Perth's summer festival season kicked off with a spectacular bang as global pop sensation Addison Rae made her highly anticipated Western Australian debut at the Wildlands music festival. The event, held on a scorching Saturday at Arena Joondalup, saw thousands of revellers gather to welcome the new year with a massive lineup of international and local talent.
A Glittering Arrival and High-Energy Performance
Addison Rae, the 25-year-old Louisiana-born star, sparkled onto the main stage around 6:15pm, dazzling the crowd in a white diamanté bra and full glitter. Her entrance was shrouded in mystery, with several dancers in black trench coats, blindfolds, and blonde wigs appearing first. The star soon revealed herself, tearing off her disguise to launch into her hit song, Fame Is a Gun.
For the next 45 minutes, Rae delivered a flawlessly choreographed, high-octane set. Her extensive childhood dance training was on full display, with seductive moves and clean, precise routines that drew clear comparisons to pop icon Britney Spears. She powered through her setlist in red heels, performing tracks from her self-titled debut album including High Fashion, Aquamarine, and Diet Pepsi.
A Heartfelt Connection with Perth Fans
Between songs, the social media superstar turned chart-topper took moments to connect with the enthusiastic audience. She expressed her deep affection for Perth, revealing she had spent the morning at a local beach. "Thank you for being so beautiful and loving," she told the crowd, before making a declaration that sent fans into a frenzy: "I really love Perth, I want to live here."
The connection peaked during her performance of Von Dutch, the Charli XCX track she features on. Rae ran down to the barrier, passing the microphone to ecstatic fans so they could scream the song's iconic line. One lucky attendee even received a hug from the star, capping off an unforgettable debut performance that left the crowd buzzing.
Star-Studded Lineup Lights Up the Summer Night
While Addison Rae was a major drawcard, the Wildlands festival boasted a powerful trio of headliners. US rapper Kid Cudi, 41, took the crowd on a nostalgic journey, performing classic tracks like Day 'n' Nite and Pursuit of Happiness from over two decades ago. Clearly enjoying the Perth vibe, he celebrated the new year with sips of tequila from the stage.
Australian house music maestro Dom Dolla, 33, closed the night with an explosive set. He treated fans to his beloved anthems alongside fresh, unreleased material, declaring the Wildlands show his "best of the tour." True to form, his performance culminated in a fiery pyrotechnic and fireworks display that lit up the Joondalup sky.
The festival, spread across three stages on a stunning 33-degree summer day, successfully blended genres and generations. From Addison Rae's pop spectacle to Kid Cudi's rap anthems and Dom Dolla's house beats, Wildlands Perth provided the perfect, energetic launch to 2026 for thousands of music lovers.
