Addison Rae Makes Intimate Live Debut at NYC's Iconic Club The Box — Review
Addison Rae lost herself and found herself again.
With the release of her highly anticipated debut album, we saw a rebirth right before our eyes. Rebirth, rebrand, reintroduction—whatever you call it—the Louisiana-born TikTok dancer transformed into one of the most promising pop acts of the current age with the release of 'Diet Pepsi' last summer. Since then, skeptics and day 1 superfans have tuned in to watch her every move, whether it's because of the push-and-pull of her sexy girl next door persona or her slinky hooks and booming production from her collaborators, Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd.
So, when I got word that Addison and Spotify were hosting a rare live show on the eve of her album release, I knew I had to be there. Especially because it would technically be her first official live performance of tracks from her self-titled debut album.
She took center stage at New York's famously sleazy and glamorous nightclub, The Box, which acted as her playground for the night. The room was filled to the brim with magazine editors, late-night producers, and devoted fans who waited hours for a glimpse of the star. Bushwick's elite even crossed the bridge to Manhattan to capture the newly minted pop princess in all her glory. As aerial artists and dancers donned lingerie underneath burning disco balls, I brushed shoulders with Addison's star-studded stan list, from Julia Fox, Richie Shazam, and Amelia Gray to Conan Gray, Lola Tung, and Clairo.
The intimate inauguration marked a new beginning for Addison. As she opened her set with 'Fame Is a Gun' in a kitschy satin bed, bated breaths escaped the lips of attendees who couldn't take their eyes off her.
The mic was on, and soon enough, she treated fans with her original cabaret-inspired 'musical theater' rendition of 'High Fashion.' Her it girl-in-crime, Lexee Smith, served a campy, melodramatic poetry reading in Louboutins in between one of her outfit changes as a makeshift interlude until Addison returned for a particularly transcendental moment.
When the opening notes of 'Aquamarine' trickled through The Box's theater, not one word was missed by fans. I even overheard a friend over my shoulder say, 'This song is so gay.' (Complimentary. Not in the way that would prompt Hilary Duff to pull her allyship card.)
As Addison hit her marks in a flowy bright blue mini dress, we not only found catharsis on the dance floor—she did, too.
In 2021, I covered the early days of Addison's crossover from TikTok to real-world fame at Seventeen, and I'll admit it: I was always intrigued by her essence, but I wasn't totally sold on 'Obsessed' once it dropped.
It wasn't until one of my best friends dragged me to our living room to catch her performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that I locked in and saw her for what she truly was: a small-town girl aching for the life of a big-city star. Let it be known that this was the moment she unlocked her potential as a Main Pop Girl in my eyes. From then on, I fully understood her vision. When most of her catalogue leaked in 2022, I clicked play for research purposes and fully became hooked by the following summer.
Before her 7-track performance last night, she teased what could come from the Addison Rae live experience, making cameos with her close friends and collaborators on multiple occasions. There was the 'Von Dutch' remix at Charli XCX's pre-brat Boiler Room set in Brooklyn and their post-brat performance on Coachella's main stage, her 'Arcamarine' stint during Arca's more intimate set in the desert, and, of course, 'Diet Pepsi' with Charli and Troye Sivan's Sweat tour stop at Madison Square Garden. These moments inched us closer to the glittery dance pop world of Addison, yet we didn't see the star fully in her element. Until now.
She's no stranger to a Britney Spears comparison—in fact, she seems to fully welcome it, knowing they're both hometown heroes in Louisiana—but she pays homage to her heroes. In interviews, she's openly named Britney, Madonna, Prince, and Michael Jackson as influences. On her tongue-in-cheek satirical number, 'Money Is Everything,' she wistfully sings about her dream blunt rotation with Lana Del Rey and Lady Gaga after name-dropping Norma Jean. It's abundantly clear she's at the top of her class as a pop culture student, and she's well on her way to becoming a teacher.
She no longer has to dream of being seen, because all eyes are on her...and they'll stay there.
