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Doja Cat has responded strongly to fans who criticised the opening night of her Ma Vie World Tour in Auckland, New Zealand. The first show, which launched on Tuesday, drew mixed reactions online, with some fans claiming the performance lacked visuals, structure and varied outfits. But the thirty year old rapper made it clear she is not shaken by the backlash and is not changing her artistic approach to please everyone.
Images from the show captured Doja commanding the stage in a tiger print bustier, a black fur coat draped across her arms, heavy glittery make up, and long black stiletto nails. Despite the striking look, some fans expected even more spectacle. Comparisons were quickly drawn between this tour and her previous Scarlet Tour in 2023, with one fan commenting that the new show “just gives Scarlet with different outfits.” Another added, “Hopefully she listens to the criticism,” prompting Doja to answer bluntly, “I won’t and I don’t need you.”
The criticism extended to her wardrobe choices. One fan questioned why there were no outfit changes, asking, “No outfit changes this era too…?” Doja replied sharply, “I am singing my music for the people who want to hear me sing.” Her message was clear. The music comes first and she refuses to treat her show like a Broadway production. She reinforced this by telling critics, “I make music for people who enjoy music. I am not a Broadway act.”
Although some fans were displeased, others praised her performance. Supporters described her dance break as breathtaking and hailed her as one of the greatest performers of her generation. Doja herself seemed unfazed by the mixed reactions, reminding her audience that she puts immense effort into every night of the tour. “You are not the artist you are the watcher,” she wrote, encouraging those with harsh opinions to keep them to themselves unless they are willing to appreciate the work she puts in.
Doja’s relationship with fans and social media has long been complicated. In previous years she has clashed with her fanbase over various controversies, including a moment in 2022 when she threatened to quit music after criticism in Paraguay. She also lost a large number of Instagram followers in 2023 after telling her loyal supporters, known as Kittenz, to “get a job.” Earlier this year, she spoke about feeling uncomfortable after a fan touched and kissed her without permission at a meet and greet.
Despite everything, the Ma Vie tour setlist shows she is giving audiences a full experience. She performed twenty seven tracks in Auckland, including early hits like Say So and newer songs like Jealous Type. Her next stop is Perth, after which she will head to South America in 2026, then Europe in May and June, before wrapping up the tour in the US.
As the tour continues, one thing is clear. Doja Cat is standing firm. Her priority is the music and the people who appreciate her for exactly what she offers, not what some fans demand she become.
