Audio

Gracie Abrams at Co-op Live, Manchester – a night of raw emotion

Dec Kelly - 8th March 2025

Gracie Abrams’ ‘The Secret of Us’ tour is more than just a concert – it’s a raw, emotive journey through the heart of her music.

From the moment she steps onto the Co-op Live stage in Manchester, Gracie Abrams commands the room with an aura of vulnerability, wearing a shimmering silver sequined dress that mirrors her own luminous energy.

The simplicity of the stage setup – just her, her band, and a microphone – lets the music take centre stage, free from distractions.

The UK leg of the tour is a testament to Gracie’s growth as an artist. Each song feels like an intimate conversation, with Gracie sharing her innermost thoughts through poetic lyrics and hauntingly beautiful vocals.

In an era when pop music can feel superficial, Gracie’s authenticity stands out, making her more than just another pop star – she’s an artist with a story to tell.

As the crowd sings along, it’s impossible to ignore the sea of teenage girls, many of them wearing bows in their hair, all passionately shouting and singing along to lyrics about heartbreak and longing.

It’s as if the collective voice of the crowd is woven into Gracie’s own, amplifying the depth of each song’s emotion.

The connection between Gracie and her fans is palpable – her music serves as a soundtrack to their shared experiences, a bond that makes every lyric feel personal and every note resonate deep within.

Gracie’s candid performance style draws the audience in even further, as she opens up about her songwriting process and the emotions behind her music.

This transparency transforms the show from a performance into a shared experience. It feels less like you’re watching an artist perform and more like you’re navigating life’s highs and lows together.

Gracie Abrams at the Co-op Live in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

When she takes a seat at the piano for ‘I Gave You I Gave You’, the emotion in her voice is undeniable. The stripped-back setting only amplifies the intensity, making the moment feel incredibly intimate. The crowd is spellbound, feeling like they’re witnessing something deeply personal.

Gracie’s influences are clear, particularly from pop sensation Taylor Swift. Like Swift, Gracie has cultivated a deeply personal connection with her fans. During the show, she delighted the crowd by performing ‘Block Me Out’, a song she wrote years ago, offering a glimpse into her evolution as an artist.

Gracie also pays tribute to Taylor Swift by performing ‘Us’, a track on which Swift herself features.

This moment of homage sparks an intriguing question: has Taylor Swift become the “godmother” of this new wave of pop artists, like Gracie and Sabrina Carpenter? Whether by design or not, it’s undeniable that Taylor’s influence has shaped their artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the way they create and connect with their audiences.

One of the night’s highlights is Gracie’s connection with the audience. She FaceTimes a fan’s friend, Monica, during the show, adding a personal touch that makes the concert feel like an intimate gathering.

Her playful sense of humor shines through as she jokes with fans about bows, showcasing her warmth and relatability.

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While the night is emotionally anchored by slower, melancholic tracks, a shift in tone could’ve provided a welcome break.

Nevertheless, Gracie’s ability to hold the audience’s attention with her heartfelt delivery is unmatched.

Her upbeat songs, like ‘That’s so true’ bring the crowd to life, but it’s the slower, introspective moments that truly define the night.

The tour had its challenges, with the cancellation of shows in Leeds and Nottingham, leaving some fans disappointed. However, Gracie and her team ensured the spirit of the tour remained intact.

In both cities, the opening act, Dora Jar, performed intimate gigs, giving fans a chance to experience something special. This thoughtful gesture reinforced the strong connection Gracie fosters with her audience.

Despite a few setbacks, it’s clear that Gracie Abrams and her team are fully dedicated to their craft.

Her authenticity, charm, and emotional depth make this tour an unforgettable experience – one that will resonate long after the final note fades.

With a passionate fan base and a future filled with promise, Gracie Abrams is an artist whose music will continue to speak to the soul for years to come.

Featured image: The Manc Group