A Star in the Making: Alessi Rose Glows on Tour With Tate McRae in Houston
Before Tate McRae took the stage in Houston at the Toyota Center on Nov. 1, Alessi Rose made it very clear that she's an opener who effortlessly captures her audience's attention. She came out swinging, heels and all, confident without trying too hard, and commanding the arena like she'd been doing it for years.
Her live vocals were genuinely impressive, full and clean even while she moved around the stage. There was something refreshing in the way she crafted her set, especially when she switched between acoustic and electric guitar performances. Her band was also killer, supporting Alessi's sound through and through.
The highlight of the night for many—including us—came when she performed "First Original Thought," a new track from the upcoming deluxe version of her voyeur album. Hearing it in a space where only a handful of audiences have been lucky enough to experience the track so far gave the moment a kind of gravitas, like we were witnessing magic in the making.
(Photo credit: Maddy Myer)
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Another favorite was "Same Mouth," but the absolute standout was "That Could Be Me." Even if you'd heard it before, something about the way she performed it in Houston hit harder—maybe vocally, maybe emotionally, maybe just the room—but it might've been her best performance of the hit yet.
Alessi's reflective moments between songs were also a highlight. She was funny and natural, with a kind of off-the-cuff charm that makes you like an artist even more. The crowd also lifted cellphone flashlights for several songs, without being prompted—that's how good the vibes were.
(Photo credit: Maddy Myer)
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And closing with "pretty world" was the perfect choice—warm, dreamy, theatrical in the best way. The whole moment gave Mamma Mia! musical-to-movie-sunset energy. And honestly? There was a little Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus in there too, not in the cheesy Disney way, but in the kid-turned-star who can do it all on stage and still seem real way.
If Alessi Rose felt like an opener before this tour, she didn't in Houston. She gave off the impression of an artist whose own arena moment is coming sooner rather than later. We're on standby for the deluxe dropping on Friday and can't wait to see where this tour takes her career next.
For more on the live shows that have stunned us this season, click HERE to read all about Aidan Bissett in L.A.