Natasha Bedingfield’s highly anticipated one-off concert at KOKO in Camden was nothing short of spectacular, delivering a night full of pop nostalgia and stunning vocal performances. KOKO, with its rich history and beautiful theatre décor, set the perfect mood for the evening. The enormous disco ball hanging from the ceiling cast light across the room, adding a magical glow across the room.
The night kicked off with a DJ set from Abbie McCarthy, who warmed up the crowd with a mix of old-school pop anthems and the latest hits. Although her set started quietly – so much so that the crowd’s chatter was louder than the music. Once the volume was adjusted, the audience was excited to join in the party atmosphere, with many dancing along to the music and singing along.
As the crowd settled in, many fans on the front barrier speculated as to what songs might be performed that evening and rumours of a special guest buzzed around the room. Natasha took to the stage, dressed in a stunning golden sequined cape draped over a sleek black suit.
Opening with “Love Like This,” before diving into the feel-good anthem “Pocketful of Sunshine,” a song made even more iconic by its inclusion in the film Easy A. It was clear that Natasha was fully in her element, her voice as strong and beautiful as ever. Natasha kept fans on their toes by delivering a playful surprise—singing the opening lines of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” before transitioning into her own track “Single.”
The setlist was filled with surprises, including unexpected but welcomed covers. Natasha paid tribute to her brother Daniel with a rendition of “Gotta Get Thru This,” put her own spin on Coldplay’s “The Scientist,” and took on Felix Jaehn’s “Ain’t Nobody.” However, one of the night’s most memorable moments came during her powerful performance of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” With purple lights flooding the theatre, Bedingfield’s voice was indescribable – everyone was in awe. This performance was a true highlight, showcasing her incredible vocal range and powerful performance abilities.
As the night drew to a close, Bedingfield finished the main set with two of her biggest hits, “These Words” and “Unwritten.” Many members of the audience could be seen hugging one another and singing to their friends. A really special moment! However, when Natasha thanked the crowd and left the stage, some audience members assumed the show was over and left the venue.
For those who stayed, they were rewarded with an unforgettable encore. Returning to the stage, Bedingfield delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Wild Horses,” her voice once again proving to be flawless. To wrap up the night, she introduced DJ Badger for a special remix of “These Words.” The energy was at an all time high as the crowd danced along.
Natasha Bedingfield’s return to the stage proved she’s still at the top of her game. With her powerful voice, magnetic stage presence, and a mix of nostalgia and fresh surprises, she delivered a performance that will stay with fans long after the night is over.
