Live Report: Addison Rae brings pop spectacle to IMMA

There will always be an elephant in the room when it comes to Addison Rae. Yes, she first rose to fame through dancing on TikTok. Yes, her debut single was heavily criticised as another influencer's attempt at launching a music career. And yes, she may never be regarded as a naturally flawless live singer. Whether those criticisms are fair or not is ultimately up to each listener.

But if you can look beyond them, you might just be looking at pop's next superstar. Rae makes a compelling case for that at IMMA on Wednesday night, delivering a high-energy, theatre-level pop spectacle in a set that lasts just under an hour.

She leans into her Y2K-inspired persona from the beginning, making a dramatic entrance strapped to a circular platform that slowly rises into a vertical position. Dressed in a wedding gown-like outfit, the moment feels like a clear nod to Kylie Minogue's iconic entrance at the 2002 BRIT Awards.

Addison Rae performando “Times Like These” em Dublin, Irlanda, na The Fame and Glory Tour. pic.twitter.com/bodUYDygKU

— Info Addison Rae (@infoaddisonrbr) June 3, 2026

"She's a pop star!" screams someone in the crowd just before Rae launches into her biggest hit, ‘Diet Pepsi’. The breezy synth-pop track, with its youthful lust and carefree energy, captivates the audience. Under towering lights that brighten the grey surroundings of IMMA, the crowd lets loose immediately.

Not everything remains in that dreamy pop lane. ‘New York’ is built around a driving beat that feels made for the club, a quality that runs throughout much of the show. At times, the performance feels less like a traditional concert and more like a euphoric nightclub experience, thanks to its pulsating production and dramatic lighting.

That atmosphere reaches its peak with ‘Von Dutch’, the Charli XCX track on which Rae appears for a remix. During the performance, she comes into the audience, handing a second microphone to a fan to recreate the song's famous scream. As techno-inflected beats ripple through the venue, the moment becomes one of pure euphoria.

Addison Rae live in Dublin 💕 They call her Goddison for a reason 💕 pic.twitter.com/sBnjf9737g

— KAOÍVA (@kaoiva_) June 4, 2026

All of this is accompanied by choreography that often reminds you of Britney Spears. Alongside her dancers, Rae delivers a series of captivating routines that move between line dancing, burlesque-inspired elements and even touches of ballet. The variety of styles keeps the performance engaging throughout.

Near the end of the set, ‘Headphones On’ brings a welcome change of pace. Inspired by '90s trip-hop and R&B, the song combines a bouncing rhythm with soft vocals, while the tightly structured choreography loosens up slightly, allowing for a more relaxed and free-flowing moment.

The night concludes with a reprise of ‘Diet Pepsi’, accompanied by dazzling sparks and clouds of smoke. There is no encore, but none feels necessary. It is an indulgent, energetic and thoroughly entertaining night.