Olivia Dean brings the curtain down on Radio 1's Big Weekend with 'magic' set

Olivia Dean spectacularly concluded BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend with an exuberant performance that she described as "magic."

The rising UK pop sensation captivated the audience of tens of thousands at the main stage with her enchanting vocals, delivering soulful interpretations of fan favorites such as "Dive," "The Hardest Part," and "So Easy (To Fall In Love)."

The performance was a feast for the senses, featuring a floral stage design, a live band, and Dean's elegant, shimmering dresses, all enhanced by her insightful commentary to the audience.

"I cannot believe I am headlining this festival," Dean shared with the crowd, reflecting on her remarkable journey from performing on the Big Weekend Introducing Stage in 2023.

"To think of everything that has happened since then is just crazy."

As the sun set over Sunderland, the British pop icon serenaded her audience against a breathtaking backdrop.

In the past year, Dean has experienced significant success, achieving major awards and chart-topping hits with her infectious pop melodies.

Earlier this year, she solidified her status as one of the UK's most promising artists by securing four awards at the Brit Awards, including Best British Artist and Best Album for her second record, "The Art of Loving."

The 27-year-old London native also received the Grammy Award for Best New Artist and claimed three MOBO Awards in recent months.

Her ability to resonate with a diverse audience, spanning generations and continents, is attributed to her uplifting and romantic pop songs, which also draw influences from jazz, alternative music, R&B, and folk.

As Dean wrapped up her set—and the weekend—with a vibrant rendition of her chart-topping single "Man I Need," pink fireworks and confetti exploded overhead.

"This has just been magic," she expressed, receiving thunderous applause from the audience, a clear indication of their agreement.

Other performances from the final day

Sunday transformed Herrington Country Park into a sun-drenched paradise, with temperatures reaching a delightful 24 degrees, while performances on the final day of Big Weekend sizzled even more.

Shortly after winning the Ivor Novello Award for Best Album earlier this week for her latest release "Euro-Country," Irish singer CMAT took to the main stage.

Her high-energy set showcased why she is regarded as one of the most impactful songwriters and dynamic live performers of our time.

The performance featured a mix of two-stepping, line dancing, and theatrical moments, alongside powerful interpretations of her hits such as "Stay For Something," "When A Good Man Cries," and "I Don't Really Care For You."

In a bold statement about the challenges women face regarding beauty standards, she addressed the crowd about the negative comments she received following her 2024 Big Weekend appearance and then removed her shirt to reveal a stylish light blue, semi-transparent ruffled ensemble, prompting enthusiastic applause.

This moment was followed by her performance of "Take A Sexy Picture Of Me," a song that critiques societal beauty expectations.

On the New Music stage, Brighton singer-songwriter Maisie Peters expressed her gratitude for her first Big Weekend performance, coinciding with the release of her stripped-back third album, "Florescence." She shared new tracks including "Questions" and "My Regards."

Jazz collective Ezra Collective then took the stage, known for creating an infectious atmosphere at festivals, and they exceeded expectations with a high-energy performance blending jazz, funk, reggae, and carnival rhythms.

Earlier that day, Irish artist Dermot Kennedy delivered a host of crowd favorites on the main stage, followed by US singer Kehlani who brought her unique flair to the event.

The audience was further treated to an unexpected collaboration when ex-One Direction member Niall Horan made a surprise appearance during Myles Smith's main stage set, joining him for their duet "Drive Safe."

Girl group Flo made headlines when they declared "R&B is back" after winning their MOBO Award earlier this year, demonstrating the assertion with a memorable performance on the New Music stage.

Later, Jorja Smith presented a vibrant "party set" in the same tent, followed by Holly Humberstone, who showcased a more 'gothic' aesthetic.

Throughout the three-day event, festival attendees enjoyed a riveting headline performance from Swedish pop superstar Zara Larsson and experienced a nostalgic set from veteran DJ Fatboy Slim.