Music superstar Drake surprised fans with an unexpected private karaoke performance on January 31, 2025, at Maison Bâtard’s Le Club on Bourke Street, Melbourne, as he prepared for his highly anticipated Anita Max Win Tour. The 38-year-old Canadian rapper captivated a select audience of about 100 people with a 90-minute set, treating them to live renditions of both fan-favorite tracks and unreleased songs. Excitement was palpable as Drake took the stage, leading to a night filled with screams and cheers.
Known for his magnetic stage presence and chart-topping hits, Drake’s set included tracks like Pipe Down, Rich Baby Daddy, Faithful, and Trust Issues. According to the Herald Sun, the phone-free event was fully funded by Drake, who provided drinks ranging from champagne to martinis and shots. Club owner Chris Lucas expressed his admiration for the intimate venue where the performance occurred, calling it one of the coolest new clubs Australia has seen, specially built to attract big names.
This spontaneous concert served as both launchpad and warm-up for Drake's national tour, which kicks off on February 4, starting in Perth. The tour—his first return to Australia since 2017's Boy Meets World Tour—runs until March 16, concluding with two shows in Auckland.
Notably, the audience included 25 contestants from the Miss Universe pageant, as well as various socialites and influencers, providing additional star power to the night. All guests attended at the rapper's invitation, which created a unique environment marked by celebrity and anticipation. Chris Lucas remained tight-lipped about many details, stating, “I was sworn to secrecy about the event,” demonstrating how special Drake’s unexpected performance was.
Videos from the karaoke night circulated online, showcasing the laid-back yet electric atmosphere as Drake performed seated with his band. This relaxed style hinted at the diverse setlist fans could expect during the upcoming tour, with attendees eager to hear some of the same hits live, solidifying the anticipation around Drake’s performances.
Drake’s transition to the stage has not only been marked by his musical prowess but also by his headline-grabbing clashes with other artists, particularly his protracted feud with American rapper Kendrick Lamar. While the two have exchanged barbs through lyrics, their rivalry escalated last year with public exchanges and even legal action involving accusations made by Lamar against Drake. Even with the tumult of this feud, excitement remains high for Drake's Australian tour, as he gears up to take the stage.
His tour dates kicked off on February 4 with stops scheduled across Australia before heading to New Zealand. Highlighting his status as the global music megastar he is, Drake's upcoming concerts promise to be monumental events enhanced by the backdrop of his private performances and unique experiences like the Melbourne karaoke night.
Despite the festive atmosphere surrounding his surprise performances, some fans can’t help but draw comparisons with his rivalry with Kendrick Lamar, who is set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show on the same day Drake’s tour begins. Observers quipped about Drake’s decision to tour Australia during such high-profile moments for his rival. Comments on social media reflected this sentiment, with fans throwing playful jabs at Drake for leaving the country as Lamar headlines the Super Bowl.
The audience’s excitement was echoed across multiple platforms, with fans expressing their jealousy and admiration of the lucky few who attended Drake’s spontaneous karaoke night. “That karaoke night Drake is doing in Melbourne is too sick, proper musician fr,” one comment read. Another noted, “Best concert rehearsal in the world lol,” showcasing just how special the night felt to those fortunate enough to be present.
Having started his career as an actor on the Canadian series Degrassi: The Next Generation, Drake's transformation to music icon has been nothing less than remarkable. With four Grammy Awards under his belt and numerous Billboard Hot 100 records, including the most charted songs at 338, he continues to dominate the industry. Coincidentally, his history of showmanship was evident even as he incorporated fun aspects, such as karaoke, to warm up for his tour.
Drake himself acknowledged his excitement for the upcoming shows through social media, giving fans glimpses of him dancing and emphasizing the enjoyable moments leading to their interactions. He encouraged his followers to take care of themselves during the winter months, merging his personal brand as both entertainer and relatable figure.
Streamlining the anticipation for his performances, Drake's actions reflect his status as one of the music industry's most prominent figures today, showing confidence and charm. Whether this karaoke experience becomes part of his anticipated Australian setlist remains to be seen, but it certainly sets the tone for what fans can expect from his tour.
With Drake returning to Australia after several years, it’s clear the entertainment industry has its eyes firmly fixed on him. The excitement surrounding the Anita Max Win Tour demonstrates not only the love for Drake but also the changing dynamics within pop and rap culture, where tours coincide with rivalries, special events, and unforgettable fan experiences.