Paija Browning
Addison Rae opened the U.S. leg of “The Addison Tour” at ACL Live on Sept. 22, delivering a high-energy performance that marked her first full-length solo concert in the United States.
Rae took the stage with a theatrical entrance, shedding her costume to reveal a striking black latex ensemble, reminiscent of burlesque lingerie. Backed by her troupe of dancers dressed as police officers, Rae’s entrance played out like a dark, sexy twist on “Cinderella” that blended pop theatrics with choreographed precision.
The Louisiana native took to the stage to perform songs from her debut album, “Addison,” released this past June. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, earning 48,500 album-equivalent sales and racking up nearly 33 million streams in its first week.
Rae rose to fame for dance videos she posted on TikTok in 2019, gaining millions of followers. Since then, her talents expanded into acting and music.
In 2024, she rebranded ahead of “Addison,” shifting toward a more alternative pop aesthetic. That transformation came into full view with the album’s release. The album showcased a deeper, more daring side of her — one that was not afraid to be too much, vulnerable or experimental.
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, ACL Live was a fitting venue for Rae’s one-night-only performance, offering an intimate setting that kept her close to the audience while still providing enough space for energetic choreography and interaction with her dancers. The crowd arrived in style, with fans donning inspired outfits that ranged from neon-colored skirts and fishnets to low-rise jeans, heels, and baby tees.
“I didn’t think she was going to be as good because in my head she was just another TikTok influencer trying to be something that she’s not,” said Dalton Pastorius, a UT junior who attended the Austin concert. “But she was really good. I could tell she has her heart and soul into it, and I can’t get over how she felt so natural and cool up there.”
Rae’s stop in Austin — especially as her first U.S. show — felt intentional, with UT students and young locals turning out in full force. Rae’s presence was more than a pop performance — it was a moment for someone who took a chance on herself and is now living it out, effortlessly.
The stage design, minimal but striking, was intentionally crafted to spotlight Rae and her moment. With a ladder, the gates of a stylized “A” and a mini stage set in the middle of the floor, the message was clear: all eyes should be on her.
The energy throughout the night, mainly when she performed “New York,” made it feel like you were in the streets of the city itself. The pulsing beats of the high-energy track vibrated through the venue and it was hard to tell whether the speakers were shaking the floor or the fans were stomping in sync.
“Headphones On” created a distinctly different atmosphere. Rae encouraged the audience to sing along and lose themselves in the moment, creating one big karaoke session. Her smile and energy infected the crowd, making the entire performance feel intimate, joyful and alive.
As she whispered to the crowd draped across a stage ladder, she captured the sweet, youthful tension of “Summer Forever.” The slow burn of the moment unfolded as Rae and her dancer brought a “Romeo & Juliet” inspired scene to life. Whether he held her at the hip or she whispered into her mic while locking eyes with him, the chemistry between them was unmistakable.
During the second half of the performance Rae changed into a sparkly white, Versace-style two-piece, encrusted with jewels. The ensemble caught the light like a disco ball, shining as brightly as her smile as she looked out into the crowd after each song. The spotlight didn’t fail to lose her the rest of the night as the second half of the show was more of a slow solo moment between Rae and the crowd.
The visual adaptation of her more glamorous tracks captivated the audience, the show slowly progressing into a slow burn as her songs quieted down. For “Times Like These,” she performed a choreographed routine with her dancers, incorporating a subtle back-and-forth stage walk that allowed her to show off her vocals as she had time to stop within the corners of the stage and sing. Her voice rang out with emotion — tinged with yearning but grounded in acceptance — as she sang directly to the crowd.
One highlight from the concert that struck throughout the night was how natural and raw Rae looked on stage. It was not a performance polished to perfection, but that’s exactly what made it so exciting. Rae showed an honest presence, an unfiltered emotion that made the whole night feel personal. Between the choreography and the crowd work, she never lost the thread of connection.