Does Role Model fill a Justin Bieber-sized hole in America’s hearts?
Role Model sold out the House of Blues Orlando on March 4, 2025. Thousands of girls (and the boyfriends they dragged along) squeezed in where they could to watch Tucker Pillsbury, aka Role Model, take the stage. My third time seeing him, there was a notable change in this crowd’s energy.
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After the commercial success of his sophomore album “Kansas Anymore,” I expected a busier show, but this was unlike anything I expected. In the days leading up to the concert, I felt the tide shift on TikTok and Instagram. Users were posting about lengthy lines for venues and poor experiences once inside. I raced over to Disney Springs as soon as I could to meet my friend, who had been in line for a few hours. I found her towards the front of a massive line of gingham and denim that followed the length of the lake. Fans sat and stood, making new friends and sharing favorite songs. I saw a myriad of clever shirts inspired by lyrics and posters about being Sally. The familiar kinship of fandom remained among the influx of people.
Image courtesy of @rxsaves
As a General Admission venue, there is always a battle to get towards the front, but with the ever-growing VIP lane and an oversold room of angsty fans, it felt like a sardine can. Our group found a place on the steps behind the sound booth (the best place for an AV nerd and overall music fanatic) as Debbii Dawson took the stage in a crimson red dress and on a keytar. Her obvious anxiousness, paired with the rowdy, restless crowd, made for an incoherent opening act. After listening to her music post-show, I really love her sound and am excited to see her come into herself as a performer.
The second Role Model took the stage, the audience roared, and every camera rose. He took his time warming up the crowd. No lights, no flashy opening, just the words to the album’s opener, “Writing on the Wall.” Proclaiming himself as Ed Sheeran, it was officially showtime.
With his simplistic set and classic sound, Role Model brings back the male pop star genre. His entire album, from the first few songs “Look at that Woman” and “Oh Gemini” to the final number “Deeply Still in Love,” each song is dipped and layered in yearning for lost love. While Role Model’s recent dating history is well documented, it’s refreshing to see an honest, repentant man post-breakup.
“Slut Era Interlude” might be one of the most iconic moments of the night, shifting from this hopeless lover to a darker, broken man.
Many facets of Role Model’s performer identity are reminiscent of previous male stars, like his predilection for shaking hips like Elvis. At his core, fans love him for his dry humor and charismatic stage presence. I mean, no one is more committed to the bit than the Saint Laurent Cowboy— I mean Tucker.
So, the question is “Does Role Model fill a Justin Bieber-sized hole in America’s hearts?” Some may argue that Harry Styles is the most recent big male pop star, but I believe it’s a different formula.
Role Model found his start on the internet and rose to his current peak fame after a highly publicized break-up with a social media It Girl. His music is unabashed in its vulnerability, allowing his fans to reach for the heart on his sleeve. His most iconic concert moment and digital tie to keep virtual audiences engaged, “Where’s my Sally at?” mirrors Justin Bieber’s “One Less Lonely Girl.” The reality is that Role Model fills a Justin Bieber-sized hole in America’s hearts, and will hopefully take on the mantle of being America’s next-favorite pop boy.