The historic Forum theatre in Melbourne was transformed into a realm of pure fantasy as TikTok phenomenon turned pop star Addison Rae launched her highly anticipated live show. The performance was described as a delirious and slightly unhinged spectacle, offering a welcome breath of escapism for a generation grappling with modern anxieties.
From TikTok Dances to Pop Stardom
The stage setting immediately established the show's theatrical tone. Two grand wrought-iron gates, featuring a giant 'A' reminiscent of teenage gothic notebooks, merged with the venue's famous Greco-Roman statues. The show began dramatically as silhouetted muscle men opened these gates, triggering waves of screaming from the excited audience.
Rae emerged to perform Fame Is a Gun, a track from her widely praised debut album Addison. The lyrics perfectly captured her determined spirit: "There's no mystery. I'm gonna make it … and when you shame me, it makes me want it more."
While not a naturally gifted live singer, Rae proved herself an incredible performer, leveraging her competitive dance background and massive TikTok following of 88.3 million into a compelling stage presence. Her transition to pop music faced early criticism when debut single Obsessed was savaged in 2021, with some backlash carrying undertones of misogyny toward the platform that made her famous.
A Generational Connection
Before doors opened, dedicated fans like 20-year-old Chiara demonstrated Rae's powerful connection with her audience. Chiara had been queuing since 6am and explained Rae's appeal: "She really encapsulates girlhood and growing up. A lot of the time we just have to dust things off and romanticise to get through it."
The crowd's energy remained electric throughout the performance, with particular excitement when Rae invited everyone to recreate her iconic howl from Charli XCX's Von Dutch remix. The setlist included nearly every track from her growing catalogue, each greeted with enthusiastic recognition.
Pure Pop Spectacle
The production quality reflected Rae's collaboration with elite talent. Her album producers Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser work under the publishing house of Swedish super-producer Max Martin, whose influence was evident in the polished pop sound.
The stage transformed into a fantasy mansion where Rae mounted staircases and partied under a giant crystal chandelier with backup dancers. Rainbow lasers illuminated the room, and when balloons cascaded from the ceiling, the effect was like crashing an extravagant house party.
The show's emotional range expanded during an interlude where a dancer floated across stage under an umbrella before thunderclouds broke, leading into the dramatic In the Rain. Rae closed the set resplendent in a voluminous wedding dress during early single Diet Pepsi.
For those questioning Rae's vocal abilities or use of backing tracks, the performance made clear they were missing the point. As she sings in Money Is Everything: "Can't a girl have fun, fun, fun?" In an era of overwhelming global concerns, Addison Rae's show offers young people exactly what they crave - pure, unapologetic escape.
Addison Rae continues touring Australia with shows in Melbourne on 12 November, Brisbane 14-15 November and Sydney 17-18 November.
