend to a dreamy close. Bathed in earthy greens and glowing light, she opened with “Cardinal” and delivered a set that felt timeless and transportive. Her voice carried messages of love, grounding, and perspective. “As crazy as the world is right now,” she told the crowd, “being here, we leave all of that at the door.” Soft visuals, humor, and honesty made the performance feel deeply human. Spotting a fan in vintage 2012 merch, she laughed, taking everyone on a nostalgic trip. Between stories of industry struggles and flying straight from horseback to the Toronto stage, Kacey was candid, hilarious, and magnetic, the perfect ending to a weekend built on authenticity and heart.

All things go, but this weekend will stay with us for a long, long time. Besties hoping this isn’t the last we see of All Things Go in Toronto, as the Budweiser Stage gates officially close for the season.

Words by Lacey Davey

Photos by All Things Go / Respective Collective