Gracie Abrams has called out a fan petition aiming to replace alt-pop artist Dora Jar as the opening act for her upcoming UK and European tour, labelling it “wildly uncool.”
On Friday, 24 January, Dora Jar—known for her experimental alt-pop style and a former NME Cover star—announced she would be joining Abrams as the support act for her February and March 2025 tour dates. The tour includes stops in Nottingham, Leeds, London, Manchester, Cardiff, Dublin, and Glasgow.
However, the announcement was met with backlash from some Abrams fans, who expressed dissatisfaction with the choice. A Change.org petition was reportedly launched by an anonymous user under the name “Dexter Morgan” (a nod to the Dexter TV series character), claiming, “Fans are perplexed as we do not recognise [Dora Jar], and with less than two weeks till the tour, it’s virtually impossible to familiarise ourselves with her slow-paced songs.” The petition suggested replacing Jar with a “more well-known, energetic artist or band.”
Despite the negativity, Dora Jar maintained a positive outlook. She responded on Saturday, writing, “Hate comes with the job. The truth is this is the biggest outpouring of love I’ve ever received from a fanbase who is still unfamiliar with me. Gracie has beautiful, open-hearted fans, and I am so excited for this.”
Gracie Abrams, the headliner, addressed the controversy after seeing a post on Stereogum’s Instagram page. She commented, “Just hearing about this absolute ridiculousness… so wildly uncool and bizarre and also just does not remotely add up. I’ve only seen everyone’s total excitement, and I couldn’t be luckier or prouder to share a stage with this talented wonder. Stream everything she’s ever made, whether or not you’re coming to the show. Dora forever and ever.”
Abrams’ Good Riddance UK and European tour will kick off in Madrid on 9 February 2025, with stops in Lisbon, Stuttgart, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Zurich, Milan, Paris, and Brussels. The UK leg begins at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on 3 March, followed by dates in Leeds, London, Manchester, Cardiff, and Dublin, with the tour concluding at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on 12 March.
Fans on social media have rallied behind Abrams and Jar, with many expressing excitement about discovering Dora Jar’s music live.