Picture this: A rising pop sensation defying the odds, turning a storm of criticism into sheer stardom on a wildly immersive stage. But here's where it gets controversial – is her success just well-deserved grit, or is there something deeper about how we judge young women in the spotlight? Dive into this electrifying review of Addison Rae's debut tour, and you might just rethink everything you know about pop's newest darling.
Imagine walking into the iconic Forum theatre, where towering wrought-iron gates, styled like something out of a fairy tale, blend perfectly with the venue's classic Greco-Roman sculptures. These ornate bars curve into a massive 'A,' evoking the doodles teens have scribbled in their notebooks since the 1990s, when Edward Scissorhands brought goth vibes into the mainstream. Suddenly, shadowy figures of muscular performers swing open those gates, and the crowd erupts in deafening cheers.
Out strides Addison Rae, kicking off her set with 'Fame Is a Gun,' a standout track from her critically acclaimed debut album, Addison. The song's second verse perfectly captures Rae's unyielding drive – that's her secret weapon, her magnetic appeal: 'There's no mystery. I’m gonna make it … and when you shame me, it makes me want it more.'
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: Rae isn't a born vocalist with effortless pipes, but she's a powerhouse performer who channeled her competitive dance background into building a massive TikTok empire during the app's early days. With the fifth-highest following on the platform at 88.3 million fans, she tried crossover fame in 2021 with her first single, 'Obsessed.' It faced harsh backlash – and this is the part most people miss – much of it tinged with a hint of sexism, questioning a 'TikTok girl' daring to enter the pop arena. It's a familiar story in music history, where every major female icon, from Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera to Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande, has been accused of being 'fake' or an industry puppet at some point. And now, Addison Rae joins their ranks, proving resilience pays off.
Before the show even starts, I chat with Chiara, a devoted 20-year-old fan who's been following Rae on TikTok since the pandemic lockdowns. She's been queuing since 6 a.m., sporting a vibrant pink wig nod to Rae's 'Headphones On' video. She and her pal Astra are snapping photos with a tiny vintage digital camera – a nod to Gen Z's take on millennial nostalgia, like trading bulky 35mm film cameras for sleek, palm-sized gadgets. 'She truly represents the essence of girlhood and maturing,' Chiara shares. 'Sometimes, we just have to polish up our experiences and add a romantic twist to navigate life's challenges.' The two let out excited shrieks recalling Rae liking one of their Instagram comments, a small moment that speaks volumes about fan connection.
The audience's energy is palpable, with screams punctuating every song in Rae's lineup, covering nearly her entire discography so far. The pinnacle? When Rae urges the crowd to mimic her legendary howl from Charli XCX's 'Von Dutch' remix – pure, unfiltered fun.
Behind the scenes, Rae's collaborators shine: Producers Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser, who co-wrote the album with her, are affiliated with Max Martin's publishing house. Martin's the Swedish hitmaker responsible for chart-toppers by artists like Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, the Weeknd, and Taylor Swift. Interestingly, it's his early work with Ace of Base that echoes through Rae's show, infusing the stage with that nostalgic 90s vibe – think bubblegum pop with a dreamy twist.
Rae ascends a grand staircase, grooving with her dancers under a colossal crystal chandelier, bathed in rainbow lasers. When balloons rain down, it's like crashing an exclusive, upscale party at a millionaire's mansion. You can't help but cheer for this artist who never gives up. During a poignant interlude, a dancer glides across the stage holding an umbrella, only for storm clouds to burst open as Rae dives into the heartfelt turmoil of 'In the Rain.' She wraps up with her breakout hit 'Diet Pepsi,' dazzling in a flowing wedding gown. The whole performance is a whirlwind of delirious, unapologetic escapism.
And here's a thought that might ruffle some feathers: If you're at an Addison Rae concert griping about her vocals being backed by tracks, you're overlooking the bigger picture. In a world where young folks like Chiara and Astra have endured the chaos of global crises during their formative years, why not crave a slice of fantasy? Grumpy purists clinging to 'authentic' pop might find themselves unwelcome at Rae's majestic gates. As she belts out in 'Money Is Everything': 'Can’t a girl have fun, fun, fun?'
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Addison Rae is hitting the road in Australia right now – catch her in Melbourne on November 12, Brisbane from November 14-15, and Sydney from November 17-18.
What do you think? Is Addison Rae's rise a triumph of perseverance against unfair scrutiny, or do you see her as just another product of social media hype? Do we hold female pop stars to different standards than men in the industry? Share your take in the comments – let's debate!
