Olivia Dean brings the curtain down on Radio 1's Big Weekend with 'magic' set
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Olivia Dean closed BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend festival in Sunderland with a celebrated performance.
- The singer captivated the audience with hits like 'Dive' and 'The Hardest Part,' reflecting on her rapid rise since playing the festival's Introducing Stage in 2023.
- Irish singer CMAT also delivered a dynamic set, addressing past negative comments about her appearance before a crowd-pleasing performance.
Olivia Dean concluded BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Sunderland with a performance described as "magic" by the artist herself. The UK's current pop sensation mesmerized tens of thousands gathered at the main stage, delivering soulful renditions of her popular songs, including 'Dive,' 'The Hardest Part,' and 'So Easy (To Fall In Love).' Dean expressed her disbelief at headlining the festival, recalling her appearance on the Big Weekend Introducing Stage just last year. Her standout year includes major award wins, topping charts, and securing four Brit Awards, including best British artist and best album for 'The Art of Loving.' The 27-year-old Londoner also received a Grammy Award for best new artist and multiple Mobo Awards. Her music, blending pop with jazz, R&B, and folk influences, has cultivated a diverse and loyal fanbase. As Dean finished her set with her number one single 'Man I Need,' the sky erupted in pink fireworks and confetti, met with rapturous applause from the audience. The festival's final day also featured a powerful performance by Irish singer CMAT, who recently won an Ivor Novello award for her album 'Euro-Country.' CMAT engaged the crowd with her energetic stage presence, including dancing and dramatic collapses, while performing hits like 'Stay For Something' and 'When A Good Man Cries.' She also addressed past negative comments about her appearance, confidently stating her attractiveness before removing her shirt to reveal a striking outfit, earning a roaring ovation from the audience.
I cannot believe I am headlining this festival. To think of everything that has happened since then is just crazy.
Originally published by BBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.