A long line of fans gathered outside Austin City Limits studio home, ACL Live at The Moody Theater, as early as 4 A.M. on the morning of Gracie Abrams’ highly anticipated Austin City Limits taping debut, many sporting hair bows of the popular coquette aesthetic currently making rounds on social media and arguably inspired by Gracie herself during her 2022 This Is What It Feels Like headline tour. Now sporting a chic bob, oversized denim and dress shirt, the metamorphosed Abrams made an understated, mature entrance to the ACL stage Tuesday night to a house packed with ecstatic fans chanting her name in unison.
More than accustomed to performing to massive arenas, having supported both Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift’s world tours as an opener, the stripped down intimacy of the ACL studio audience brought out a special magic from the singer-songwriter and her four-piece band. “I’m so grateful to be here. Thank you to ACL for having us,” said Abrams midway through her hourlong set, taking time to scan the audience and wave to excited fans.
With her recent sophomore album The Secret of Us as the centerpiece of her set, Abrams shared with the crowd that this was the first time she and her band had the opportunity to run through the new songs onstage. “It’s really lucky to get to [perform new songs] in a setting like this,” she continued.
Abrams and company kicked off the top of the hour with a trio of highlights from The Secret of Us, “Risk,” “Blowing Smoke,” and “I Love You, I’m Sorry.” Right off the bat, the adoring studio audience sang along to every word, which doesn’t come as a surprise since Abram’s latest release has been making headlines and topping Billboard charts in both the US ad UK since its release in June. Throwing it back with “21,” “Friend,” and “I miss you, I’m sorry,” off her breakout 2020 EP minor, Abrams expertly balanced new material with fan favorites.
Within minutes of Abram’s radiant set coming to a close with “Free Now,” online Gracie Abrams fan accounts posted designed setlists and reviews of the performance. Word travels fast – especially with Abrams’ fan base demographic. Fan accounts, studio audience, and crew alike can all agree Abrams made a remarkable debut on Austin City Limits we won’t soon forget. Make sure you follow us to find out more about how to watch the episode when it airs and streams this fall on PBS as part of Austin City Limits upcoming Anniversary Season 50.
Gracie Abrams performs on Austin City Limits, July 30, 2024. Photos by Scott Newton.
Listen to the full set list from the Austin City Limits taping below:
BAND CREDITS:
Gracie Abrams – Artist, Guitar, Keys
Cooper Cowgill – Bassist & Musical Director
Casey Kalmenson – Keys, Guitar, Vocals
Elle Puckett – Guitar, Vocals
Gabe Smith – Drums & Vocals