Last night, March 19th, the legendary Eventim (Hammersmith) Apollo transformed into something otherworldly. With a sold-out crowd of 5,000 packed into the beautiful, historic venue, the evening was a buzz of anticipation, all to see the two-time Eurovision winner Loreen.
As the lights dimmed, a colossal ring of light flickered into existence, like a portal to another realm. Loreen stood in the centre, silhouetted against the smoke, her figure instantly recognisable. Long black hair cascading down her back, dressed in mediaeval-esque body armour, her hands adorned with those signature dagger-like nails, like some kind of cosmic warrior, she was both ethereal and untouchable. The air felt electric, alive with the collective energy of fans who had waited for this moment.
The first notes of ‘Jupiter Drive’ opened up her performance. A slow, intoxicating build—mysterious, brooding, pulling the audience into Loreen’s world. The song’s heartbeat-like rhythm and cinematic atmosphere set the perfect tone: this would not be an ordinary pop concert.
From there, she took the crowd on a journey through her soundscape, seamlessly blending the dark, atmospheric electronica of her past with the anthemic, heart-stopping power of her newer material.
Tracks from her 2017 album ‘Ride’ made their way into the set, including ‘Dreams’, a hazy, dreamlike moment that wrapped around the audience like a mist. Then came ‘Hate The Way I Love You’, a song soaked in heartbreak and desperation, its fast-paced drum beats and stunning violin melodies creating an emotional storm. The weight of the lyrics, the pleading intensity in her voice—this was Loreen at her most vulnerable.
But the night wasn’t just about nostalgia. It was also a bold step forward, as Loreen showcased new songs ‘Gravity’, ‘Forever’, and ‘Warning Signs’, that felt like instant classics. And then came something brand new—a song no one had heard before, ‘Coming Close’. This track really brought out Loreen’s vocals, with lots of sustains over a driving dance beat. Even without knowing the lyrics, the audience was spellbound, drawn in by the sheer raw emotion of the performance.
Then, the stage darkened, and a familiar yet unexpected sound emerged—‘Statements’. Unlike anything else in her discography, it rumbled through the venue with a rebellious, defiant energy as she interpolated it with Pink Floyd’s ‘Another Brick in the Wall’.
The momentum kept building, leading to the moment everyone had been waiting for—the song that changed everything for Loreen. As soon as the first synths of ‘Euphoria’ rang out, the crowd exploded into a frenzy. Few songs have the power to ignite a crowd like ‘Euphoria’, and witnessing it live was nothing short of euphoric itself.
Then came the encore. She returned for ‘Is It Love’, an achingly beautiful moment of reflection before closing with the majestic, unstoppable force that is ‘Tattoo’. A song that had already cemented itself as a Eurovision classic, it felt even more powerful in a live setting, with Loreen standing amidst the swirling smoke and golden light, looking every bit the mystical icon she has become.
As the final notes echoed through the Apollo, she stood motionless for a moment, bathed in light—a lasting image that will stay with the crowd forever. While Loreen’s performance was the centrepiece, the night’s magic started long before she stepped on stage.
First up was THERA, a Czech pop sensation making her London debut. At just 18 years old, she exuded effortless confidence, commanding the stage as if she’d been doing it for years. Her music was brooding yet infectious, raw yet polished, a mix of Olivia Rodrigo’s edge and Madison Beer’s pop finesse.
Her breakout hit, ‘guardian angel’, proved to be a fan favourite, with many in the audience already singing along. But it was her cover of Gracie Abrams’ ‘That’s So True’ that truly showcased her vocal depth and emotional sincerity. There was something magnetic about the way she held herself—you could feel the hunger, the fire of an artist on the rise.
Then came LUNA, a force of nature draped in avant-garde electro-pop brilliance. Representing Poland at Eurovision 2024, she carried the presence of an artist who knows she’s on the brink of something huge.
With icy blonde hair, a theatrical wardrobe, and an unshakeable confidence, she moved across the stage like she owned it. Her setlist, built around her latest album ‘No Rest’, was a thrilling mix of pulsating synths and haunting melodies. ‘The Tower’ and ‘Green Light’ were pure dancefloor energy, while ‘Wild West’, her closer, was an atmospheric masterpiece, laced with eerie, hypnotic power.
Beyond her music, what made LUNA stand out was her sheer presence—bold, enigmatic, and impossible to ignore. Watching her perform, it was clear she was a star in her own right.
There are some nights that leave you with a song stuck in your head. And then there are nights like this—where the entire experience lingers, impossible to shake. THERA brought a youthful fire. LUNA brought electrifying energy. And Loreen? Loreen brought magic.