Viral Comedian Courtney Michelle's Autobiographical Tour: 'A Chuckle Keeps a Comedian Alive'

A Journey from West Virginia to the Stage

Courtney Michelle's journey from a modest upbringing in West Virginia to becoming a viral comedian, actress, and macro-influencer is nothing short of inspiring. Now, she's preparing to take her semi-autobiographical, multimedia live show, Girlwind, on a five-city tour. The tour will begin in August with performances in Nashville, Chicago, Atlanta, Austin, TX, and Los Angeles.

Girlwind is a sketch show that tells the story of one girl-slash-woman through a blend of multimedia elements. It's both vulnerable and fun, offering a glimpse into Michelle's life while acknowledging that some parts are fictional. "If it's really sad and pathetic, it's totally made up. If it's funny and cool, it's part of my life," she says.

The show features 17 songs, including covers of Meredith Brooks' “Bitch,” Green Day’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” and Smash Mouth’s “All Star.” Michelle discusses her love for millennial girl pop, how she developed Girlwind, and why comedians who rose to fame online still crave live performance.

From Small Town to Social Media Stardom

Michelle grew up as an only child in a small town in West Virginia, where she experienced poverty and learned early on the importance of making people like her. She was drawn to performing, starting with musical theater and later moving into acting in Miami and Los Angeles. During the pandemic, she turned to TikTok, where she found success with her comedic content.

Before embracing TikTok, Michelle didn't do standup but took improv classes. Her transition into comedy came after realizing that being funny was a part of who she was. She started doing standup in Nashville, which she describes as a whole different world — one that's both scary and exciting.

What Makes Courtney Michelle's Comedy Unique?

Michelle describes her comedy as observational, though she admits the term is vague. Her videos often feature characters based on people she has encountered, including versions of herself. She finds humor in relatable situations, whether it's dealing with annoying people or navigating awkward moments similar to those seen in shows like Seinfeld or Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Her comedic inspirations come from the people around her, particularly her parents and their relationships. These individuals had a commanding presence and could change the energy in a room with their humor, something Michelle admired growing up.

The Development of Girlwind

Girlwind is inspired by Michelle's experiences as a young woman transitioning into adulthood. She wanted to create a live show that combined her love for the stage with her online audience. The show explores themes like mother-daughter relationships, female friendships, and interactions with men, all told through a humorous lens.

Michelle incorporated music into the show, drawing from her childhood influences like Hilary Duff and Ashlee Simpson. She uses music to add another sensory layer to the performance, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

Workshops and Tour Plans

Michelle and her team conducted a test run of the show, though she admits it wasn’t the best experience. Performing for a small audience was challenging, but they used the feedback to refine the show. After a successful sold-out performance, they decided to take it on the road.

The tour cities were chosen based on fan input, with a mix of locations that make sense geographically and where friends can attend. Michelle emphasizes the importance of live performance, noting that hearing a live audience laugh is essential for comedians.

Future Plans and Merchandise

Michelle is considering creating merchandise for the show, though she's still working through the idea of people wanting to wear her face on a shirt. She envisions merch that reflects the show's relatable aspects rather than just focusing on her image.

When asked about her favorite music artists, Michelle mentions Britney Spears and Madonna, as well as her love for millennial throwback music. She also enjoys current pop and country, especially during the summer.

Final Thoughts

As Girlwind makes its way across the country, Michelle remains focused on connecting with her audience and delivering a show that resonates. Whether through comedy, music, or storytelling, she continues to explore new ways to make people feel seen and entertained.