Olivia Rodrigo at BST Hyde Park
“This is kind of a dream gig for me”, declares American songstress Olivia Rodrigo mid-way through her headline slot at London’s BST Hyde Park. The feeling appears mutual as the crowd – dressed in glittery skirts and the singer’s merch – hang on every word.
An exhilarating instrumental opens the set as pyro explodes across the stage before even a single lyric is sung, sending a wave of excitement surging through the notably young crowd. With her signature red lipstick, grungy visuals, and a burst of attitude, Rodrigo arrives on stage fully formed as an unapologetic voice of her generation.
She opens with the explicit bad idea right?, immediately distancing herself from her child-star past and exuding a confidence beyond her years. Her background in acting adds a level of theatrics to the performance, yet it never feels contrived. While every moment may be meticulously rehearsed, to a sold-out Hyde Park, it feels authentic and raw. Vocally, Rodrigo is faultless. She alternates between ballads and bangers with ease; either bold or delicate, but never less powerful. Obsessed sees the singer writhing around on the floor, camera strategically placed below, while hit Drivers License provides shared emotional release.
The night’s biggest surprise is an appearance from Ed Sheeran for a duet of his hit The A Team, triggering piercing screams. Stood together at the end of the runway, acoustic guitars in hand, it is a stunning moment of intimacy from two of the industry’s biggest stars.
Closing the night in a blaze of fire, Rodrigo’s energy is relentless to the end. Set finale get him back sees the singer stood atop a metal beam, megaphone in hand. A metaphor perhaps for the singer’s impact – she may be just 22 but there’s a whole legion of fans ready to follow her lead. This isn’t just a pop concert, it’s a collective cathartic release and a reminder that heartbreak, rage and joy can all exist at once. Olivia Rodrigo doesn’t ask for permission; she just shows up, pours her heart out, and burns the whole thing down in a beautifully chaotic display.
Katherine Parry
Photos: Courtesy of BST Hyde Park/Virginie Viche (supports)
For further information and future events, visit Olivia Rodrigo’s website here.
Watch the video for get him back here:
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