Upcoming pop sensation Alessi Rose returned to Glasgow with a headline performance at O2 Academy Glasgow. Since her sold-out show at King Tut’s last year, Alessi has enjoyed her most successful year yet, opening for Tate McRae on her US tour and supporting Dua Lipa on her UK stadium tour. Joined by emerging queer artist “Déyyess,” the Voyeur Tour in Glasgow was set to be a very special event.

Déyyess, a London-based alt-pop artist, opened the show with a softly captivating performance that immediately drew the Glasgow crowd into her world. Joined by Polly Money from The 1975 on guitar and her girlfriend on drums, her set combined moody, atmospheric music with a calm, confident presence, creating a sound that felt both charming and uniquely hers.

A memorable moment of her set was her rendition of “She Knows,” a song dedicated to her partner, who played drums throughout the performance. My heart warmed as they proudly kissed at the end of the song. It was touching to see queer love celebrated so openly; it is desperately needed in this era of hatred and prejudice. Her set was the perfect way to set the scene for Alessi. Déyyess’ voice is so smooth and calming; the whole crowd was captivated by her sultry vocals from start to finish.

Then the clock struck 8:45, signalling the moment everyone had been waiting for. Emerging on stage behind curtains in front of a bright LED cross, Alessi was here! As the opening notes rang out for “That Could Be Me,” Alessi strutted onto her raised platform wearing a strawberry-patterned dress, hair already flipping. From the moment she took the stage, it was clear this would be a special night.

She then performed a fan favourite she recently reintroduced after initially removing it: “Eat Me Alive.” As the intro started, the crowd’s noise was deafening. Glasgow crowds are always lively, but her fanbase’s dedication was palpable as they screamed every word. From the outset, Alessi’s energy was unmatched, her vocals flawless, hopping and jumping across the stage. Having attended several of her gigs, I can confidently say this was her most powerful performance yet. She has truly gained confidence on stage, and it’s a pleasure to witness.

Next, she recounted the story behind her recent EP “voyeur,” reflected on choosing its name, and performed one of my favourite tracks from the project, “don’t ask questions,” a raw acoustic song full of emotion. She then played her biggest hit, “first original thought,” and a fan favourite she had temporarily dropped from the setlist but later reintroduced: “CRUSH!”

The next part of the setlist featured many favourites, such as “Stella,” “imsochillandcool,” and “pretty world.” However, the highlight was undoubtedly the performance of “Get Around,” which energised the crowd as soon as the bridge began; everyone stood and sang passionately. I believe this is her best song, and fans clearly agree, dancing along to its catchy pop groove.

As the night progressed, Alessi remained as charming as ever, taking moments between songs to share stories and connect with her audience. It’s inspiring to see an artist who genuinely cares about and appreciates her fans’ support. Watching her progress from King Tut’s to a sold-out O2 Academy Glasgow in a year is remarkable. She clearly belongs at this level, and with her rise, another support slot next year seems likely. She’s already booked for European festivals and might even break into the US scene.

A notable aspect of her show was the use of religious symbolism, highlighted by a large LED cross behind her. This visual emphasised the themes of confession, intimacy, and vulnerability in her EP, portraying Rose as both performer and seeker of redemption. The cross created a sacred space, where her soft voice and spotlight anxiety turned the show into an intimate ritual, engaging the audience’s emotional journey. These elements made her performance compelling and fostered a connection. It also reflected the themes of “voyeur,” transforming the word from its usual connotations into a personal concept.

Throughout the night, Alessi’s vocals were powerful and assured, her energy unwavering as she moved effortlessly between high-energy anthems and softer, more intimate moments. She kept the Glasgow crowd captivated from start to finish, proving exactly why she’s been chosen to support artists like Tate McRae and Dua Lipa. After witnessing her command the O2 Academy stage with such confidence and clarity of vision, one thing feels certain: Alessi Rose isn’t just on the rise – she’s carving out her place among the UK’s most exciting new musicians. And if this tour is any sign, her future steps will be even bigger.

All Photos and Review by K Gilfillan for THE SONGBIRD HQ