On February 21st, fans in glittering pink flooded Philadelphia’s The Foundry for the chance to catch budding queer pop star, Molly Grace, on her east coast “But I’m a Pop Star” tour. The biggest headlining show of her career, the room was filled with warmth and community as a diverse array of audience members gathered to hear the diva in a space that felt safe and inviting - a testament to Grace’s dedication to being a proud, queer, plus-size woman in the public eye. Originally from Boston, this tour marked a joyous return to the east coast for Molly Grace as she even said in her own words, “the east coast are my girls” - and that night, we were all Molly’s girls. Stepping onto stage in her vibrant, glittering pink ensemble, looking as fierce as ever, the crowd knew they were in for a good time.

Opening the show was Molly’s friend, and equally talented musician, Claire Ernst, who originally hails from New Jersey (oh, hey almost-hometown show). As quiet fell over The Foundry, Ernst’s powerful vocals and thoughtful lyrics graced the crowd, with many singing along. A beautiful performance, it was clear that Claire is an artist on the rise and she expressed her gratitude to be touring with Molly.

Molly’s set began with a clever (and quite funny) introduction framing the concert as if she’s preparing to perform on the radio. In this ‘pre-show,’ the radio host, voiced by none other than Grace herself, introduces Molly’s performance before accepting a caller live on air - who also happens to be Molly! The crowd laughs. In a sequence of hair dryers, vocal warmups, and tire screeches, the crowd has already bought in before erupting into applause as the singer-songwriter steps on stage. Already overflowing with charisma and charm, what’s not to love?

From the opening chord, Grace had the crowd in a trance. With her infectious energy, you can’t help but to dance and sing along to Grace’s pop hits. The setlist was well curated with fan-favorite tracks while also treating fans to multiple unreleased songs, giving the audience insight into an upcoming album and a look at some of Grace’s more vulnerable vocal offerings. Having been officially released just days before, “F.E.M.M.E” was a hit with the crowd, as was “Lover (Love Her)” and “Little Bit of Hell.” Other highlights of the evening included “Wearing My Ring,” an unreleased track that Molly was excited to share with the crowd, as well as her performance of “What if I? (Grocery Store Song),” arguably one of Grace’s earliest claims to fame. But, no matter what was playing, the crowd was like putty in the singer’s hand, eager to hear whatever came next. And really, it’s no surprise - with a performance quality evocative of classic femme pop, Grace puts on a dynamic show exuding bright, joyful energy time and time again, and we, like her fans, can’t get enough!

If you ask us, Molly Grace will be opening up for other pop icons like Chappell and Olivia in no time, if not too busy taking the world by storm! This tour is aptly named - Molly Grace IS a pop star!