📍 Antones — Feb. 5, 2026
Written by Perrin Boyd
The world famous Antone's Nightclub in Austin welcomed an enthusiastic but intimate crowd for Lady Wray's stop on her "Cover Girl" tour. Antone's keeps things real: small, real, and full of heart, more like a family living room where the greats have gathered rather than a fancy concert spot. Lady Wray, with her deep, soul-stirring voice and genuine storytelling, was the ideal artist to grace that stage. Her music carries the same honesty and timeless feel that Antone's has always celebrated, making the night's modest attendance feel like a private gathering for true fans.
Lady Wray has been captivating audiences since she was a teenager. She burst onto the scene in 1998 with "Make It Hot," a massive hit produced by Timbaland and featuring Missy Elliott that topped the R&B charts and went platinum. At just 19, she became known for her smooth, powerful vocals and collaborations with hip-hop heavyweights. Over the years, she's evolved through ups and downs: working with Missy on classics like "All N My Grill," signing with Roc-A-Fella, teaming up with the Black Keys on BlakRoc, and even shelving projects before finding her true voice again. In 2016, she reemerged as Lady Wray with the acclaimed Queen Alone on Big Crown Records, embracing classic soul and gospel roots. Albums like Piece of Me (2022) followed, written during her pregnancy and motherhood journey. Now 46, her 2025 album Cover Girl (released September 26 via Big Crown) is her most confident yet - blending '60s/'70s soul, disco vibes, '90s R&B, and personal themes of self-love, empowerment, and joy. Drawing from her Pentecostal church upbringing, the record feels celebratory and free, with tracks like "You're Gonna Win" radiating optimism and resilience.
When Lady Wray stepped out in her sparkling dress and flashy hair, the energy shifted instantly to something warm and welcoming. With her tight band behind her—keys, bass, drums, and guitar—she opened strong with songs such as “Do It Again” and "Piece of Me," delivering every note with maturity and emotion. Her voice has only gotten richer, carrying the weight of experience while staying full of life. She spoke openly about her daughter a few times, sharing how motherhood has shaped her music and kept her grounded. The show had a real family vibe: Lady Wray like a nurturing mom, guiding and uplifting her "kids" in the audience, even with space to breathe in the room.
The setlist mixed her full career beautifully, from early gems to fresh cuts from Cover Girl. She brought high energy to a revved-up version of Missy Elliott's "All N My Grill," lifted spirits with the motivational "You're Gonna Win," and delivered the smooth groove of "Come On In." The band locked in tight grooves that honored Antone's blues heritage while adding funk and hip-hop flair.
She saved "Guilty", the heartfelt 2016 track dedicated to her incarcerated brother, for the finale. This is the Lady Wray I’ve listened to since 2016 so it was an honor to witness it live. Stretching the chorus with crowd sing-alongs, she tied it to her life lessons: how love and even guilt help us grow stronger. The room erupted in cheers as the last notes rang out, and she bowed deeply, clearly touched. Lady Wray connected an Antone’s that night, making everyone feel part of her story. With Cover Girl shining as her latest triumph, she's proving she's one of soul's most authentic and enduring voices: strong, tender, and full of heart.