Stream 'Addison' on Spotify
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
32 minutes ago
- USA Today
Jay Z makes surprise performance during Beyoncé's final Paris show
Beyoncé-Knowles-Carter launched her final show in Paris, closing out the international leg of her "Cowboy Carter" tour with a bang and surprising fans with yet another special guest. This time: her husband, Jay Z. The Grammy-winning singer's third concert at Stade de France in Paris June 22 marked the last overseas show on her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour. During Sunday's show, Beyoncé shocked the entire crowd when she welcomed Jay Z to the stage as she sang their 2003 song, "Crazy in Love." The hip-hop mogul entered the stage as he rapped his part of the song, and the fans all over the stadium went wild, according to videos shared on social media. Jay Z on stage at Beyoncé's third show in ParisThe duo performed Crazy in Love, N****s in Paris, Drunk in Love & Partition #CowboyCarterTour He then continued to wow fans, performing his hit song, "N***as in Paris." Jay and Bey went to sing their 2013 hit, "Drunk In Love," for the first time on Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" tour. Watch Jay Z join Beyoncé onstage: However, the surprises didn't end there. Beyoncé continued to sing other throwback songs, also adding a snippet of her 2013 hit "Partition." JAY-Z JOINS BEYONCÉ ON STAGE & HAS TAKEN OVER THE CONCERT OH ICONIC😭😭😭😭😭 Beyoncé and Jay Z perform 'Drunk In Love' in Paris: "Give it one more time for HOV," she told the crowd at the end of the segment. And it was clear fans were thrilled with Sunday night's surprise. Beyoncé and Jay Z performing Drunk In Love right now in Paris Cardi B attends Beyoncé's Paris concert: Jay Z wasn't the only famous guest inside the stadium. Beyoncé's shows have brought out some of the biggest names in the industry, and her Paris shows were no different. Rapper Cardi B was also spotted in the crowd, donning her cowboy getup. CARDI B SITTING SICKENING AT TONIGHT'S SHOW😭🥹 Beyoncé kicked off her first show in Paris on Juneteenth, shocking fans as she brought out Miley Cyrus. The two performed their beloved duet "II Most Wanted" donning all gold ensembles, and the Grammy-winning singers held hands as they sang onstage. She first debuted her "Cowboy Carter" tour at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 28 with 39 songs on the set list. Her shows have been filled with family, fashion, different music genres and most notably country music and cultural commentary. The nine-city tour will span the U.S. and Europe, with the grand finale taking place in Las Vegas on July 26. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
Buzz Feed
3 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
35 Cheap Swaps For More Expensive Products
An exquisite tinted lip balm shockingly similar to Clinique's "Black Honey" but it doesn't cost nearly as much. This weightless, non-sticky formula glides onto your pout to give 'em a subtle polished tint of your choosing. Soon you'll be smackin' your lips all over the place, and no one can blame you when they look this good. 🤷♀️ A set of seamless "invisible" underwear you'll never wanna take off, so you'd be wise to buy a few sets *now* — thank me later. These have Victoria's Secret energy without the steeper price tag. They don't pinch, clip, OR ride up, so they're basically an underwear dream come true. Wild Iris Musk Body Wash, which is essentially the summer-y version of the TikTok-viral Baccarat Rouge 540-esque body wash so it's the perfect addition to your shower routine! This divine formula is moisturizing and has an intriguing floral scent that's a treat for the senses without being TOO strong. If you wanna smell expensive without actually breaking the bank, look no further. A pair of retro-style oval sunglasses with the cutest gold accents that make them look way more expensive than they are — you'll have another fashion accessory to choose from when getting dressed for the day *without* breaking the bank! Some reviewers even compare them to the very luxurious Miu Miu brand. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener to help revive tired eyes with a lightweight formula that delivers superb coverage in just a few swipes. This tinted concealer contains hyaluronic acid and shea butter that may also help reduce dark circles over time. Bonus: It's just like the $33 Becca version but for MUCH less! A moisturizing Mise En Scene hair serum, a K-beauty product that works just as hard as the $46 Gisou version to repair brittle locks. It's made with nourishing oils, including argan, coconut, olive, and, jojoba. Reviewers praise this serum for its ability to combat dryness! Plus, it smells downright heavenly so prepare to swoon. A pair of lightweight boxer-style shorts if you're seeking a cute, comfy alternative to the $98 Reformation pair you've been eyeballing. This wallet-friendly version is made of a breathable material *and* it has pockets with an elasticized waist so you can kiss leggings and jeans goodbye for the summer. A dainty gold-plated station necklace from the popular jewelry brand Pavoi — it'll work with just about any 'fit that requires a hint of ~quiet luxury~ but for cheap! Heart eyes much?? It's super similar to the real diamond versions from high-end brands like Quince and Dorsey, which go for $400+, btw. Physicians Formula Butter Glow & Go Stick you'll keep on you at all times after seeing just how similar it is to the $46 Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick. This version delivers a radiant glow in the form of a buttery-smooth, dual-sided contour stick that's easy to use in many different ways — this baby can replace your contour, bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, AND lip color! It's compact enough to fit in your makeup bag when you're on the go. An Anthropologie-inspired reversible quilted throw blanket made of 100% cotton so you can add some character to any bland bedroom or living room in a flash! It's machine washable and comes in larger sizes in case you wanna use it as your main bed blanket — it's just that beautiful and cozy. A Skims-esque square-neck compressive body suit with a seamless, stretchy fabric that may seem too good to be true because it's stylish and it won't bleed you dry financially. Not to mention that you can create sooo many looks with this piece, so it's more than worth the money you'll spend. Yep, you're in love. A lash-extending E.l.f. Cosmetics tubing mascara because your lashes deserve the best and you don't wanna waste your time with dry, clumpy (expensive) formulas that leave you full of regret. This one is perfect for thin, delicate lashes. The lightweight tubing technology wraps around your eyelashes for a smudge-proof lift that looks natural. Plus, it's easy to take off at the end of the day without tons of harsh scrubbing. A TikTok-beloved "Soft" perfume rollerball for a sweet, warm scent that rolls on easily and isn't too overpowering. There's a reason reviewers can't stop raving about the captivating scent, with some comparing it to lemon pound cake. YUM! It's basically the affordable version of Pink Sugar, which goes for $65. A cult-fave luxury-scented candle — it'll upgrade your space with an upscale feel at an affordable price. The delightful scent features a blend of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood that'll carry you away to a paradise where everything is this amazing *and* affordable. E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen because when did sunscreen become one of the most expensive items in your daily routine? Enter this affordable find that offers SPF 35, goes on smooth and clear, and doesn't leave any white cast. It works well as a blurring primer to create the perf base for makeup too! TLDR; it's the more version of Supergoop. A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment with collagen ingredients and protein extracts when your goal is to restore over-processed hair. Dull, dry strands are about to go POOF — and you won't even have to spend quadruple the cost on Olaplex, which is enough of a reason to swoon but the results will seal the deal. A dazzling cubic zirconia ring you can pair with just about any 'fit you plan to wear this summer because it's *just* that versatile and elegant. Most importantly, it looks exactly like the Cartier Love Ring that costs more than your rent. 👀 Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops — this sheer, buildable formula is a great $6 alternative to Drunk Elephant's version that goes for a whopping $39! Not only will this stuff leave you with a perfect sun-kissed glow, but it also contains glycerin to hydrate the skin barrier and vitamin E to soften the skin and smooth texture! High-waisted running shorts that have built-in briefs to keep you comfy all day long, just like the Lululemon version, but for a lot less $$$. Whether you're actually running or just lounging, these are super lightweight and made of a quick-dry material that can do it all. Plus, they come in so many vibrant colors so you might end up snagging a few. A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones with the same sleek, shiny shell design of AirPods Max. These have pretty decent noise cancellation, a built-in mic to answer calls, and they feel super comfy on your ears with their extra padding. For only $20, they're a much safer (and cheaper!) purchase if you're hesitant to splurge on the Apple version — they are over $500, after all...👀 A retro-style baguette purse if you've officially sworn off massive, pricey bags and are proudly entering your petite, inexpensive purse era. Now you can channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw (aka *the* model of Fendi's baguette bag) and feel smitten knowing how much you saved. NYX setting spray to complete your fierce makeup look with a much-needed BANG! A spritz or two of this stuff will help lock in your product with a matte finish so it lasts for hours without constant reapplying *and* without overspending on Urban Decay's version. A long-lasting glow without the shine? Don't mind if I do. A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets, which will make it hard for you to get out of bed in the best way. It'll also be hard to believe they don't cost hundreds of dollars, which is what you would spend on Cozy Earth or Egyptian cotton sheets These are made with wonderfully soft moisture-wicking microfiber fabric that actually lasts. And these silky satin pillowcases so your bedroom will look and feel more luxurious for a fraction of the price of high-end brands like Blissy. These have a cooling effect that's sooo soft on the skin. It also creates less friction for your