23 August 2026 (gig)
17 h
One of the most exciting names in music, Audrey Hobert, played the O2 Academy Leeds this week as part of her Staircase to Stardom Tour, and the entire show was faultless.
Despite only having 12 songs, Hobert has clearly got the masses on her side, which was proven by a completely packed-out venue in Leeds and a string of sold-out UK dates.
Anticipation was high from the get-go at this sold-out show, with many gig-goers getting down early, ready for Audrey's arrival.
The lights lowered and the tension rose, marking time for her big entrance, and it was unique, to say the least. Hobert kicked off her set with ‘I Like To Touch People’, while standing on a ladder with a giant coat, a fake nose and glasses, playing the banjo. From this second, everyone knew this was going to be an unforgettable show.
As a vulnerable and raw songwriter, Hobert really uses her music to present her own experience, especially in ‘Wet Hair', where she breaks into a monologue during the middle of the song. The audience was completely transfixed on her lingering on every word, and then she hit back straight into her silvery vocals.
With each track, the energy became more insane, with Hobert commanding the stage with her dancing, infectious vitality and a stage presence that had the crowd completely enamoured. She particularly demonstrated this during the pop-heavy hit ‘Thirst Trap’ with genuine immersion as she performed, which was a further heightened saxophone solo.
She may have songs which are predominantly pop, but she also offers versatility with tracks like 'Chateau', which features more electrifying riffs, heavy consistent drums and a wicked guitar solo.
One song which had the crowd particularly locked in was her most upbeat, party-girl anthem, ‘Silver Jubilee’. This one had the crowd absolutely belting out every line, and Audrey mirrored their energy, giving it back as she belted out everything vocal with passion and precision.
‘Sue Me' is her debut song, on which she jumps on a trampoline as the beat kicks in, and it was most popular and played twice, with the second time being no phones, and this had the entire crowd completely immersed in the experience, and it definitely should lead the example for other artists because this was certainly the moment the crowd felt the most connected and unified.
It's fair to say I wasn’t the only person gutted when this show had to finish, as I was completely and utterly blown away by the whole set from start to finish. Hobert is a star that people should keep their eye on and be taken extremely seriously.
It is not often you leave a show feeling like you're mourning that it's over, but that's how I was left after this one. It has been my best show of this year to date, and if I could give it more than five stars, I would.
Picture Credit: Kyle Berger
