In case you somehow missed his presence on your social feeds, TikTok’s favorite rock star sombr just crushed his first-ever awards show performance at this year’s VMAs. The rising star made his debut with a medley of his self-written and produced Billboard Hot 100 hits, “12 to 12” and “back to friends.”
In a red carpet interview with Entertainment Tonight, sombr joked that he hoped fans would be talking about his “invisible waist” following his performance. But fans are more likely to be talking about the dancers that came out during “12 to 12,” IMO.
Ahead of his highly anticipated VMAs appearance, sombr—whose real name is Shane Boose—won his first-ever Moon Person award for Best Alternative Video for “back to friends.” He was also up for Best New Artist.
On August 19, he addressed rumors that his “12 to 12” music video costar, Addison Rae, would make a cameo during his performance during an interview with TMZ.
When asked whether the “Diet Pepsi” singer was involved, he shrugged after a long pause and said, “You never know! I think she’s on tour.”
It turns out he was right. After pulling up in an iconic all-white custom look by Miss Claire Sullivan at the 2024 ceremony, Addison couldn’t attend the 2025 VMAs because of her headlining tour stop in Berlin, Germany, on the same day the awards took place in New York.
On August 22, sombr dropped his album, I Barely Know Her, which topped Spotify’s Global Top Albums chart and landed in the top 15 of the Billboard 200 chart. Something tells us his star won’t stop rising anytime soon, as his upcoming (and completely sold out!) North American tour kicks off in Charleston, South Carolina, on September 22.