hair. Faux leather slip-ons you'll wear all season long because they'll be kind to your feet *and* you'll relish in all the inquiries about whether they're from Hermès — that version runs for a solid $800, btw. You can dress up or down with these and feel assured your feet won't suffer thanks to the cushioned memory foam insole. L'Oréal Paris BB Cream, an anti-redness and fast-acting moisturizer that can help correct skin color for an even complexion. Reviewers swear by it as a base so their skin is perfectly primed and ready for makeup! It's also a great alternative to the popular (expensive) Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Cream. A ribbed button-up tank top, which might remind you of the Abercrombie & Fitch one, but it won't set you back nearly as much. This versatile top was made for a day at the office but could just as easily carry you through a fancy dinner afterward — we love a piece with tons of range. E.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm because you don't have to spend a fortune on Laneige, Summer Fridays, or other expensive brands to get the lippie look of your dreams. These tinted, moisturizing balms are similar to those buttery, buildable glosses you know and love — but at a much more affordable price that'll still leave your lips lookin' *and* feelin' fab. 💋 A gorgeous laptop tote bag with high-end vibes you'll probably want to carry everywhere, even when you don't need your computer. It can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches and other essentials, like your phone, makeup bag, iPad, etc. You'll also be totally enamored with the fact that you didn't shell out $100+ on the pricey Béis Work Tote. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm to gently and effectively remove all traces of makeup without aggressive scrubbing that leaves your face red and irritated. Say what?? It contains just 10 simple ingredients to dissolve makeup while moisturizing the skin. Reviewers compare it to the Elemis Cleansing Balm, which is almost $70!! A ~sweet~ cherry bag charm because a new purse isn't always in the budget, but you can certainly give your existing one a delicious upgrade. Did I mention it looks just like the Coach version that retails for nearly $100?? Attach it to your keys, clutch, or handbag and it'll fill you with joy whenever you see it. A stylish pair of machine-washable pointed-toe flats — these probably look eerily familiar because they're just as cute as the ones from Rothy's and Vivaia, but these will be much kinder to your wallet. The breathable material helps prevent sweating and the stretchy knit upper keeps you comfy all day long! You'll never run out of reasons to gush about 'em. A set of chic cylindrical wineglasses so you can feel like absolute royalty without spending an ungodly amount of cash. These are just as glamorous as the Crate & Barrel version but each sip won't be a reminder of how much money you wasted. A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights that will make you forget all about the spendy Bala Bangles. These work the same — they easily attach with Velcro straps and have a waterproof design so bring on the sweat! Plus, the skin-friendly silicone material won't cause irritation while you work out. A surprisingly affordable *and* chic wide leg petal pant, which checks so many boxes (pockets, elasticized waist, breathable, versatile), you might think you're hallucinating at first. These are more reasonably priced than the high-end versions, and you can wear 'em to lounge, run errands, or for an impromptu coffee date!
Buzz Feed
3 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
Haley Kalil's Kids Choice Awards Slime Dress Goes Viral
Haley Kalil might've just worn the coolest dress EVER to Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards. If you don't know her, she's a model and influencer with over 30 million combined followers across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. She's known for her funny skits and vlogs and collaborating with famous people like Ed Sheeran, Courteney Cox, and the Jonas Brothers. For the awards, which happened last night at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Haley wore an outfit that had Nick kids everywhere screaming with nostalgia. It featured a beige off-shoulder dress with a short train and a long bright green headpiece with shimmering beads and gemstones of varying sizes and colors. It cascaded down Haley's neck and dress, creating the illusion of slime pouring down her body. Haley paired it with an assortment of diamond rings and a layered bracelet to match, along with a set of orange and green slime-themed nails. Here's a closer look: "It's cute!" one fan gushed on Reddit. "Very appropriate for the event." Another agreed, "Kids events should be fun, I like it! A third fan said, "No idea who she is but 10/10 on concept and execution, and she still looks gorge 👏👏👏." While another commented, "She is Looking Camp Right in the Eye 👁️ and I like it." Some especially loved the pairing of the white dress and green headpiece, with one person noting that it "emulate[s] the contrast between a celebrities outfit and the nickelodeon slime." "I think this is cool and creative," someone else added, as different redditor wrote, "Okay now this is fashion I love it." So cool, Haley! Tell me what you think of the look in the comments.
