When I was in college in 2021, I was browsing for something to watch when I stumbled upon a new show called The Sex Lives of College Girls. At its core, it was a Gen-Z Girls. The standout from the show was undeniably Reneé Rapp, who played a closeted gay girl named Leighton, masking as a rich queen-bee archetype. Her character’s storyline was relatable to a lot of queer people’s coming out journeys, and fans quickly latched onto Reneé’s audacious personality on social media.
In my initial Reneé deepdive, I discovered that not only was she a great actress, but also a powerhouse vocalist — known for playing Regina George in the Broadway production of Mean Girls from 2019-20. Pretty soon after Sex Lives debuted, Reneé released her debut single “Tattoos,” which would later land on the 2022 EP Everything to Everyone. I’m proud to say I’ve been a dedicated listener since her EP release. Her debut album Snow Angel came out in 2023, and was a top album of mine that year. This summer, Reneé dropped her sophomore album Bite Me — a pop record that packs a punch — featuring the lead singles “Leave Me Alone” and “Mad.”
On Oct. 6 at Merriweather Post Pavilion, I had the pleasure of seeing Reneé Rapp live for the third time. I caught her sold-out show at The Anthem in 2023, and saw her set at All Things Go Festival in 2024. Her live performances continue to escalate in quality, and her confidence really shines.
A giant curtain with the words “Bite Me” projected across it covered the stage — the audience was buzzing with anticipation. Her first song was performed mostly behind this curtain — teasing her big reveal even more. The curtain fluttered away and unveiled Reneé atop a podium, which slowly lowered her to the ground as she began “Leave Me Alone.” The stage set consisted of a large star-shaped platform with steps, with her band members positioned on either side. Reneé wore a green army jacket with a bedazzled bodice, black shorts with ripped tights, and black heeled boots. Her blonde hair was styled in effortlessly bouncy curls, which made for exceptional hair whips and flips.
Watch the official music video for “Leave Me Alone” by Reneé Rapp on YouTube:
Next, Reneé played the Bite Me track “Kiss It Kiss It,” featuring a “kiss cam” on the video screen behind her. No high-profile affairs were exposed during this time…that I know of. She carried into two Snow Angel hits “Talk Too Much” and “Poison Poison,” the latter which is extra screamable. “Shy” unabashedly shows off Reneé’s vocal talents. The cheerleader-style chant during the bridge is reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” The second single “Mad” is about a snide situationship — and it’s full of attitude. Continuing in that vein, “Why Is She Still Here?” questions the ever-looming presence of an ex fling as she dragged her mic stand around the stage. The track flatters Reneé’s vocal range, and plays like a Broadway ballad.
After this run of songs, Reneé acknowledged some fan posters in the audience notably a lesbian flag with her photo on it, and a simple paper reading “told everyone i’m at a funeral” with two red stars on it. Reneé questioned this fan extensively: “who did you say died? Your grandma? And how do you think my grandmother would feel knowing that she’s here tonight?” too which the fan nonchalantly responded “pretty good.” Reneé followed up: “Do you still have a grandma?” and the fan nodded “Yeah.” The realization then snapped across her face: “Oh you told your professors? Oh my god, okay, perfect. Totally understand and respect. I didn’t go to school, it’s not really my jam, so I understand you wanting to get out of it. And I will fake my death later, you can record it, and then show it to them as proof. I’ll fake my death, I gotchu.” Reneé continued, “I’m sorry, I saw it and thought ‘now what the hell’ story is behind that one, sister?” The moment was all in good fun, and certainly a memorable segment for many fans.
Reneé then took some time to sing atop a piano in the center of the stage. She reminisced how “Poison Poison” was written about a friendship breakup, and how it “sucked the life out of me and also drained my bank account.” She commented how in her earlier twenties she learned that some people you let into your life and trust will eventually disappoint you — “it just depends to what degree, which is fine. Some friendships don’t last forever. But boy, this one really had me f****d up.” Reneé said that “Poison Poison” was full of anger at this friend, but also herself — “and I was pissed and I was vengeful…still am.” she laughed. This next song “That’s So Funny” was about the same situation from “Poison Poison,” but this time it was a more disappointed tone, in which Reneé said “I’d rather be angry than disappointed, because disappointed you actually have to like sit with yourself.” She splayed herself out atop the piano and sang her sardonic ballad.
Watch the official lyric video for “Poison Poison” by Reneé Rapp on YouTube:
During “Good Girl,” Reneé had an endearing step-dance break with her band. The band’s energy is palpable, and made an excellent addition to her live show. Towards the end of the song, Reneé got on her star platform and danced while her guitarist soloed away. Reneé disappeared from the stage, and then reappeared walking through the barricade to greet fans during “Swim.”
“Tummy Hurts” is my favorite from Snow Angel. It perfectly encapsulates bitterness and grief through quirky lyrics: “Baby I should try religion” and Reneé shouts “‘CAUSE WHY?!” to which the crowd responds, “‘cause Jesus you’re hard to rely on.” The song is so much fun to scream-sing — the proof is in the video I recorded during this song — jeez, I was “singing” loud. At the beginning of “You’d Like That Wouldn’t You,” Reneé grabbed a fan’s rainbow keffiyeh, a symbol not only of pride, but of Palestinian solidarity — a moment that garnered fervent cheering.
To start off “Pretty Girls,” Reneé and one of her band members twerked it out to a remixed version of the song. This is another bi-curious anthem — it has an iconic fan chant; Reneé sings “yeah your boyfriend’s cute,” and the crowd shouts “NO HE’S NOT,” Reneé says “Oh shit yeah he can come too,” and the crowd responds “NO HE CAN’T” It’s a dancey pop earworm that goes by so quickly — I wish it lasted longer.
To finish off the set, she performed “In The Kitchen,” which Reneé said she wrote at 22 about a massive heartbreak. It’s a beautiful ballad off her debut EP, and it’s got to be a concert staple at this point. Reneé asked the crowd to sing the song, and boy, did they deliver. The phone camera lights lit up Merriweather and basked the venue in a gorgeous glow. “Snow Angel” is what I believe to be Reneé’s best song, lyrically and vocally — it hits in every possible way. The bridge showcases the absolute best of her vocals, and easily secures her seat amongst powerhouse vocalist greats.
The vibe shifted into the fun and boppy song “Not My Fault,” which was released in support of the musical film adaptation of Mean Girls (2024). It references the famous line from Cady Heron “it’s not my fault you’re like in love with me or something!” Reneé reprised her role as Regina George in this polarizing movie-musical, but nonetheless, the song is a hit. Reneé stopped the song onstage abruptly, which I believe was a planned bit, and whined about not wanting to play it, but wanted to play something else. This led us into our grand finale, “At Least I’m Hot,” which perfectly sums up Reneé’s personality and attitude toward most subjects she laments about. It was an absolute jam.
On my way out, I did cave and buy one of her $50 tour shirts, but it was totally worth it — a new fave in my endless collection of concert tees. Her show was a wonderful end to my Merriweather season and solidified one thing in my mind — Reneé Rapp is a star.
