Words by Reagan Denning // Photos by Antonina Schubert (@ninasphotostrip)
ROLE MODEL has proven to be the ultimate diva, mesmerizing the crowd in Columbus, Ohio with his hypnotic performance on the ‘No Place Like Tour.’ Over the past year, the singer has made major strides towards establishing himself as a top contender in the music industry — opening for Gracie Abrams on The Secret of Us Tour and with the release of Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye).
Debbii Dawson kickstarted the night captivating the audience with an angelic voice that carries the same haunting allure as Lana Del Rey — each note dreamier than the last. The singer-songwriter appeared on America’s Got Talent where she auditioned with a unique rendition on ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” The set was full of fan favorites from her discography including “Happy World,” “Turn The TV On,” and recent single “You Killed The Music.”
The anticipation was palpable as ROLE MODEL burst onto the stage to begin a set filled with songs that strip away the noise and high energy anthems. The internet heartthrob has a knack for blending vulnerability with confidence and humor, never missing a beat even though he was battling through an illness. The tone of the night was set with “Writing’s On The Wall” and “Look At That Women.” Right off the bat, you could tell it was going to be an unforgettable night with an electric atmosphere.
ROLE MODEL turned The 1975’s slow and sultry breakup song, “Somebody Else,” into a danceable hit. In September of 2024, he released the cover as an exclusive Spotify Single, but because of it’s success it is now available on all streaming platforms, making it’s way to the No Place Like Tour setlist. “Some Protector” was next up soon after the fan favorite cover, creating a surreal moment where energy shifted in the room as everyone chimed in to sing the iconic bridge.
“Am I guilty? Am I sorry? Do I miss you at the party? Am I dragging this forever? Am I thinking ’bout September? Am I wrecking reputation, while you’re making reservations? Am I lying to my mother, that someday I’ll find another.”
Before picking the vibes back up, ROLE MODEL slowed it down one last time to embrace his sad boy persona with “Compromise,” singing about past partners finding their happy ever after, even if it’s not with him. When the song was over, he took a moment to acknowledge how much it means to him that fans chose to spend their night with him, making the tour possible.
“I know I make a lot of jokes, but I’ll be serious for one second. I’m really thankful that you came tonight. I know what it takes to go to concerts and I know some of you wait in line all day, some of you flew here, or came from Boston, or drove here or took a train. Maybe you skipped work or school, whatever you skipped to be here, it does not go unnoticed and I mean that. I know I’m a dickhead on the internet, but I mean that.”
Perhaps one of the most unforgettable moments of the night came during “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” when the singer brought a cancer survivor on stage to dance and take on the role of “Sally” herself. The fan had the crowd electrified when she took off her wig, solidifying the idea that music really does bring people together. To close out his set, ROLE MODEL broke it down one last time with “Deeply Still In Love,” unleashing his inner diva.
ROLE MODEL has done an excellent job at creating a community where fans feel safe to be themselves. The experience was intimate, electric, and profoundly real. From the second he walked onto the stage, fans were captivated by his uncanny energy and deeply personal lyrics.
Follow the Artists:
ROLE MODEL: Website // Instagram // Facebook // TikTok // X
Debbii Dawson: Website // Instagram // Facebook // TikTok
