On a chilly Friday night in Cambridge, Massachusetts, fans waited eagerly outside The Sinclair anticipating the fabulous, enticing, magnetic, magical evening that was sure to be ahead of them. Many braving the cold in miniskirts, tank tops, and “But I’m A Cheerleader” film-inspired costumes, Molly Grace’s fans showed up to commemorate the 23-year-old singer/songwriter’s sold-out hometown show. Although the crowd was mixed in age and gender, clusters of excited family members, former teachers, and childhood friends gathered to celebrate the success of their hometown hero.
Grace hails from Lexington, Massachusetts, where she attended Lexington High School. She participated in choir throughout her high school career, establishing herself as a friendly, outgoing, wildly talented personality. Described by her hometown friends as “one to watch,” none of them seemed surprised at Grace’s success when she recently went viral on TikTok for her latest single “F.E.M.M.E” (Fabulous, Enticing, Magnetic, Magical, Everything), especially within the queer spaces with whom Grace identifies and advocates strongly for. The show she put on for her second headline tour, the “But I’m A Popstar Tour,” surely left loved ones emotional and fans cheering for more. One thing is for certain, Molly Grace did Boston proud.
Grace’s set was full of high-quality production flair. From a mock-radio show voiced by Grace that ushered her onto the stage to her pink sequined costume paired with white high heeled maryjane platforms and cheeky lacy bloomers, Grace pulled out all the stops.
Staring out into a sold-out crowd full of both new and familiar faces, Grace did her best to hold in her tears. “Listen, I’m gonna try not to get emo,” she began, “but this is a very special night.” Indeed, to use Grace’s own words, “a sold-out hometown show is a big deal!” The crowd roared in response. To their surprise and excitement, what would come next would be a special treat for the Bostonian audience. “Red Line,” a song written in and about Boston, featuring Storrow Drive and, of course, our very own MBTA system, put the audience in an emotional mood. Though much of Grace’s music falls into the pop/funk genre, “Red Line” (which is currently only released as a live recording), is one of the few fully soul-centered tracks in Grace’s discography, which perfectly suits her powerful tone which can be likened to Adele and Lady Gaga. Her lyricism surrounding queer joy paired with her out-of-the-box production style may make her seem like a Chappell Roan copycat, but Molly Grace is without a doubt a uniquely unstoppable talent.
Toward the end of her performance, Grace spoke about how the day before the show was Elizabeth Taylor’s birthday, reminding them that she was able to partner with the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation on the tour, and that they were able to donate to its cause if they had the means. The show itself fell on HIV Is Not A Crime Day, which Grace also pointed out. “Not to get too emosh, but in times like these, things like this are very special. I love you guys.”
The room was teeming with love and support for Grace as she returned to the stage after a brief break to finally perform “F.E.M.M.E” as her grand finale. Fans and family chanted her name as she came back on, teasing them playfully, “You thought I wouldn’t play it?” To which they responded with rousing applause. The crowd mimicked Grace’s iconic dancing, even whilst sardined together in the packed pit.
After the song came to a close, audience members hurriedly ran to the merch table to await Grace and be able to meet her in person. When she came back out, the line of fans waiting for her yelled and cheered. She held up a sign, reading “I’m on vocal rest, but I want to meet you! Let’s take pictures/I’d love to sign things! I love you! Love, Molly Grace. Thanks for understanding!” A group of friends dressed as the “But I’m A Cheerleader” girls left the table squealing and pointing at the poster Grace had signed for them, which read “Silly (F-Slur), D*cks Are For Chicks,” a homage to the campy, satire film which inspired Grace’s aptly named tour. Fans and family alike approached Grace at the table, hugging her and expressing their pride and admiration. Her mother and other hometown friends and family sat adoringly nearby, watching Grace live out her dreams in real-time.
Although “But I’m A Popstar Tour” has been keeping Grace busy, she has already released new music whilst touring. Just this past Friday, she released the long-teased pop-funk masterpiece, “Mad at Her Forever,” which she calls her favorite song she’s ever written. Grace will surely keep her fans fed, on and off the stage, until her next big project comes around!
Get your ticket to the Molly Grace’s “But I’m A Popstar Tour.”
