Osheaga consistently showcases emerging musical talent right when they achieve significant recognition. Last year’s standout was Chappell Roan, and this year, Doechii took center stage.

The Grammy-winning rapper, who hails from Florida, delivered an unforgettable performance on the inaugural night of the Montreal music festival on Friday, August 1. It felt like a defining moment for her career. While The Killers headlined the main stage, Doechii was honored to close the festival on the secondary Forest Stage, showcasing her ascent in the music industry.

Her performance commenced slightly later than expected, kicking off at 10:10 p.m., making her the final act of the night before the noise curfew at 11 p.m. For those eager to experience both performances, The Killers facilitated the transition by launching their set with the iconic sing-along track “Mr. Brightside” as their opener, filling their first hour with a lineup of beloved hits.

Doechii’s stage design was a stunning representation of her Swamp Princess persona, adorned with lush greenery and a striking elevated swampy platform that allowed her to connect with the audience on multiple levels. Even those positioned at the back of the crowd were treated to a visual spectacle. “I look good from the nosebleeds,” she confidently rapped from her hit song “Nosebleeds,” demonstrating her ability to engage her fans from any distance.

For an exhilarating hour, Doechii maintained a vibrant atmosphere, showcasing her rapid-fire rapping skills without heavily relying on backing tracks. She demonstrated her diverse talent, seamlessly blending hip-hop and R&B/pop elements, along with engaging stage presence and well-planned choreography. With her dynamic performance, she exhibited enchanting charisma, taking time to dance, twerk, and showcase some vogue moments. Her respect for classic hip-hop was evident as she rapped over Wu-Tang’s “C.R.E.A.M.” while incorporating a distorted guitar sample that flirted with nu-metal influences, proving she can excel in various styles.

The audience remained enthralled throughout the performance, energetically rapping along and mirroring her enthusiasm. It was Doechii’s first visit to Canada, and her reaction to the crowd’s excitement was palpable. “As an artist, you can encounter a lot of negativity and criticism,” she expressed. “Then you step out into the real world and see your genuine fans.”

Doechii made sure to acknowledge her diverse fan base, thanking her LGBTQ+ supporters, female fans, and those who brought their partners along. “If your boyfriend dislikes female rappers, it’s time to leave him immediately,” she humorously advised her fans, emphasizing the importance of supporting female artists in the industry.

Observing the multitude of phones raised to capture the moment, she seized the opportunity to inspire her audience. “You cannot be afraid to stand up for what you believe in; you must voice what truly matters,” she declared passionately. “Free Palestine.”

Doechii thrilled the audience with her chart-topping hit “Anxiety,” which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. She expressed gratitude to her fans for streaming the track, which features a sample from “Somebody That I Used to Know.” Despite being somewhat of an outlier in her music collection, it has gained immense popularity on TikTok, allowing her to integrate it seamlessly into her live performance. After the song, she extended her thanks to Gotye for granting permission to use the sample.

The standout moment of her set came with “Denial Is a River,” a song that showcases Doechii’s talent for rapping her internal monologue. The performance transformed into an interactive experience as fans chanted along, creating a powerful call-and-response dynamic.

The energy was palpable when, midway through the next song, the sound unexpectedly cut out. “F— that, they cut me off!” she exclaimed, visibly frustrated. She gestured for the audience to boo, then playfully threw her hands up in resignation, saying, “Whatever,” before walking off the stage.

Unfortunately, Osheaga has a strict 11 p.m. noise curfew, which cut her set short. It’s evident that when she returns, a longer headlining performance will be in order to truly showcase her talent.

Doechii is set to perform tonight (August 2) at Lollapalooza in Chicago, where she has hinted at a special guest joining her on stage. If her Osheaga performance is any indication, her next set will undoubtedly create a buzz on social media platforms.

This article originally appeared on Billboard Canada.