The audience erupted as a booming voice proclaimed “I’m like a spy, I studied this shit,” red strobe lights illuminating dancers scouring the stage, acting like spies. When the coast was clear, they escorted Adéla Jergová on stage, reminding attendees the pop protégé knows exactly what she needs to do for “The Red Bottoms Tour.”
Following the release of her debut album Prima, the Slovakian singer, also known by her stage name ADÉLA, performed in Austin for the first time, selling out Emo’s on Thursday night. Packed with fans adorning pink wigs and stilettos, warehouse goers embodied the night’s maximalist high-fashion mood.
Dressed in denim minishorts and a matching bralette, Jergová glided across the stage for “KGB” before transitioning seamlessly into “FinallyApologizing,” garnering roars of the liberating chorus “you won’t get what you want from me” from audience members.
Shifting back to Prima with “Boys,” Jergová muses the many men attracted to her, calling fans to clap for their “sickening dancebreak,” before spinning into a sultry high kick.
Whipping her hair back to perform “Nasty Dirty Gross,” a Prima bonus track, Jergová followed with hyperpop hit “Go” complete with flashing lights and headbanging from the crowd.
Jergová’s choreography stood out throughout her set, blending the performer’s formal ballet training with contemporary styles. A ballet barre served as the only prop on stage, and was utilized thematically in songs like “DeathByDevotion,” Jergová donning pointe shoes and a tutu for a quick yet mesmerizing ballet section.
Taking an emotional turn before “Ain’t in LA,” Jergová spoke about her background as an immigrant from a small country, dedicating the song to those who gave up their dreams due to a lack of resources, including her own mother who she said is the “baddest bitch” she knows.
“The baddest bitches are not just in L.A.,” Jergová said. “They’re in Austin, Texas!”
Donning a hot pink cowboy hat, Jergová belted the fan-favorite track “Ain’t in LA”, even inviting a young fan onto the stage, crowning him as “The Baddest Bitch of Austin,” while joking she better not catch him singing along to “SexOnTheBeat.”
The night continued with “Marijuana” and “I’m the Man,” fun, catchy songs that got the audience moving.
“Red Bottoms” was the most touching part of the concert. Accompanied by actual rubbed off red bottom shoes, Jergová sang about knowing she “can’t talk in feelings, but I can talk in fashion,” wondering if her partner will stay if she reveals her true self.
“Starving Artist” and “SexOnTheBeat” featured high energy choreo, while “Fantasize” and “Superscar” showcased Jergová’s vocal runs amidst booming bass.
Grounding herself and the audience through a manifestation session, Jergová asked to end the show on a high note by sharing their emotions and wishes, before remarking she should “ask for a pair of some really nice-sitting tits,” transitioning into closer “Nicole Kidman.”
“’Cause everything you say, it dictates your destiny,” Jergová said. “That’s why I put ‘Pop Princess’ on my license plate.”
