Hilary Duff at the O2 Arena

38-year-old Hilary Duff has done it all. Actress, singer, entrepreneur, Disney darling, noughties icon – and now, the star in her own comeback story. Tonight, she plays the first of two shows at London’s O2 Arena, and there is a feeling that, for many, this moment has been a long time coming.

Almost two decades after her pop heyday, Duff’s return to the stage has fans arriving in droves; adorned in glitter, sequins and butterfly hair clips. For fans who were raised on the singer’s films and songs, tonight is a chance to relive a bit of youth, and witness a star refinding her feet. Songs from her recent release Luck… Or Something sit comfortably alongside the nostalgic hits. The singer’s vocals are strong, although the strength of the backing band occasionally prevents them from fully coming through. Play With Fire proves to be an early highlight, bringing a rockier edge to the set as flames erupt across the back of the stage. The production is relatively understated, allowing the songs and the crowd to take centre stage. Costume changes break the show into multiple parts, ensuring things never get stale, while choreography and occasional pyro punctuate the bigger numbers.

For the long-time fans, there are plenty of treats. Before Future Tripping, Duff playfully pretends to draw the Disney logo in the air, a knowing wink to the career that started it all. Next, she invites fans to join her on stage to have their own go at the iconic With Love choreography. The singer greets all 11 of them with a hug, making time for each person.

It is her humility that makes Duff such an endearing performer. Despite being one of the most recognisable names from the 2000s, the singer is full of gratitude and praise for her fans and the journey that got her here. A “wine-o-clock” segment, in which she asks the audience what she should drink onstage before settling on an espresso martini, threatens to derail the night in glorious fashion. The singer seems genuinely delighted to be here, and even more delighted that thousands have chosen to join her.

The emotional heart of the night comes with Adult Size Medium, a poignant track reflecting on growing older. As the song plays, phone lights begin to fill the arena. For a moment, the scale of the venue disappears and makes way for a room full of people reconnecting with a part of themselves they never quite left behind.

Duff is not here to convince the audience that she is someone new. She has returned as the person fans remember, only older, wiser and entirely comfortable with everything that came before. Judging by the noise from the O2 tonight, nobody wanted her to be anything else. As What Dreams Are Made Of closes the night, the arena erupts. Balloons fall from the ceiling, confetti fills the air and thousands of voices take over. For Hilary Duff and her fans, the dream really has come true.

Katherine Parry
Photos: LA Benoit

For further information and future events visit Hilary Duff’s website here.

Watch the video for Adult Size Medium here: