The crowd shifts forward as the lights dim at Palacio Vistalegre for this Feb. 9. concert. Conversations fade and are replaced by an expectant silence. All of a sudden a single spotlight cuts through the darkness and illuminates a smaller stage in the middle of the floor designed to look like a bedroom: there is a bed, a guitar propped against the nightstand and a keyboard disguised as a cluttered desk—each detail arranged to mirror Gracie Abrams’ childhood room, where she first gained recognition performing virtually over Zoom during COVID 19.
Taking the mic, Gracie calmly welcomes everyone to “her bedroom.” She explains the sentiment behind bringing her room with her on tour and asks permission to play a couple of her favorite songs. Lightly pressing the keys on the piano, the first notes of the acoustic version of “Clean” play. A wave of screaming voices surge from the crowd, tens of thousands singing along in English. Despite it being a second language to many of the concertgoers, their voices don’t hesitate and their timing precise. Near the edge of the general-admission, floor crowd, a group of six girls link arms to form a circle, spinning as one unit to the speed of the music as they mouth the words of the song. Like most other girls in the stadium, they wear ribbon bows in their hair, an ode to Gracie’s iconic hairstyle she often wears when performing.
Halfway through the bedroom set, a fan in the front row stretches out an arm, holding a small Barbie doll, handmade to look like Gracie. The artist pauses and carefully accepts it from a security guard who retrieves it from the crowd. Admiring the creation she turns it over in her hands. The doll wears a miniature version of a typical outfit she would wear of a black blazer and micro shorts. Smiling ear to ear she raises it to show the crowd. Into the microphone, she speaks, “Oh my gosh is this me?! She’s wearing my favorite shoes! This is incredible. Thank you so much. You are so talented.”
Bringing it to the nightstand she probs the Barbie on the nightstand and the exchange of appreciation is felt throughout. Later, she compliments another fan’s digital camera and asks if it would be okay to take some pictures. The fan eagerly turns over the device and Gracie compliments its vintage aesthetic. Facing it towards herself she takes a selfie with the fan and her friends. After returning the camera, she asks for permission to take pictures of the rest of the crowd with her own polaroid camera. The audience cheers in excitement as she flashes the camera at each section of the stadium to capture all the fans that showed up to support her. This moment of intimacy creates a shared appreciation for the experience of watching a performer who truly cares about her fans.
Towards the back of the stadium a chant begins. The words to her most famous song “I Love You, I’m Sorry” translated to “Te Amo, Lo Siento” gains momentum as it moves toward the stage. The vocals are rhythmic and strong. Gracie steps back, listening. Her brow furrows slightly as she places a hand on her heart. Letting it build she nods in time before finally speaking.
“Wow. That was beautiful,” she says, her voice low but clear. “Madrid you are so special to me. My first ever European show was in Madrid on my first tour and now we are starting off this tour’s European leg here again. I feel so lucky to be here and with all of you.”
Energized by the recognition, the crowd tightens towards the front. Gracie scans the front row, and a sign catches her eye.
“Is it your birthday?! Today?! Thank you so much for being here to celebrate with me on your birthday! Feliz cumpleaños.”
Immediately the band leads into the final song “Free Now” to which the crowd erupts in song. When it ends, no one moves. She waves, running off stage and disappearing behind the curtain. All of a sudden a fan begins to chant “Gracie! Gracie!” Instantaneously the crowd catches on until the arena is full of the echo of her name.
Three minutes pass and finally, Gracie springs back onto center stage. “Close To You,” one of her most famous, upbeat creations, blasts on. Through joyful screams and happy tears, Gracie shares one final song with her Madrid night two fans on “The Secret of Us” tour.
If You Go…
- Venue: Palacio Vistalegre, Madrid
- Tickets: Prices vary but expect to pay between €80- €400 depending on the performer and the location of seats in the stadium.
- Pro Tip: Arrive early for general admission—many performances begin exactly at the time that appears on the tickets.