Holly Humberstone first gained attention in 2020 with her debut EP Falling Asleep at the Wheel, released during the lockdown period. The project earned widespread acclaim, including a five-star review from NME, and quickly amassed millions of streams. Follow-up releases included the 2021 EP The Walls Are Way Too Thin, which further highlighted her storytelling ability and vulnerability. She finished as runner-up in the BBC Sound of 2021 poll and received an Ivor Novello nomination. In 2022, she won the BRITs Rising Star award, a significant milestone that placed her alongside previous recipients like Adele. Her debut studio album, Paint My Bedroom Black, arrived in October 2023, showcasing a more developed sound with propulsive pop elements alongside gentler, romantic tracks.
As of early 2026, Humberstone is preparing to release her second studio album, Cruel World, on 10 April. The lead single “To Love Somebody” is already available, offering fans a taste of the new material. Her music continues to resonate for its honest portrayal of tumultuous emotions, from post-breakup reflection to self-doubt and resilience.
Humberstone’s current tour supports the upcoming Cruel World album and is often referred to as the Cruel World Tour. The UK leg featured intimate, sold-out shows, including a New Century Hall in Manchester on 30 March 2026. The Manchester set included tracks such as “Dive,” “To Love Somebody,” and “Falling Asleep at the Wheel,” blending newer songs with established favourites in a stripped-back format that emphasised her live energy and connection with the audience.
Following the UK dates, the tour continues with a sold-out show at Electric Bristol on 1 April 2026 and another at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London on 2 April 2026. She is then scheduled to perform at Coachella in Indio, California, on 12 and 19 April 2026. The North American leg begins in June 2026, starting at Paradise Rock Club in Boston on 3 June, with additional headline dates in cities including Montreal, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, and San Francisco. Festival appearances are also lined up, such as Governors Ball in New York and Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee. Many early UK shows have sold out, reflecting strong demand for her live performances.
Humberstone’s career trajectory reflects steady growth from bedroom recordings to international stages, driven by her distinctive voice and relatable songwriting. With Cruel World on the horizon and extensive touring planned through mid-2026, she remains one of the most compelling voices in contemporary pop. Fans can check her official website for the latest ticket updates and album details.
Photo Copyright © Stephen Farrell
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