Gracie Abrams may be a top finalist for the fan-voted Best New Artist award at the 2024 MTV VMAs, but the rising star is spending her night far from the glitz and glam of the Elmont, New York show. Instead, Abrams is performing to a sold-out crowd at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre, as part of her The Secret of Us Tour. This marks a pivotal moment for the singer-songwriter, who is nominated for her first-ever MTV VMA.
Abrams, who has been making waves in the music industry, is ecstatic about the women who inspire her, both past and present. Speaking to ELLE earlier this year, she shared her admiration for artists like Sharon Van Etten, Sade, Billie Holiday, Olivia Dean, Lady Gaga, and Wet Leg. “Women are kind of running it right now, and I’m obsessed with that being true,” she gushed. “There’s so much flexibility for artists to tap into whatever they’re feeling and then, as a result, find people who are aligned with that sound or that emotion. That just comes from the women who were brave enough to do it first.”
Abrams also reflected on the life-changing experience of opening for Taylor Swift during the European leg of Swift’s Eras Tour. “Being in Taylor’s orbit for the summer completely altered every single thing for me,” Abrams revealed. The time she spent on tour with Swift not only influenced the writing of her next album but also taught her valuable lessons about creating a deeper connection with fans. “She makes everyone feel seen and heard, and at different points in the shows, she makes it feel like an intimate venue despite the fact that there are 80,000 or 100,000 people sharing the space. That’s what I want so badly.”
Abrams praised Swift for her leadership, generosity, and ability to cultivate a tight-knit community both on stage and behind the scenes. “It felt like a full city of people every weekend at these stadiums behind the scenes, making it all come to life. And obviously that all comes from the top, and Taylor is the most excellent person and the most excellent boss.”
While Abrams may have skipped out on attending the VMAs in person, her presence is certainly felt on both coasts tonight—whether on stage in LA or through her nomination at one of music’s biggest award shows.
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