Pop star Tate McRae brought legions of fans to the Kia Forum Thursday night for an activation-filled release event for her latest album, So Close to What.
Taking over the parking lot of the Inglewood arena, the event was a McRae superfan’s dream — featuring photo ops, outfit displays, food trucks and freebie booths from American Express, Adidas and Neutrogena, the latter as sponsors of the event.
Fans, many dressed in McRae-inspired ensembles of hotpants and a jersey, had to request a chance to purchase tickets for $8 through Ticketmaster. All ticket revenue is donated to FireAid to support L.A. wildfire relief efforts. The event was also streamed on TikTok for those who couldn’t be in person.
McRae took the stage around 9 p.m., right as her new album was released, performing her recent single “Sports car” and “It’s OK I’m OK,” lights from cranes surrounding the stage and setting the scene. “Guys, what the fuck is up?” the 21-year-old singer screamed to the crowd, asking if they’d like to hear new songs.
Tate McRae celebrates the release of her new album ‘So Close To What.’
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for ABA
The singer debuted several new songs, including her latest single, “Revolving Door.” She excitedly told the crowd the song had a music video dropping that night. McRae explained that the album’s main concept was falling in love again, seemingly a nod to her relationship with rapper The Kid LAROI, who is featured on the album. The Australian-born performer posted a sweet Instagram of the pair last night to celebrate the release with the hashtags, “#proud and #boyfriend.”
McRae also performed “Dear God,” “bloodonmyhands,” “Greenlight,” “You Broke Me First” and “2 hands,” before closing the show out with her hit single “Greedy.”
The So Close to What singer is preparing to head out on her sold-out, 57-date “Miss Possessive” tour, kicking off in Mexico City on March 18. The will head to stops around the world including São Paulo, London, Amsterdam, Prague and New York before ending at the L.A.’s Kia Forum in November. More details about McRae’s tour can be found on her website.
