Audrey Hobert, the 26-year-old pop sensation, recently launched her first major solo tour, cleverly titled “The Staircase to Stardom.” Despite a challenging start marked by illness, Hobert’s theatrical performances have been captivating audiences. Standing at an impressive height with the help of a hidden ladder, she engages the crowd with her witty and relatable lyrics, such as in her playful opening song “I Like to Touch People.”
In a recent encounter at a bakery in Manhattan, Hobert shared her journey from writing for Nickelodeon to headlining her own shows. The Los Angeles native, who graduated from NYU with a degree in dramatic writing, embraced her quirky style—often opting for casual outfits reminiscent of the early 2000s—both onstage and off. This authenticity resonates with her fans, some of whom arrive hours early to secure the best spots at her shows.
Hobert’s rise in the music industry has been rapid yet grounded. She initially garnered attention for her songwriting contributions to friend and fellow artist Gracie Abrams’s successful album, “The Secret of Us.” After a swift transition to performing her own music, Hobert signed with RCA and has since built a devoted fan base. Her debut album, “Who’s the Clown?”, released in August, incorporates a mix of slick pop-rock and intimate storytelling, showcasing her unique perspective.
Her songwriting process is marked by a deep commitment to authenticity, where humor and genuine emotion intersect. Hobert sees countless parallels between her creative journey and that of beloved figures like Taylor Swift, who she idolizes. At the same time, her charmingly self-deprecating lyrics—such as in “Sue Me,” which has topped charts—have solidified her status as the pop scene’s latest breakout artist.
As Hobert’s tour unfolds, her performances continue to dazzle, characterized by a mix of energetic showmanship and sincere connections with her audience. Her recent concert at the Music Hall of Williamsburg featured a crowd of enthusiastic supporters, including her family, who celebrated her as she showcased her rapidly evolving talent.
While Hobert acknowledges the pressures of the industry and the labels of “nepo friend” due to her connections, she remains resolute in her artistic aspirations. Her vision extends beyond music as she expresses interest in potential film and television projects while focusing on her songwriting craft.
Her journey tells a story of resilience, creativity, and an authentic pursuit of self-expression that resonates with many young artists today. With a bright future ahead of her, Hobert’s narrative is one marked by promise, optimism, and a genuine love for her craft. As she continues to grow and evolve, she’s not only shaping her own career but adding a refreshing voice to the evolving landscape of pop music.