Rae’s presence as an artist has often been dismissed as inauthentic, her voice critiqued in endless internet hot-takes. Yet standing in that crowd, it became clear that pop’s greatest icons rarely owed their reign to vocal gymnastics alone. What Rae commands is a challenge to expectations, rooted in a confidence so palpable that it carried the entire show. Her cult following—an unholy congregation armed with neon, polka dots, and lyric-perfect precision—belied the fact that she’s only got one album under her belt. The choreography, meanwhile, favoured something more poised and contemporary—a display of control that made it clear less isn’t just more—it’s everything.

The visuals kept pace with the energy—Rae shedding a diamond-encrusted cowl-neck mini dress to reveal a shimmering bra and panty set a-la Britney, glistening like she’d stolen every spotlight in the room. “High Fashion” cut through the smog like a dagger, strobing lights flickering as Rae owned the stage with a suave that was both visceral and magnetic. Confetti dollar bills—featuring her face, naturally—rained down during “Money Is Everything,” a cheeky nod to the game she’s playing and winning. The finale, Addison’s first single, “Diet Pepsi,” closed the night with sparks cascading from the ceiling, sealing the deal with a reminder that Rae’s ascent isn’t a question of talent, but inevitability.