Becky Hill: Live At The OVO Hydro In Scotland
Becky Hill's performance at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on the 12th October was a showcase of her undeniable talent, commanding stage presence, and flawless vocals. Despite a few initial wardrobe hiccups, Hill's ability to connect with her audience never faltered, delivering a night of euphoric highs, intimate ballads, and expertly crafted visuals that kept the crowd fully engaged from start to finish. With standout support from opening acts Charlie Boon and SAVANNAH, the night was a full-scale celebration of dance, pop, and heartfelt performance. With a mix of high-energy hits, heartfelt ballads and stunning visual effects, Becky Hill proved once again why she's one of the most exciting live performers in the UK.
The evening began with a bit of a rough start, as Becky experienced some wardrobe malfunctions during the first few songs. This temporarily affected her singing but, thanks to the quick assistance from her backing vocalists and her always-positive demeanour, the disruptions were swiftly handled. Hill, flashing her trademark smile, breezed through these minor issues and resumed her usual confident performance. She underwent her first outfit change after song three, coming back with restored energy and a renewed command of the stage.
From the moment she hit the stage, it was clear that the visual production quality was a major focus of the show. The OVO Hydro was transformed by an array of dazzling lasers, strobes, and haze effects that enhanced the mood of each song, particularly during "Disconnect." The show's transitions were seamless, with Hill giving shoutouts to collaborators like Jax Jones, adding an extra layer of warmth and camaraderie to the performance.
Becky Hill acknowledged that Glasgow's crowd was the biggest she had ever performed for, a sentiment that resonated with the thousands of cheering fans. As the intro to "Afterglow" — which has remained unchanged for 10+ years — began to build, Hill's nostalgia for her early career added a poignant touch. The performance included a dramatic double drop, which sent the crowd into a frenzy as the lights and effects intensified.
Hill's setlist was a blend of her biggest hits and deeper cuts, all executed with pitch-perfect precision. Crowd favourites like "My Heart Goes (La Di Da)" and "Wish You Well" had everyone on their feet, while more intimate moments showcased her stunning vocal ability. The B-stage, a smaller setup off to the side of the main stage, became the scene for stripped-back performances of "Man of My Dreams" and "I Could Get Used to This”, where Hill was accompanied only by a piano and was situated a good 8 or 9 foot above the crowd on a spinning platform. These quiet moments allowed the audience to experience her vocal range and emotional delivery up close, with the entire crowd lighting up the Hydro with phone torches in a beautiful show of solidarity.
After the emotional B-stage set, Hill returned to the main stage with special guest, RILEASA — a star on the current season of RuPaul's Drag Race — who joined her for a high-energy performance of "One Track Mind." The chemistry between them was electric, and it added an extra dimension to the already dynamic show and RILEASA's stage presence was nothing short of incredible.
Hill's vocal performance remained impeccable throughout the show. She showcased her ability to nail every note, even while lying down during the intro of her unreleased track, "Lost the Plot”. This song, which explores the challenges of the music industry, highlighted her artistic growth and hinted at an intriguing new project. The unexpected debut of the track further emphasized Hill's evolving depth as a musician.
The crowd at the OVO Hydro was a critical part of the night's success. The audience was fully engaged, singing every lyric back to Becky and raising their phones during the more tender moments. During the massive hits, the energy in the room was undeniable, with people on shoulders and entire sections of the arena dancing in unison. It was clear that Glasgow's audience was there for a party, and they got exactly that.
The atmosphere reached its peak during the encore, when Hill performed "Remember" against a backdrop of confetti explosions and soaring visuals. The crowd's energy never waned, with every hand in the air as they danced along to the final moments of the show.
Becky Hill's performance at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro demonstrated her artistic development and natural ability to captivate an audience. Despite some early wardrobe issues, she handled them with composure and skill, ensuring that the show ran successfully and made a memorable impression. The production aspects, particularly the lasers, strobe lights, and confetti, were superb, resulting in a visually stunning and powerful performance experience for every viewer.
One of the most moving moments of the evening occurred when Hill offered an emotional statement to the audience. Clearly moved by the excitement and support of her fans, she conveyed her heartfelt appreciation and pondered on her career in the music industry. Her sincerity struck a chord with the audience, providing a personal touch that brought them closer together.
Her setlist, which included a combination of exciting dance hits, passionate ballads, and unexpected aspects such as an unreleased song, surpassed the audience's expectations. Becky Hill's status, as one of the most dynamic live performers in today's pop and dance music scene, was strongly reaffirmed by a night of extraordinary vocals, stunning visuals, and unforgettable energy.
Written and Photographed by Kyan Gilfillan - (Portfolio)