Audrey Hobert Concluded Staircase to Stardom Tour
Singer-songwriter Audrey Hobert wrapped up her concert series with two back-to-back performances at Chicago's Riviera Theatre.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Variety
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Audrey Hobert has officially completed her Staircase to Stardom tour following two appearances at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago. The 27-year-old artist performed her 50-minute set multiple times to close out the successful run.
Why it matters
The tour conclusion marks a significant milestone for the rising musician, who has gained attention for her debut album and previous writing work. Industry analysts now expect Hobert to be a strong contender for a Best New Artist nomination at the upcoming Grammy Awards.
The 27-year-old artist maintains a catalog of 12 solo songs following the 2025 release of her debut album, Who's the Clown?. Her recent performances at the Riviera Theatre lasted exactly 50 minutes each.
The players
Audrey Hobert
A 27-year-old singer-songwriter who previously worked as a writer for the Nickelodeon sitcom The Really Loud House.
Malcolm Todd
A musician and the brother of Audrey Hobert who recently performed at the Salt Shed.
The details
Hobert utilized a minimalist stage setup that featured a single disco ball balanced on an umbrella stand. During her concerts, she performed the song Sue Me twice, once requiring that attendees remain phone-free during the track.
Timeline
Audrey Hobert performed at Lollapalooza during the summer of 2026.
Malcolm Todd held performances at the Salt Shed on October 6 and 7, 2026.
Audrey Hobert headlined at the Riviera Theatre on October 9, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The transition from performing at major events like the Lollapalooza festival to launching a solo headlining tour signals a critical expansion in Hobert's career trajectory. This move aligns with broader industry strategies where artists leverage festival appearances to build the audience base necessary for independent theater runs.
Fans who attended the recent shows at the Riviera Theatre experienced a unique performance requirement where cameras were restricted during specific songs. The conclusion of the Staircase to Stardom tour means tickets are no longer available for this series of dates.
The takeaway
Hobert's use of minimalist stage elements like an umbrella stand demonstrates how newer artists are focusing on intimate performance styles to connect with audiences. Keeping a close watch on her upcoming award season potential may reveal her long-term viability in the pop music market.
Further reading
For more coverage on emerging musical talent, visit Variety.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
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