After a significant break from live performances, beloved singer and actress Hilary Duff made a triumphant return to the stage, creating a memorable family moment in the process. On January 24, the pop sensation performed in Toronto as part of her 'Small Rooms, Big Nerves' tour, delivering a nostalgic performance of her iconic 2003 single 'What Dreams Are Made Of'.
A Family Affair in the Audience
What made this concert particularly special was the presence of two of her biggest—and youngest—fans. In the ocean of the crowd, her daughters, seven-year-old Banks and four-year-old May, were spotted enthusiastically singing along with their mother. The adorable moment was first captured by Duff's husband, musician Matthew Koma, who recorded the heartfelt scene and posted it to his Instagram Stories.
Hilary Duff later shared the same video on her own Instagram Stories, allowing fans to witness the pure joy on her daughters' faces. In the clip, Banks and May are visibly amazed as confetti showers the crowd during the song's final chorus, their wonder adding an extra layer of magic to the performance.
Beyond the Spotlight: Life as a Mother of Four
While Hilary Duff commands attention on stage, her life away from the limelight is centered around her role as a busy mother. The 'Lizzie McGuire' alum is a proud parent to four children. She shares a teenage son, thirteen-year-old Luca, with her ex-husband, former professional hockey player Mike Comrie.
Following her split from Comrie, Duff began a relationship with Matthew Koma. The couple tied the knot in 2019 and have since expanded their family. They welcomed their first daughter together, Banks Violet, in October 2018, followed by Mae James in March 2021, and their youngest, Townes, in May 2024.
Parenting Philosophy of a Star
In a candid conversation with E! News, the 38-year-old mother opened up about her family dynamics and how her children perceive her career. Hilary Duff revealed that her kids don't particularly "care" about her professional work. "My kids don’t care about my work," she shared. "They are big fans of me, but not of projects that they keep going back to. Maybe in time."
The 'Come Clean' singer emphasized her desire to let her children shine in their own right within the family unit. "I try to have them be the stars of this household," Duff explained. "That's really important to me." This approach highlights her commitment to maintaining a normal, child-centered home environment despite her global fame.
Embracing the Realities of Motherhood
Hilary Duff has also been open about the humorous and challenging aspects of parenting. In a story captured by People magazine in September 2025, she shared a relatable photo of herself enjoying a moment of respite. The image showed Duff in a bubble bath, sipping what appeared to be a glass of red wine, with a caption that read, "Like this if you ever wanted to leave your kids on a plane."
This glimpse into her life underscores the universal struggles of parenthood, proving that even celebrities face the same exhausting yet rewarding moments as any other parent. Her willingness to share these experiences resonates with fans and parents worldwide, showcasing her authenticity and relatability.
Hilary Duff's Toronto performance not only marked a joyful return to music but also beautifully illustrated the balance she maintains between her illustrious career and her cherished role as a mother. The image of her daughters singing along in the crowd serves as a heartwarming reminder of the personal joys that fuel her public life.
