By Emma Turner
Reneé Rapp’s biggest headline show to date at Manchester’s AO Arena was like no other. Her community of fans are so dedicated that they’d been queuing since the early hours of the morning just to secure their barricade spot. All dressed in similar outfits, red ties and white shirts, star-shaped accessories and lots of sunglasses filled every entrance to the AO.
Once everyone was settled in, Absolutely stepped onto the stage to open the show, who you may recognise as Raye’s younger sister. Her set consisted of dreamy alt-pop tracks, carried by velvety vocals and a theatrical presence that demanded attention. She drew the crowd in from her very first note, balancing softness with a quiet confidence, easing everyone into the night. Absolutely’s sound is distinctly her own, which definitely left a long-lasting impression.
Before Reneé Rapp came on, a video of her played to raise awareness for Save the Children, an organisation that provides healthcare, education, urgent aid and protection to those in crises. She urged people to donate if they’re able, explaining their importance to her and how she’s donating right alongside everyone. Within the show, she explained that this was much bigger than her, than any individual person – emphasising that even if every person in the room donated £1 – it would make a huge difference. You can donate here.
Shortly after the show began, with a video introduction for Leave Me Alone, fans went wild. The curtain opened to reveal a star-shaped podium with Reneé Rapp standing in the middle, her carefree and confident attitude taking centre stage. Going straight into Kiss It Kiss It, the visuals behind her were a Kiss Cam, embracing queer love within the crowd.
Poison Poison was definitely a standout moment of the night, with a dance break that had the room stunned, accompanied by a delicate vocal run. It then moved straight into the outro that gained its iconic recognition from her previous tour. The song embodies the anger of being mistreated by someone incredibly toxic, and hearing over 20,000 people scream the lyrics along with her felt like a unified emotional release.
When Rapp spoke to the crowd, she poked fun at the fact that within her fanbase, they seem to think younger photos of her look like she grew up in the UK, which is partly why she loves coming here. All the while Rapp stood on stage in an outfit that’s already been deemed online as the most British-looking outfit of the tour so far. It’s clear, though, that Reneé has created a close relationship with those in the room, revealing that she does, in fact, see everything, and if you’re part of the fan group, then you’ll know there are countless running jokes, one being that some of her fans show up dressed as baguettes.
Her setlist compiled plenty of her signature playful and empowering songs like Shy, Mad and Good Girl, all showcasing her insane vocal range but leaving room for everyone to dance along to their infectious choruses. The rock influences from her sophomore album, Bite Me, translated perfectly by her band live, creating such an impactful atmosphere along with the aesthetic of the stage and lights. The visuals behind her matched each song too, with chaotic movements and chants flashing on screen for her more energetic songs, switching to black and white close-ups and glowing effects for intimate moments.
To slow down the pace, That’s So Funny, Sometimes and In The Kitchen highlighted Rapp’s powerhouse vocals. With the studio versions already being jaw-dropping, her live performances were on an entirely new level. The crowd gave her the reception she deserved, particularly for In The Kitchen, a fan favourite from her earlier projects. Every single word was sung with love and admiration, as though these songs were helping fans process their feelings in real time. It was a moment to truly cherish as every phone torch illuminated the arena, collectively singing their hearts out.
As the night went on, the intensity of the crowd resulted in the show being stopped on several occasions. However, Rapp and her team handled every situation professionally and ensured everyone was alright before continuing the show.
Ultimately, the emotional vulnerability and explosive energy that Reneé Rapp displayed proved that she’s an incredibly commanding performer, made even more powerful by her exceptional vocal range and control.
The entire show felt effortlessly authentic and Rapp drove a pure connection between everyone in the room, making the 21,000 capacity arena feel like a much more intimate space. Everyone for sure cannot wait for Reneé Rapp to return to the UK in the near future.
Photography & Text Copyright 2026 © Emma Turner/ADRENALINE Magazine.
Alexandra Pullen 
Alisha Lawton 
Chloe Morris