The Weeknd’s Melbourne & Sydney Opener Chxrry22 Shares Her Tour Photo Diary

Chxrry22, the first female artist signed to The Weeknd‘s XO Records, opened for his shows at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium and Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Australia earlier this month. The Canadian-Ethiopian pop/R&B singer performed her latest single “Poppin Out (Mistakes),” cuts from her 2023 EP Siren and even teased a new song. She gives Billboard an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at her time Down Under, from slaying on stage to seeing the sights, and shares how her experience went in her own words: 

Opening up for The Weeknd in Australia has been surreal! I feel so lucky to have been able to perform on a stage this size so early on in my career, and I’m so grateful to him for believing in me enough to give me this opportunity. The fans in Australia are the most loving and energetic which make for the craziest crowds — it’s rare to feel that kind of love on stage as a new artist so I can’t wait to be back for my own tour someday very soon.

I’ve been enjoying some down time in between the shows and exploring Sydney, so that’s been really fun. I’ve tried every Tim Tam possible, and got to see kangaroos and the strip club, so I think my week off was pretty successful. I will say, hay fever is kicking my ass so I’m on vocal rest now before my last show. Wish me luck! XO Chxrry