Key Takeaways
- Audrey Hobert, a 27-year-old New York native, is OnesToWatch’s 2026 Artist to Watch, featured in the Top 30 Artists list after co-writing hits for Gracie Abrams.
- Her debut album “Who’s The Clown?” on RCA Records blends DIY bedroom pop with stripped-back production by Ricky Gourmet, led by viral single “Sue Me.”
- Hobert’s songwriting captures chaotic intimacy and Gen Z experiences in tracks like “Bowling Alley” and “Thirst Trap,” earning recognition as one of 2025’s standout albums.
- The Staircase to Stardom Tour brings North American dates in 2026, including Governors Ball and Bonnaroo, with presales starting January 20 and general sales on January 23.
- Discover more rising artists like Hobert through OnesToWatch’s exclusive artist profiles and lock in tickets early for her breakthrough tour.
How Audrey Hobert Became 2026’s Artist to Watch
OnesToWatch profiles Hobert as embodying “quirky… girl next door… no-frills, diaristic… DIY bedroom pop” that sets her apart from mainstream peers. Her path from NYU screenwriting graduate in 2021 to Nickelodeon’s “The Really Loud House” writer’s room built a strong storytelling base that later shaped her music.
This narrative skill carried into songwriting through collaborations with childhood friend Gracie Abrams on tracks like “Risk” and “That’s So True” for Abrams’ 2024 album “The Secret of Us.” These songs showed Hobert could craft emotionally sharp lyrics for another artist before stepping fully into her own project. The success of those collaborations helped her secure a Universal Music Group publishing deal, which gave her the backing to move forward with a debut album.
With that support in place, Hobert released her debut album “Who’s The Clown?” through RCA Records in August 2025. The project highlights her partnership with producer Ricky Gourmet, who builds minimalist arrangements around acoustic foundations so her lyrics stay front and center. Her self-directed music videos, including the viral “Sue Me,” show that her creative control extends beyond songwriting into visual storytelling. This same attention to intimate detail also shapes how she connects with listeners through her music.
Her Music and Critical Reception
Hobert’s artistry channels the chaotic intimacy of bedroom pop into vivid stories that feel pulled from real group chats and late-night notes apps. Her writing often turns small, awkward moments into scenes that feel cinematic and painfully familiar.
“Bowling Alley” captures FOMO and social anxiety with lines that sit in the tension between craving connection and wanting to stay home alone. The song reads like a diary entry about showing up to hang out, then realizing you would rather watch from the sidelines.
“Thirst Trap” shows her knack for capturing millennial and Gen Z romantic disasters with blunt honesty. The track follows the spiral of feeling desperate over a crush, then flips that raw emotion with an unexpected saxophone solo. That playful, almost absurd flourish undercuts the desperation and pushes the song beyond typical bedroom pop conventions.
Critics have responded to the album’s clear vision and emotional punch. “Why Are You So Quiet?” ranked “Who’s The Clown?” as the third-best album of the year, with “Phoebe” highlighted as potentially Hobert’s strongest song. This level of acclaim has helped build serious momentum behind her live shows.
What Fans Experience At Her Shows
Hobert’s live performances turn her confessional songwriting into a shared experience that feels both loose and carefully held together. She often keeps arrangements close to the album versions, which lets fans sing every line while still feeling the energy of a full band.
Fans describe moments like the quiet bridge of “Bowling Alley” as collective therapy, with crowds dropping to a hush before shouting the final chorus. Between songs, Hobert tells quick stories about writing sessions, bad dates, or anxious nights, which makes the room feel like a conversation rather than a polished spectacle.
Even in larger venues, she keeps the focus on lyrics and voice instead of heavy production. Simple lighting cues, stripped-back intros, and occasional solo sections help preserve the raw honesty that defines her recordings while giving the live show its own emotional peaks.
Staircase to Stardom Tour: Ticket Details
The Staircase to Stardom Tour brings Hobert’s 2026 run across North America, with additional dates planned for Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Presale sign-up closed January 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET, with presales beginning January 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. local time and general public sales starting January 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. local time. Ticket prices typically range from $30 to $100, depending on venue and location.
Key North American dates include:
- May 29: Masonic Temple, Detroit, MI
- June 5: Governors Ball, Flushing, NY
- June 6: Roadrunner, Boston, MA
- June 23–24: The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA (two nights)
- August 12: Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA
Festival appearances include Bonnaroo on June 14 and Lollapalooza on July 30. Several shows, including Toronto’s Massey Hall on May 30, are designated as all-ages events, giving younger fans a chance to see her early in her career. Hobert has also partnered with PLUS1.org to support arts education access for underserved youth communities, so a portion of ticket proceeds helps fund creative opportunities.
Check out OnesToWatch’s Top Artists To Watch in 2026 to discover more rising stars positioned for breakthrough success alongside Hobert.
What’s Next For Audrey Hobert
Hobert’s 2026 plans include expanding her tour into international markets and debuting her Ilia Beauty collaboration as part of her stage looks. Her place in OnesToWatch’s proven pipeline of breakout artists hints at future arena-level success, similar to alumni like Gracie Abrams who moved from early features to mainstream recognition.
The mix of critical praise, viral social media moments, and strong live reviews sets Hobert up for steady growth through 2026. Her focus on honest songwriting and cohesive visuals gives her a durable foundation in an industry that often favors quick trends over long-term careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Audrey Hobert 2026 tour tickets go on sale?
Presales begin January 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. local time, with general public sales starting January 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster. Presale sign-up closed on January 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET, and full timing details appear in the Ticket Information section above.
What’s the vibe of her live shows?
Hobert’s performances keep the confessional storytelling of her recordings while adding the energy of a packed room. She leans on raw vocals, clear lyrics, and simple staging choices, which creates a feeling of personal vulnerability even in bigger spaces.
Who produced “Who’s The Clown?”
Ricky Gourmet produced the album, building minimalist arrangements around acoustic foundations that keep Hobert’s lyrics in focus. The production style favors closeness and clarity while weaving in unexpected touches like saxophone solos.
Did she really write for Gracie Abrams?
Yes. Hobert co-wrote multiple tracks with her childhood friend Gracie Abrams for Abrams’ 2024 album “The Secret of Us,” including “Risk” and “That’s So True.” Those songs helped showcase Hobert’s writing talent and contributed to her publishing deal with Universal Music Group.
Are there presale codes available?
Fans could sign up for presale access through Hobert’s official channels, but the sign-up window closed on January 19, 2026. Various presales run from January 20, 2026, for those who registered in time, ahead of general on-sale dates.
Closing
Audrey Hobert represents the kind of honest, emerging artistry that OnesToWatch’s curated discovery process brings to the forefront. Her place in the exclusive Class of 2026 underscores her potential for long-term success, supported by critical acclaim, viral momentum, and a fast-growing live following.
Discover your next favorite artist and the stories behind their rise by exploring exclusive artist profiles and insights on OnesToWatch. Do not miss the chance to see Hobert during her breakthrough tour year, and secure tickets when general sales begin January 23.