Debbii Dawson

Role Model made his Madison debut at The Sylvee for his No Place Like Tour on Tuesday night (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).

There may be “No Place Like” home, but Role Model sure made The Sylvee feel pretty close to it Tuesday night. The rising pop star brought his “No Place Like” Tour to Madison, Wisconsin last night, captivating a packed crowd with his signature blend of vulnerability, swagger, and self-deprecating charm.

With a new viral hit under his belt and a growing reputation from his recent stint opening for Gracie Abrams, Role Model proved that he’s no longer just a supporting act—he’s a main event.

Opening the show was singer-songwriter Debbii Dawson, who immediately set the tone with her nostalgic yet fresh take on pop. Seamlessly blending modern sensibilities with retro influences, Dawson delivered a magnetic set that showcased her unique sound and emotional depth. She performed standout tracks from her How To Be Human project, which reflected on themes of solitude and escapism. Her newest single, the electric “You Killed The Music,” shimmered live with a disco-tinged sadness, capturing the audience’s attention with both style and substance. Having previously toured with the likes of Orville Peck and Suki Waterhouse, Dawson’s trajectory is clearly on the rise.

When Role Model took the stage, it was with the energy of someone who’s been waiting to headline. Kicking off the set with “Writing’s on the Wall,” Role Model, who jokingly introduced himself as Ed Sheeran, confidently moved through an 18-song performance that wove heartbreak, humor, and hope into one cohesive night. Tracks like “Look at That Woman” and “Scumbag” showcased his knack for raw lyricism and subtle sarcasm, while “a little more time” and “Frances” drew out some of the loudest singalongs of the evening. He’s a self-described diva, and that flair came through in his performance—every move intentional, every note drenched in emotion.

Adding to the evening, Tuesday night’s crowd included some extra special guests: the University of Wisconsin Badgers Women’s Hockey Team, who just days earlier won the 2025 NCAA D1 National Championship. Lacey Eden, Laila Edwards, Maggie Scannell, Chloe Baker, Kirsten Simms (who stunned fans with her clutch game-tying penalty shot and the overtime game-winner), and their teammates brought their championship trophy along for the ride, celebrating in the audience like true fans. Their presence added an extra jolt of local pride to the night.

The biggest eruption from the crowd came during “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” Role Model’s current social media smash. Keeping with tour tradition, he invited a fan onstage to join him, making the moment feel spontaneous, special, and utterly TikTok-worthy. The crowd chanted every lyric with the kind of cathartic joy that only a viral song can spark. It was a reminder of how quickly Role Model’s songs can travel from bedroom-recorded heartbreak anthems to massive cultural moments.

He also paid tribute to The 1975 with a cover of “Somebody Else,” bridging generations of emotionally honest alt-pop, before diving into deeper cuts like “Old Recliners” and the tender “Slipfast.” The night closed with “Deeply Still in Love,” a poignant closer that lingered long after the lights came up.

Role Model’s Sylvee stop was a whirlwind of connection, catharsis, and charm. There may be no place like Madison for Role Model, but if Tuesday night was any indication, there’s no stopping where he’s headed next.