By Eddie Jorgensen

No one can say it’s been easy for Queens-born Melanie Martinez. Between struggling to find friends while growing up and dealing with her sexuality, to ultimately being eliminated from two major music competitions – MSG Varsity Talent Show and The Voice – all the pieces eventually came together around the singer’s perseverance. Selling-out one of the Capital Region’s most active venues is proof.

After being signed to Atlantic Records, Martinez quickly found a fanbase by releasing her ‘Cry Baby’ debut in 2015. At this stage in Martinez’s career, she’s already had two full-length, Gold records, not to mention a handful of Platinum singles. Her latest 2023 release, ‘Portals,’ is on par to become her biggest if streams and viral TikTok videos are any indicator.

Martinez recently embarked on an ambitious 29-city tour that is taking her from Colorado to Montreal in just two months. With 12 billion streams to her credit, it seems there is no ceiling for her growth. Additionally, Martinez has plans to continue the momentum already sparked by her new album hype and recent overseas festival performances, particularly with some well-timed singles. Martinez will perform June 7 as a genderless, magical being she dubs Cry Baby. The persona is at the center of her previous two releases, ‘K-12’ and ‘Cry Baby.’ The show, which is already sold-out, goes down at the Hard Rock Live in Wheatland. Resale tickets may be available at www.ticketmaster.com. The Hard Rock Live is located in Wheatland at 3317 Forty Mile Road.