Audrey Hobert: The Screenwriter Who Became Pop’s Newest It-Girl
(Los Angeles, CA) – Few artists have made a pivot as dramatic—or as successful—as Audrey Hobert. In just two years, the New York University graduate went from writing punchlines for Nickelodeon sitcoms to performing them in sold-out arenas. Best known initially as the creative partner of superstar Gracie Abrams, Hobert has rapidly evolved into a standalone force in pop music. With her debut album Who’s the Clown? dominating playlists and a world tour underway, here is the complete story of how Audrey Hobert became the internet’s favorite new main character.
Early Life and Artistic Roots
A Creative Dynasty Born on February 19, 1999, in New York City and raised in Los Angeles, Audrey Hobert was born into the entertainment industry. She is the daughter of Bill Hobert, the television producer and writer famous for his work on hit sitcoms like Scrubs and The Middle. Creativity runs deep in the family; her brother is the rising indie-musician Malcolm Todd, with whom she frequently collaborates.
Education and Training While music is her current vehicle, Hobert’s background is rooted in narrative storytelling. She attended the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Screenwriting. This formal training in script structure and character development would later become the secret weapon of her songwriting, allowing her to craft lyrics that feel like mini-movies.
Career Beginnings: The Hollywood Writer
Before she ever picked up a microphone professionally, Hobert was a working screenwriter. Following her graduation, she landed a staff writing position on the Nickelodeon sitcom The Really Loud House.
From 2022 to 2024, she wrote scripts for the show, honing a comedic voice that was sharp, timing-obsessed, and theatrical. However, during the 2023 writers’ strike and the show’s eventual hiatus, Hobert began exploring a different kind of writing in her living room—songwriting.
The Gracie Abrams Era
Hobert’s transition to music was accidental, born out of her lifelong friendship with pop sensation Gracie Abrams. Friends since the fifth grade and roommates as adults, the two began writing songs together as a way to pass the time.
This casual hobby turned into professional gold. Hobert became a primary collaborator on Abrams’ 2024 sophomore album, The Secret of Us. She earned co-writing credits on some of the record’s biggest hits, including:
“Risk” (which she also directed the music video for)
“I Love You, I’m Sorry”
“That’s So True” (a global chart-topper)
Hobert’s influence introduced a wittier, more upbeat energy to Abrams’ discography, bridging the gap between sad-girl ballads and tongue-in-cheek pop anthems.
Solo Stardom: Who’s the Clown?
In May 2025, Hobert officially stepped into the spotlight with her debut solo single, “Sue Me.” The track was an instant viral success, praised for its chaotic energy and Hobert’s unique vocal delivery, which draws heavily on her musical theater background.
The Debut Album On August 15, 2025, she released her debut studio album, Who’s the Clown?, via RCA Records. Produced largely by Ricky Gourmet, the album is a concept record that blends 2000s pop nostalgia with modern alt-pop production.
Key Tracks:
“Bowling Alley”: A cinematic, retro-tinged bop.
“Sex and the City”: A lyrical nod to her screenwriting roots.
“Thirst Trap”: A satirical take on modern dating and social media.
“I Like to Touch People”: The album opener, written on a banjo after Hobert watched a documentary about comedian Steve Martin.
Touring and Live Performances
As of December 2025, Hobert has transitioned from studio wizard to arena performer. She is currently on her first headlining world tour, The Staircase to Stardom Tour.
2025-2026 Tour Schedule Highlights:
December 2025: North American leg, including the El Rey Theatre (Los Angeles) and The Atlantis (D.C.).
Jingle Ball 2025: Hobert was selected to perform at the prestigious iHeartRadio Jingle Ball tour, sharing the stage with Tate McRae and The Kid LAROI in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.
Spring 2026: The tour heads to Europe (London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam) in March, followed by Australia and New Zealand in May.
Artistry and Public Persona
Hobert has cultivated a “one-woman show” aesthetic. Unlike many pop stars who rely on large creative teams, she is deeply hands-on:
Visual Direction: She directs her own music videos, often favoring single-take shots or theatrical choreography that highlights her background in dance.
Comedy Influence: She cites Steve Martin and musical theater as major influences, often prioritizing humor and “camp” over traditional pop polish.
The “Clown” Motif: Her album artwork and merchandise frequently feature clown imagery, a metaphor she uses to describe the vulnerability and absurdity of being a performer.
From the writers’ room at Nickelodeon to the main stage at Jingle Ball, Audrey Hobert has proven she is one of the most versatile and exciting new talents in the entertainment industry.