Doja Cat brought her “Ma Vie” tour to Sydney on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Qudos Bank Arena marking the first stop of her Australian tour of her fifth studio album, Vie.
I was there myself, and what stood out immediately to me was how boldly she stepped away from the spectacle-heavy expectations of modern pop performances. She refused to rely on costume changes or elaborate staging and leaned fully into the music, a choice that echoed the sentiment of her 2023 track “Attention,” where she called out audiences who “follow but don’t really care about the music.”
The result was one of the most music-focused pop shows Sydney has seen in a while. Backed by a distinctly ’80s-inspired funk band, Doja delivered pristine, commanding vocals throughout the night, showcasing a confidence that didn’t need “spectacle” to hold attention. Her band became a highlight of the show, blending brass, rock instrumentation, and tight choreography with bright, neon-pink suits and standout solos that shifted the entire arena.
Visually, the show maintained its own character despite the lack of wardrobe changes, which have become a common complaint from fans on social media. Doja appeared in a bold, high-cut leopard-print bodysuit, metallic purple stockings, a messy red wig, and vibrant, theatrical makeup, producing an aesthetic that felt like early ’80s icons such as Tina Turner. The look paired seamlessly with the sonic identity of Vie with its musical funk and ’80s textures.
Overall, Doja Cat’s Sydney opener felt like a deliberate reset and served as a reminder that charisma, music , and artistic conviction can be just as captivating as over-the-top pop production. If the rest of the tour follows this style, fans are in for a performance unlike no other.
Audrey, December 2025