Gracie Abrams sprang to Dora Jar's defense as fans started a petition to remove the latter as the opening act of Abrams' upcoming The Secret of Us tour.
On January 24, it was announced that Jar would serve as the opening act for Abrams during the 19 shows on the European leg of the tour, which kicks off in Madrid on February 8, as noted by Billboard. Shortly after, a Change.org petition was started under the name Dexter Morgan, demanding Jar's removal and replacement as the tour's opener.
“Many fans, including myself, are baffled by the recent announcement … We are perplexed as we do not recognize her, and with less than two weeks till the tour, it’s virtually impossible to familiarize ourselves with her slow-paced songs," the since-deleted petition reportedly read.
“For a memorable concert experience, an opening act should set the mood and get the crowd excited, but Dora’s slow tempo songs may not achieve this goal," the petition continued, saying "a more well-known, energetic artist or band" should be tapped to replace Jar. (As an aside, clearly some of these fans have not listened to the vast majority of Abrams' catalog prior to The Secret of Us — she loves a heart-wrenching, slow ballad.)
Jar, who has previously been a tour opener for Billie Eilish and The 1975, reacted to the petition on her socials. “Hate comes with the job, the truth is this is the biggest outpouring of love I’ve ever received from a fanbase who is still unfamiliar with me. Gracie has beautiful open hearted fans and I am so excited for this," she wrote on X. She later quipped: "Signed the petition but rehearsing these songs just in case I remain the opener!”
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Since then, Abrams also commented on the situation via Stereogum's Instagram account. “Just hearing about this absolute ridiculousness,” Abrams wrote on January 26, adding that the petition is “so wildly uncool and bizarre” and that it all “does not remotely add up.”
Abrams continued, “I’ve only seen everyone’s total excitement [for the announcement of Jar's opening act], and I couldn’t be luckier or prouder to share a stage with this talented wonder. Stream everything she’s ever made whether or not you’re coming to the show. Dora forever and ever ♾️.”
After defending Jar in the comments section, Abrams also shared words of encouragement for her fellow musician on her Instagram Stories. "Reiterating this and then dropping it. I am so excited to share a stage with this gem of an artist. Love you, Dora ❤️," she wrote, re-sharing her original comment.
