The night kicked off with Venus Grrrls, delivering an electrifying punk-rock energy. Bathed in intense red strobe lighting, amplifying the entire experience and enhancing the atmosphere. Their second song, ‘Liar Liar’, kept the momentum high, while the next track took an unexpected turn - starting off slow and mellow before erupting into their signature high-energy, rock-infused sound. The stage presence of these girls was unreal - you could tell they were born to be on the stage. This show was very meaningful for these girls as the lead singer Grace is two years cancer-free.
Between the support act and James Arthur, there was a section which reminded everyone of the true importance of the night - donating to Teenage Cancer Trust and why it's an amazing charity. There was a film about Grace’s journey and showed how Teenage Cancer Trust helped her - she said it gave a sense of normality and comfort whilst being in a cancer ward being able to talk to others in a similar position to her. Furthermore, showing the importance of this cause, teens and young adults from across the north and Wales came and Claudia (one of the teens) gave a powerful and moving speech which had everyone feeling emotional - she was stating how Teenage Cancer Trust had truly saved her life, both during and after treatment. As James Arthur stepped on stage, the entire venue seemed to tremble with anticipation: the ground vibrated and the energy radiated off the walls. From the moment he opened his mouth, his powerful vocals took complete control of the room. Everyone's hands were bouncing to the beat throughout ‘Sermon’, and the atmosphere reached new levels with ‘Empty Space’, its intensity shaking the venue. Just when it seemed impossible to get any louder, ‘Can I Be Him’ proved otherwise - the crowd erupted and clapped along to the beat.
Midway through the set, he took a moment to reflect on the song that started it all - his X-Factor audition piece, ‘Impossible’. With this performance, the air turned electric, every lyric carrying the weight of his journey - it was sentimental and tender to experience.
Adding a touch of humor, he teased the audience before ‘Rewrite The Stars’, as he often does, that Anne-Marie was about to make a surprise appearance: moments like these made the night feel personal.
James’ connection with his fans is undeniable; he stopped to chat with fans in the stalls - despite not always understanding what they were saying - and in a particularly heartfelt moment, he reached out to hold a girl’s hand, who was getting emotional, during ‘Quite Miss Home’.
He is a passionate advocate for mental health and delivered a powerful speech about the importance of reaching out for help before performing ‘Train Wreck’ - a song he wrote during his lowest point. As he sang, the emotion in the room was remarkable, the crowd hanging onto every word. It was more than just a performance; it was a moment of collective healing for the fans. The emotional depth continued with his cover of 'A Thousand Years' by Christina Perri, a performance that felt deeply intimate, with the crowd captivated by every note.
One of the most moving moments of the night came when he dedicated 'Cars Outside' to Wayne, a loved one he had lost to cancer. The song unfolded with a delicate slow-paced guitar, gradually building as the drums kicked in, his vocals growing stronger with each beat drop. The raw emotion in his voice resonated deeply, leaving the crowd utterly immersed in the moment.
James Arthur delivered a live music experience that was both euphoric and emotionally captivating, matching the venue perfectly - what better place than the Royal Albert Hall.
Olivia Brown
Image: John Stead
