Gracie Abrams, the 25-year-old pop singer-songwriter known for her emotionally raw lyrics and understated stage presence, marked a major milestone in her rising career with two consecutive performances at Madison Square Garden on July 28 and 29, 2025. These concerts not only represented her debut at one of the world’s most iconic venues but also solidified her transformation from bedroom-pop newcomer to arena-level headliner. The sold-out shows were part of her Secret of Us Deluxe Tour, which has taken her across North America and Europe in support of her critically acclaimed second studio album, The Secret of Us.
Abrams’ shows at the Garden were widely anticipated following her rapid ascent over the past two years. She first gained traction with her introspective songwriting and soft-spoken delivery, traits that drew comparisons to artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Olivia Rodrigo. However, the singer’s evolution has been marked by an increasing willingness to embrace more dynamic production, pop melodies, and larger audiences—culminating in her commanding presence on the MSG stage. Backed by her touring band, Abrams delivered a setlist that balanced fan favorites with deeper cuts from her recent album, showcasing her lyrical vulnerability while adapting to the grand scale of the venue.
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The setlist on both nights included standout tracks such as “That’s So True,” “I Love You, I’m Sorry,” “Risk,” and “Felt Good About You.” While the song “Friend” was reportedly cut from the lineup, fans were treated to a two-song encore that began with the anthemic “That’s So True” and concluded with “Close to You,” a powerful closer that emphasized her emotional connection with the audience. Although Madison Square Garden can seat over 20,000 people, Abrams managed to maintain a sense of intimacy throughout her performances. Her ability to turn such a large space into a seemingly personal experience was a testament to her artistry and authenticity.
Special guest Role Model, whose upbeat indie-pop style provided an energetic opening to the evening, helped set the tone for Abrams’ more emotionally nuanced set. The two artists complemented each other well, offering concertgoers a diverse musical experience that transitioned smoothly from bright and buoyant to reflective and sincere. Their pairing was particularly effective in sustaining audience engagement, especially among younger fans who have followed both artists’ careers through platforms like TikTok and Spotify.
Abrams’ success at Madison Square Garden was the culmination of a summer packed with high-profile appearances. Prior to her New York dates, she performed at landmark venues including Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, Toronto’s Budweiser Stage, and Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes. She also made waves at international festivals such as Glastonbury, BST Hyde Park, and Lollapalooza Berlin, where she debuted new material and earned praise for her composed stage presence. Her performance at Glastonbury on June 27, where she premiered the unreleased track “Out of Nowhere” and surprised fans with a cover of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven,” received particular acclaim and helped solidify her status as a global act.
The Madison Square Garden concerts also arrived amid a broader wave of pop superstars taking over New York’s summer concert calendar. Abrams’ inclusion alongside names like Dua Lipa, Tyler, The Creator, and Tate McRae placed her firmly in the upper echelon of current pop performers. Ticket demand reflected her popularity, with resale prices for her shows exceeding $400, a notable figure for an artist just a few years removed from playing small clubs and intimate theaters.
Part of what sets Abrams apart is her connection with fans, many of whom cite her openness about mental health, heartbreak, and personal growth as reasons for their loyalty. Throughout the performances, she paused frequently to thank the audience, often visibly emotional as she looked out over the massive crowd. Her stage design, marked by minimalist lighting and thoughtful visuals, allowed her lyrics and voice to take center stage. These design choices were intentional, ensuring the music remained the focus even in a venue synonymous with spectacle.
This resonance was exemplified earlier in the month at Madrid’s Mad Cool Festival, where Abrams turned a technical failure into a triumph. During a mid-performance power outage, she continued singing acoustically, inviting the crowd to join her in an impromptu sing-along. The moment, captured by fans on social media, quickly went viral and reinforced her reputation for sincerity and poise under pressure.
Abrams’ sophomore album, The Secret of Us, released in June 2024, has been pivotal in expanding her reach. The album debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 and received widespread critical acclaim for its introspective themes and sonic growth. Tracks like “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “Felt Good About You” have charted internationally, while others like “Risk” and “I Know It Won’t Work” have become fan favorites, praised for their emotional clarity and narrative strength.
Having opened for Taylor Swift on portions of The Eras Tour and won the 2025 American Music Award for New Artist of the Year, Abrams is now firmly entrenched in pop music’s mainstream. Her influences, which span from Lorde and Joni Mitchell to Swift herself, continue to shape a sound that is at once deeply personal and widely relatable.
As she continues her tour through the end of the summer, the two-night run at Madison Square Garden will likely remain a highlight. It was more than just a performance—it was a coming-of-age moment for an artist who has grown from recording songs in her bedroom to captivating tens of thousands in the heart of Manhattan. For Gracie Abrams, the MSG shows weren’t just another stop on the tour; they marked her arrival as one of the defining voices of her generation.