On August 19, Reneé Rapp made her way back at The GRAMMY Museum, and this time she’s brought her signature attitude, wit, and powerhouse vocals with her. Just a little over two weeks after releasing her sophomore album Bite Me, the 25-year-old star gave fans an intimate rooftop experience at the Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace in Downtown Los Angeles — mixing personal stories, unfiltered honesty, and stripped-down performances that showcased her new bratty, rock-driven sound.
The evening kicked off with a lively Q&A moderated by Billboard deputy editor Lyndsey Havens, who also hosted Rapp’s first GRAMMY Museum appearance. The decision to bring Havens back proved genius — the two share an easy chemistry that kept the conversation engaging, hilarious, and deeply personal. Together, they dove into everything from the meaning behind Bite Me’s title to the album’s themes and Rapp’s biggest tour yet. And in true Reneé fashion, her quick wit kept the audience laughing. (When fans’ cheers erupted as she walked out, she smirked, “Keep it up” while taking her seat.)
For Rapp, Bite Me is rooted in one thing: attitude. “I don’t like authority or being told what to do,” she confessed during the Q&A. The title itself is a cheeky nod to her dad, who used to say the phrase often — one of those “funny white people terms,” she joked — and the perfect expression of her defiance.
Unlike her debut, there was no strict timeline or formula here. The album came together when she felt it was right, inspired by a season of growth, struggle, and frustration. “Life was getting harder and I had enough,” she admitted, adding that she finds comfort in writing her feelings into songs. This time, she wasn’t worried about what anyone else thought — she just wanted to make music for herself, and she’s never been prouder of the result.
Part of what fans love most about Rapp is her brutal honesty. She admitted she doesn’t like to put out songs she isn’t fully behind, though in the past she has. (She even joked about her ongoing hatred for “Too Well,” a running gag with her fanbase.) But Bite Me is different: every track is one she loves, even if it took some convincing.
“Leave Me Alone,” which ultimately opens the album, was one she initially resisted because she wasn’t sure she could tap into the right energy. Eventually, her natural attitude poured through, and she realized it had to be the starting point. Other songs almost cut include the fan-favorite “Sometimes,” which she felt didn’t quite fit lyrically, and “Shy,” which she fought to keep. “I didn’t lose any battles — I won them all,” she joked proudly.
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With the album now ready to drop, Rapp is gearing up for her biggest tour yet. Fans peppered her with questions about what to expect, with one even admitting they plan to hit 10 shows this fall. Her response? “She’s not going,” Reneé deadpanned. While she kept most details under wraps to preserve the surprise, she promised that this time she’s determined to be present and enjoy the experience, unlike her last tour, when outside pressures dimmed her own fun.
Then came the highlight of the night: a stripped-down set that proved why Reneé Rapp’s live vocals are unmatched.
She opened with “Shy,” a fan-favorite that set the tone for the rest of the evening. Next came “Kiss It, Kiss It,” a playful track that showcased her bratty edge, before switching gears with the emotional ballad “Sometimes,” performed live for the very first time. To close the night, she delivered a stunning rendition of “I Think I Like You Better When You’re Gone,” which highlighted both her lyrical vulnerability and her vocal range.
As always, the mic was on — and Reneé’s mix of humor, rawness, and powerhouse vocals had the audience fully locked in from start to finish.
Before leaving the stage, Rapp thanked her fans for showing up and supporting the new music — but not without one last sharp quip. “If you haven’t listened to the album yet… say you don’t have taste and be better next time,” she teased, leaving the crowd both laughing and hungry for more.
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What makes this era of Reneé Rapp so special is the authenticity behind it. She’s never been one to turn “it” on or off — her wit, her honesty, her chaotic energy, it’s always there, both on and off stage. Her fans don’t just connect with her powerhouse vocals (though she may truly be one of the best of her generation); they connect with her realness. Few artists are willing to share their unfiltered thoughts and keep running jokes alive with their fans the way she does, and it makes the relationship feel genuine.
With Bite Me, Rapp isn’t asking for approval — she’s delivering the music she wants to make, on her own terms. And from the excitement in the room at The GRAMMY Museum, it’s clear fans are more than ready to follow her into this bratty, bold new chapter.
If she can light up a rooftop terrace with just her voice and her attitude, imagine what she’ll do in arenas this fall. Trust us — you’re not going to want to miss Reneé Rapp’s Bite Me Tour, kicking off September 23.
