The idea of a one-hit wonder going on tour raises an interesting question: what do they perform after their one smash hit? Their iconic song might clock in at three or four minutes, but concerts often run an hour or more. How do these artists fill the time, sustain an audience’s interest, and leave fans feeling they got their money’s worth? Surprisingly, the answer has much to teach us about resilience, reinvention, and finding meaning beyond singular moments of success.

What Do One-Hit Wonders Perform?

When a one-hit wonder steps on stage, they rarely rely on their one hit alone. Instead, they craft a setlist that leverages creativity, storytelling, and fan connection. Here’s how they do it:

  1. The Hit, But With a Twist
    Many one-hit wonders milk their signature song for all it’s worth. They might play it multiple times during a set—opening with an acoustic version, reimagining it as a medley, or closing the show with the full version fans know and love. By offering variations, they keep the audience engaged without over-relying on the original.
  2. Other Originals
    Most one-hit wonders have more than one song—they just aren’t as famous. These “deep cuts” give fans a glimpse into the artist’s broader work, often surprising them with hidden gems.
  3. Covers and Tributes
    Covering well-known songs is a common tactic. These tracks can bridge the gap between audience expectations and the artist’s less familiar material, keeping the energy high.
  4. Storytelling and Interaction
    Many artists use stage time to share stories about their journey, the making of their hit, or their personal lives. This creates a sense of intimacy and connection with the audience, transforming a performance into an experience.
  5. Collaboration and Guest Features
    Touring with other artists or bands allows one-hit wonders to share the stage, fill the setlist, and provide variety. These partnerships can create memorable moments for audiences and showcase the artist’s versatility.

Applying This Lesson to Life

The strategies one-hit wonders use to fill their setlist offer powerful insights for navigating life beyond our own “big hits”—whether that’s a career milestone, a major life event, or a personal achievement. Here’s what we can learn:

  1. Celebrate Your Signature Moments
    Just as one-hit wonders lean into their defining song, we should embrace and celebrate the standout moments of our lives. Whether it’s a career achievement, a creative project, or a personal triumph, these highlights are worth revisiting and sharing. However, like the artists, we must avoid letting these moments define us entirely.
  2. Develop a Broader Repertoire
    While one big success is great, a fulfilling life requires more than one defining moment. Invest time in developing other skills, passions, and relationships that add depth and diversity to your personal and professional “setlist.”
  3. Engage Through Storytelling
    Sharing your journey—both successes and failures—creates connection and authenticity. People are drawn to stories that reveal the struggles behind the glory, and these narratives help build trust and relatability.
  4. Reimagine and Reinvent
    Like artists who rework their hit song, we can revisit past accomplishments and find new ways to apply the lessons learned. Reinvention doesn’t mean erasing the past—it means building on it to stay relevant and adaptable.
  5. Collaborate and Expand
    Partnering with others, whether in work or personal projects, enriches our experiences and allows us to explore new possibilities. Collaboration can also alleviate the pressure of having to carry everything on our own.
  6. Keep the Energy Alive
    Just as a one-hit wonder uses covers or crowd interaction to keep a performance dynamic, we can infuse our lives with new challenges, learning opportunities, and moments of joy. Change keeps life interesting and helps us avoid stagnation.

Life Beyond the Big Hit

Ultimately, one-hit wonders remind us that success isn’t just about the spotlight moment—it’s about how we sustain and build on it. The hit may get us through the door, but it’s the creativity, resilience, and adaptability that keep us on stage.

In life, as in music, our “setlist” isn’t about one achievement or moment—it’s about the collective experiences, stories, and connections we create along the way. Whether we’re filling a concert set or writing the next chapter of our lives, we all have the opportunity to craft something meaningful and memorable. And that’s a show worth showing up for.