It’s time to bow down to our new pop savior, Kim Petras. She’s fierce, she’s cute, she’s sultry and she’s doing more for the LGBTQ+ community than most people would realize. During the month of pride in June she embarked on her first ever headlining tour through various cities across America to promote her first EP Clarity. An independent artist on the rise, we caught her show in Chicago at Lincoln Hall. Equipped with an energetic DJ spinning nostalgic remixes such as the Kim Possible theme song, the sold out show was packed to the brim with pride celebrators and pop fanatics alike.
From emerging onstage in a virgin-like white outfit complete with Petras‘ iconic side bun, she opened the floor with “Got My Number” and the crowd jumped with all their might on the beat. The crowd were the definition of supportive with embraces, high fives, sing alongs and woo-ah‘s bursting at the seams of Lincoln Hall.
With three acts and a few outfit changes, Petras took no small gesture to make this packed show a spectacle with bodysuits and dresses as lavish as Ariana Grande or Beyonce’s showstopper digs. Playing her new hits “Clarity”, “Sweet Spot”, “Broken”, “All I Do Is Cry” and “Blow It All” in the first act, Petras sprinkled her more popular tracks as well. Petras brought in her spooky Gaga-esque second act to pay tribute to Turn Off The Light Vol. I, her Halloween themed EP. Vocals as silver as her iconic hair, Petras portrayed her gift of a voice to such a angelic crowd. Showing the every day spirit of pride, she said pop music is all she ever wanted to do, back to when she “sat in front of the television and watched Gwen Stefani” for hours after school. A pop princess going 100 mph to stardom, Petras ended the gig with her first hit, “I Don’t Want It At All”.
“She sells shit out now,” Petras cooly breathed into the mic referring to herself.
In unison, the back of Lincoln Hall screamed with delight, “yes, bitch!”
A modern age Madonna, Petras is not one to miss on tour. Her vocals were velvety and crisp. A true performer, she floated across the stage and connected with the audience despite the size of the stage. Ready for more, she later played at Roscoe’s in Boystown; a staple bar during pride in Chicago. She surely rocked the house as she did about two miles away at Lincoln Hall earlier in the night.
