The singer's new LP, Bite Me, is out today

Reneé Rapp appeared on The Late Show to perform her new song “Shy.” The singer showcased the anthemic, ’90s-inspired pop number from a Broadway-style set with a New York City apartment and fire escape.

“Oh, what a good time to be alive/ I’m good at keepin’ it cute, but on the inside/ I’m freakin’ out, thinkin’ ’bout how bad I need you,” she crooned as she moved through the set, posing in the faux window and on the fire escape.

“Shy” comes off Rapp’s new album, Bite Me, which drops today via Interscope Records. It follows her 2023 debut LP, Snow Angel, and includes single “Leave Me Alone,” which she debuted live a new song at the American Music Awards last year.

Rapp will kick off her Bite Me tour on Sept. 23 at Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre before heading to cities such as Chicago, Boston, Portland, San Francisco, Austin, and Atlanta. Syd and Ravyn Lenae, her “favorites,” will split the run as openers for the shows. The tour also includes a headlining slot at Toronto’s All Things Go festival. “See you thereeee,” she wrote on Instagram.

In May, the singer stopped by the podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler, and shared that her mom, Denise Rapp, specifically chose her name to ensure success. “My mom chose my first and last name to be—well, okay, arguably chose my first and last name to both have R’s,” Rapp told host Poehler. “She was like, ‘Alliteration, just in case she wants to be a pop star’… I’m obsessed with the way she did it. I’m like, ‘Thank you, God.’'

 

Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.

The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.

A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.

She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.

The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.

“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”

Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”

She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”

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