With the foreboding reputation of Friday the Thirteenth and what seems to be the unraveling of democracy unfolding minute-by-minute, there was a lot going on last Friday to make people perspire. On June 13, The Vic Theatre served as a joyful oasis for Betty Who fans as the Australian dance-pop superstar provided a space for fans to dance, sing, and “Sweat” their worries away.
Flanked by a pair of dancers, Betty Who started the show in silhouette before the bright lights popped on, revealing a sporty ensemble, and “Run!” popped off. “Weekend” and “Mama Say” – during which audience members matched the choreography move for move – soon followed. As a vocalist, Betty Who showed dynamic range, and impressive breath-work with all that dancing, singing at a whisper during portions of “Ignore Me” while turning into an absolute powerhouse during tunes like “Wanna Be.”
Before grabbing an acoustic guitar to perform “Blue Heaven Midnight Crush” – a different song is chosen each night of the tour – the superstar took time out to address that while things outside were pretty bad, the vibe in The Vic was very good.
“We have to celebrate you know what I mean. I fucking voted and here I am anyway, Goddamnit. So it didn’t work out and that’s fine and now we’re here together anyway celebrating queerness and joy. Something that’s very important to me right now is chosen family and the room of love that we’re in. There’s more and more spaces outside of this room that are starting to feel a little bit less safe. Which is crazy because I remember the day that same sex marriage was legalized and I was like, ‘Nowhere to go but up. Hey, it’s happened.’ Turns out the pendulum has to swing so we’re back over here somehow. But not in this room we’re not,” she said to deafening cheers.
Soon after, with a flourish and a quick wardrobe change, Betty Who unleashed the new single “Sweat” and the room absolutely erupted. “SHE CAN DANCE,” “I CAN BE YOUR MAN,” and “Taste” were further highlights of the setlist.
Before Betty Who took the stage, Molly Grace opened the show with a fun-filled set that tapped into the best aspects of doo-wop and disco with a splash of cheeky humor. The 2025 single “F.E.M.M.E.” got everyone moving as did a cover of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” which featured solos from each of Grace’s back-up singers.
As the poet Toi Derricotte wrote, “joy is an act of resistance.” And with that in mind, the music of Betty Who is an excellent choice for the soundtrack of this modern movement.
Check out photos of Betty Who and Molly Grace below and click here to pick-up tickets to future tour dates. More information is available at Bettywhomusic.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
