Australia’s very own pop princess and Nova radio star Ricki-Lee brought Sydney’s Ovolo Woolloomooloo to life, officially kicking off Nova’s Red Room Global Tour Powered by Expedia.
The event marked the start of a once-in-a-lifetime music journey for a lucky group of winners and guests.
Ricki-Lee’s co-hosts on Nova’s Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel, Joel Creasey and Tim Blackwell, warmed up the crowd inside the Piper Rooms, giving a lively welcome to the winners joining them on the international tour. Before bringing Ricki-Lee to the stage, the pair counted an impressive five wind machines in the room, with Tim joking, “It’s definitely a Ricki-Lee show!”
Despite being a seasoned performer, Ricki-Lee admitted she was “so nervous” to perform on the iconic Red Room stage, but said she felt “honoured to be kicking off this global Red Room tour.”
The moment was filled with genuine gratitude as she reflected on her career.
The setlist kept the energy high. New track Ghost had the crowd dancing, while her classic anthem Sunshine was dedicated “to the OGs” in the room. Sitting down for a chat mid-show with guitarist Jesse, Ricki-Lee shared a laugh about how the current top three contestants on Australian Idol weren’t even born when she first auditioned. “I’ve lived an entire life since I did the show,” she said.
In a special nod to her beginnings, she performed En Vogue’s Don’t Let Go, the same song that launched her journey during her Australian Idol audition.
A few surprises along the way
A spontaneous highlight came when Ricki-Lee decided to cover Simply The Best by Tina Turner, a song she said she would choose if she were auditioning today.
The night wrapped with her fan-favourite Can’t Touch It, with the audience throwing their hands in the air and dancing as Ricki-Lee’s infectious energy took over.
After her performance, Tim and Joel returned to the stage to sing her praises, with Tim joking that “Gracie Abrams, Post Malone and Jelly Roll have a lot to live up to” when they join later stages of the global tour.
They thanked Expedia for their support and promised fans following from home that more exciting moments were still to come.
What’s next on the tour?
In a case of no rest for the wicked, Ricki-Lee, Tim, Joel and the 12 winners set off for New Zealand this morning, where they’ll see GRAMMY®-nominated artist Gracie Abrams live.
The journey continues to Los Angeles for an intimate set with Canadian breakout star Lauren Spencer Smith, before heading to Las Vegas to catch Post Malone’s Big Ass Stadium Tour, supported by Jelly Roll.
Spencer Smith will make her return to Nova’s Red Room during the Los Angeles stop, performing ahead of the release of her upcoming album, The Art of Being a Mess.