Honestly, if you told someone three years ago that the "TikTok girl" would be selling out Terminal 5 and having the indie-pop crowd scream every lyric, they’d probably have laughed. But walk into Hell’s Kitchen on October 3, 2025, and the vibe was undeniable. There was a line snaking down 56th Street that looked more like a Charli XCX afterparty than a social media meet-and-greet.
Addison Rae at Terminal 5 wasn't just another stop on a tour; it felt like a victory lap for a girl who’s spent years fighting the "influencer" label. It’s funny how the internet works. One day you’re doing a dance in your bedroom, and the next, you’re headlining one of New York City’s most iconic mid-sized venues with a setlist that actually slaps.
The Energy Inside Terminal 5
The room was packed. Like, "can't move your elbows" packed. Most people there were rocking the "Addison Aesthetic"—lots of hot pink, some "Diet Pepsi" inspired outfits, and at least a dozen people in those 2000s-style tracksuits. When the lights finally dimmed around 9:00 PM, the sound was deafening.
She opened with "Fame is a Gun." It’s a bold choice, but it set the tone immediately. She appeared in this pink maid-style outfit that her dancers literally ripped off her a few minutes in to reveal a black latex set. It was very Madonna-meets-Britney, and the crowd lost it.
Why the Setlist Actually Worked
Look, we have to talk about the music. For a long time, the narrative was that Addison’s music was "produced to death" or just a hobby. But the Addison album, which dropped in June 2025, changed that.
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The set was tight—about an hour long. No fluff. She played:
- "Fame is a Gun"
- "Aquamarine"
- "Money is Everything" (complete with fake "Addison currency" falling from the ceiling)
- "I Got It Bad" (a fan favorite from the AR EP)
- "Obsessed" (her first single, which she used to be shy about)
- "Diet Pepsi"
"Aquamarine" was a huge highlight. The choreography involved this weirdly beautiful formation with her dancers where they all overlapped their arms. It felt polished. Not "TikTok dance" polished, but "I’ve been in a rehearsal room for 12 hours a day" polished.
That "Von Dutch" Moment
One of the loudest moments of the night was when she performed the "Von dutch" remix. Since she’s been running with the "Brat" crowd and collaborating with Charli XCX, she’s gained this weirdly prestigious "indie-pop darling" status.
During the bridge, she actually brought two fans up from the pit to do the high-pitched scream. It was messy, it was loud, and it was exactly what Terminal 5 is made for. It showed she doesn't take herself too seriously, which is probably why her rebrand has worked so well. She’s leaning into the camp of it all.
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The Production Value: Simple but Smart
Terminal 5 is a tough venue. It’s basically a giant industrial box. If your production is too small, you look lost. If it’s too big, it feels cramped.
Addison’s team kept it industrial to match the vibe. There was a staircase, some platform steps, and a lot of smart lighting. She didn’t have a massive LED wall or crazy pyrotechnics (except for some sparklers during the "Diet Pepsi" outro), but she didn't need them. She has this "it" factor that's hard to describe. She’s a dancer first, and it shows. Her "hairography" alone could have carried the show.
What Critics (and the Internet) Got Wrong
A lot of people expected this tour to be a flop. They thought it would be empty rooms and lip-syncing. But at Terminal 5, the vocals were surprisingly solid. Is she Adele? No. But she can hold a note while doing backflips, which is more than most of us can do.
The biggest takeaway from the night was the shift in her demographic. Sure, there were TikTok fans there. But there were also "music" people. People who appreciate the 1988 Korg M1 synth sounds she’s been using (shoutout to her producers Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd). She’s successfully bridged the gap between "viral creator" and "actual artist."
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Reality Check: The Logistics
It wasn't a perfect night. The lines were long, and as usual with Terminal 5, the sightlines from the balconies were a bit of a nightmare if you weren't in the front row. Also, she started a bit late—classic pop star move—which left some fans standing in the heat for a while. But once the confetti cannons hit during "Money is Everything," nobody seemed to care.
Final Verdict on the NYC Stop
Addison Rae at Terminal 5 proved that she’s here to stay in the pop lane. She’s not trying to be a "relatable influencer" anymore; she’s playing the role of the pop star, and she’s playing it well.
If you're planning to catch her on the tail end of the tour or whenever she announces the next string of dates, here’s what you need to know:
- Wear comfortable shoes: The pit is intense, and you’ll be jumping.
- Get there early: The merch lines are no joke. People were grabbing the "Diet Pepsi" tees like they were limited edition gold.
- Listen to the AR EP beforehand: She sprinkles in the older stuff, and the crowd energy for "I Got It Bad" is actually higher than some of the new album tracks.
The era of doubting her musical career is pretty much over. Whether you like the music or not, the girl can command a stage in the middle of Manhattan, and that’s not an easy feat.