Gracie Abrams’ ongoing rise to stardom has ensured her latest tour, The Secret Of Us, has been one of the year’s most highly anticipated. Releasing debut EP Minor in 2020, and nominated for Best New Artist at the 2023 Grammys,she’s amassed a worldwide fanbase with songs that explore heartbreak, relationships, and the struggle of growing up.
In Cardiff, Abrams proves that her ability to connect with the audience is as strong as her vocals. Following a beautiful opening set by Dora Jar, the headliner steps on stage, opening with Felt Good About You to welcoming screams from the crowd. The stage setup is simple, with warm lighting that shifts to match the mood of each song.
When Abrams moves to a secondary stage in the middle of the arena, she takes time to speak to the audience and interact with fans – signing posters and even singing Happy Birthday – to intimate effect. The stage setup, she explains, is a replica of her childhood bedroom, from which she performed virtual concerts during lockdown. Alone with her keyboard, she plays the soft, emotional Fault Line and The Blue. Hit single I Miss You, I’m Sorry is one of the most powerful moments of the night: you can feel the emotion in Abrams’ voice, and the crowd respond in kind.
Back on the main stage, Gracie ends the set with her Taylor Swift collaboration Us and Free Now, two songs that each feel like paeans to letting go and figuring things out. The audience’s voices fill the room – these songs mean plenty to those in attendance. Chants for an encore yield a return, and a run through That’s So True – another whole-room singalong moment – and Close To You. Upbeat and hopeful, the audience leap in unison in the glowing pink light, giving the sense that everyone at the show was part of something special and unique. It was a flawless end to the night.
Gracie Abrams’ show felt raw and powerful, highlighting her talent not just as a songwriter but also as a performer who truly understands how to connect with her audience. It was a night full of emotions, and it’s clear that this is just the beginning for her.
Gracie Abrams + Dora Jar, Utilita Arena Cardiff, Sat 8 Mar
words MARTHA HUMPHREYS
