Gracie Abrams defends tour support, Dora Jar, following fan petition for her removal
American singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams has rushed to the defence of her tour support, Dora Jar, after fans created a petition for Jar’s removal.
Jar, the musical alias of New Yorker Dora Jarkowski, is set to support Abrams on her upcoming run of dates across Europe, which starts on February 8th in Madrid. After traipsing through mainland Europe in February, Abrams will play shows across the United Kingdom in March, including The O2 in London, Co-op Live in Manchester, and the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
In light of the announcement on January 24th of Jar’s involvement on the tour, Dexter Morgan created a Change.org petition, which has now been deleted. The petition cited the nature of Jar’s material and her alleged low profile, despite the singer boasting more than 440,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, as reasons for its creation.
Morgan wrote: “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.”
Abrams took to Instagram to respond to the petition, writing, “Just hearing about this absolute ridiculousness. So wildly uncool and bizarre and also just does not remotely add up. I’ve only seen everyone’s total excitement 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.”
In another Instagram Story post, Abrams also wrote: “Hi reiterating this and then dropping it. I am so excited to share a stage with this gem of an artist. Love you Dora ❤️.”
Jar released her debut album, No Way to Relax When You Are on Fire, last year and has also previously supported Billie Eilish and The 1975 on arena tours. Writing on X, she said of the petition: “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 added: “Signed the petition but rehearsing these songs just in case I remain the opener! Love u Dexter.”
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