Thousands of teenagers and their generous parents waited three years for Saturday night to roll around, their anxiety displayed clearly through not-so-quiet whispers and jittery hands. Paramore took the stage at Grand Prairie’s Verizon Theatre Oct. 26 on their “The Self-Titled Tour,” just after Hellogoodbye and Metric’s melodic and lively sets.

Paramore’s performance was engaging and smooth, even for the audience members in the nosebleed section of the venue. The fiery Hayley Williams jumped all over the large stage, ensuring that everyone in that room got involved at some point that night. With the aid of guitarist Taylor York and bassist Jeremy Davis, Williams’ cutting and powerful voice coasted through the venue effortlessly.

Canada’s Metric, with an indie sound that raised only a step above Hellogoodbye’s odd-yet-pleasing set, ran to play on the large stage before Paramore. Heads bobbed along to the beat, but no one in the crowd responded well, not even those only five feet away from the stage. The group of four soldiered on, playing their notable “Help, I’m Alive.”

The attendees seemed to get into the groove with the lead trio’s contagious excitement. In addition to wise choices regarding the set list, Paramore’s stage lighting brought the performance to another level. Each song had a different theme, from flashing colorful lights during the quick-paced “Fast In My Car” to slow, gray and white lights shining out on the crowd during “When It Rains.”

Hellogoodbye started the show with their electric beats paired with serene falsetto vocals, setting a trance-like feel in the large venue similar to Freelance Whales and MGMT. In contrast with the crowd’s lack of response during their set, Hellogoodbye’s performance was full of witty talk between the band and rhythmic sound that could star in an 80s movie.

The band played less familiar songs along with several nostalgic tunes, nonchalantly announcing their Oct. 29 release of their new album, “Everything Is Debatable.” They contrasted with Paramore’s punk-influenced lyrics and sound, but their unique style piqued the interests of many.

Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun” had the crowd up and on their feet, clapping along with the local Lake Highlands Choir Williams brought on stage before the second chorus hit, a heart-swelling experience that contrasted with the alternative feel during the majority of the set. Smiles and laughs could be seen and heard in nearby sections, and the cool air in the venue brushed past sweaty bodies while it stormed outside.

It was a journey back to middle school years when radio stations couldn’t resist playing Paramore’s “Misery Business” every hour or Hellogoodbye’s “Here In Your Arms.” The classic jams meshed well with each band’s new content, bringing the audience back from the past and into the present.

The headlining band’s small interludes in between songs hushed the audience and traveled across the room, the acoustic guitar’s pleasant sound juxtaposed with the loud electric riffs heard only minutes ago. When the group decided to slow things down, the room was captivated. Williams spoke about the struggles the band had been through over the past years and how they were thankful to finally be back before her voice passionately rang out “In The Mourning,” and, earlier in the set, “Last Hope.”

The finale, a poppy “Still Into You,” was paired with colorful balloons and butterfly-shaped confetti falling down to the crowd. The lights flashed and Paramore left the audience in awe as the venue lit up the room. It was like waking up from a dream, suddenly missing how content one could feel in that moment.

Three years. That’s what it took to get Paramore to the Grand Prairie theater that Saturday night, and they did not disappoint the fans that followed them on their long journey.

Despite losing members and changing musical styles, Paramore continues to carry a close bond within their band as well as with their fans. Their dedication to continue making music that others can connect to is admirable.

The band’s visit to the north Texas region made an impact. Hopefully, they’ll be back before another three years pass.