Shab had ‘full circle moment’ in New York

Shab found her return to perform in New York last month a “gorgeous full circle moment”.

Shab found her return to New York a “gorgeous full circle moment”.

The Lipstick singer first arrived in the Big Apple as a teenage refugee from Iran and she admitted it was an “indescribable feeling” to find herself performing in the city for the first time last month as support for The Wanted 2.0.

She exclusively told BANG Showbiz: “Returning to New York for my first performance on tour with The Wanted was a gorgeous full circle moment for me. I first landed in America through New York as a teenager with dreams and everything that I owned in a single small suitcase, yearning for a place where I could finally express myself and be free.

“So standing on that stage, performing my music for those who resonate with my journey, was an indescribable feeling.”

Shab hopes her performance will inspire people to pursue their dreams “against all odds” and she’s pleased she was able to share her work with the people of New York after the city made her feel so welcome.

She added: “And it’s not just about the music: it’s about resilience, hope and the power of pursuing your dreams against all odds. New York welcomed me with open arms — and I had the opportunity to reciprocate with my art. This is what living my American Dream truly looks like.”

During the gig at Racket, Shab shared another meaningful call back to her early days.

While the singer is preparing to launch her own Drop Trou clothing line, which she had showcased for the first time during her soundcheck, she took to the stage in a sheer black costume with thigh boots – the first outfit she ever wore for a live performance, symbolising both rebirth and self-ownership.

In a single evening, Shab reminded New York that pop can still be personal, political, and powerful all at once.

Backed by two hunky male dancers – who nearly stole the spotlight themselves – and her longtime musical director Mike Manning, Shab quickly turned first-time onlookers into cheering fans. As she powered through Indestructible, the room pulsed with her energy. Her performance style combined Jennifer Lopez’s show-stopping confidence with Shakira’s hypnotic rhythm and fluid grace, every move charged with emotion and intent.

Her sound and stage presence channelled the golden era of early-2000s pop divas, evoking Christina Aguilera’s fire and Britney Spears’ Toxic-era edge—especially during her fierce, flirtatious performances of Say It With Your Chest, Sexual, and Lipstick. The crowd responded in kind, singing, dancing, and cheering as if watching a global superstar in the making.

When Voodoo began with its Fat Joe intro, Shab slipped offstage briefly while Mike amped up the already buzzing crowd. Moments later, she reemerged for her final number – an emotionally charged performance of her upcoming single Skin + Bones – leaving the stage to huge cheers.

But the night didn’t end there. Instead of retreating backstage, Shab dove straight into the crowd, dancing joyfully among fans during The Wanted 2.0’s set, exuding the same radiant energy she’d just delivered onstage. Her humility and warmth were unmistakable – she handed out gifts, posed for photos, and chatted with fans long after the show ended.

Shab’s new single, Skin + Bones (Damon Sharpe remix) is out now, her EP, Skin + Bones, drops on November 21, while her debut fashion collection launches exclusively on DropTrouNow.com later this year.