Celine Dion kicks off a summer of music | BST Hyde Park

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Published on Thursday, 11 July 2019 12:54

Last Updated on 11 July 2019

lizziesomerset2014

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If you’ve seen music icon Celine Dion live, you’ll know how it felt to be in the crowd during her epic headlining act on Friday 5th July at BST Hyde Park.  Kicking off two weeks of Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park, Celine was supported through the afternoon and evening in the lead up to her epic gig with a stunning supporting cast including Josh Groban, Claire Richards of Steps fame, Jazz Morley, Wandering Hearts, The Adelaides, Molly Hocking, Alice Chater, Kerri Watt and Anoushka Lucus.

Chatting to the acts backstage, it was clear everyone was thrilled to be sharing the bill with the ultimate signing icon, Celine Dion.  The excitement was palpable.

Anoushka Lucus opened up the Barclaycard Stage, and when asked how it felt to be on the same bill as Celine Dion said:

‘It’s mental, honestly it feels slightly surreal and also exciting, intimidating and pleasing.  So exciting.  I’m also so excited to see Josh Groban, who I’m obsessed with.’

BST Hyde Park started  in 2013 with The Rolling Stones reliving their legendary 1969 gig, plus Bon Jovi, Lionel Richie and many more packing out the park for memorable summer nights. In 2018, the festival experienced more classic moments, with an incredible multi-media experience from Roger Waters, followed by a hit filled 40th anniversary from The Cure, Eric Clapton, the return of Michael Bublé, a pop master class from Bruno Mars and Paul Simon’s last ever UK gig.

Since then, the event has featured many more shows from the likes of Carole King, Stevie Wonder, Black Sabbath, Taylor Swift, The Who, Blur, Florence + The Machine, Kendrick Lamar and so many more.

And BST Hyde Park ’19 looks set to keep the big hitters coming.  The award winning festival is set over two weekends. The line-up for this year is Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, Florence and the Machine (13th July) and Robbie Williams (14th July).

Renowned US singer Josh Groban warmed up the crowds ahead of Celine Dion gushed about being in the city, before showing a picture of him at 17 standing in for Andrea Bocelli during a sound check with Celine to sing ‘The Prayer’.   A moment that changed his life forever.

“I love this country, I love London, I love this park, I come here on my days off when I’m over here, I’m the weird guy on the bench with the swans.”

His performance saw him cover theatrical songs such as Gene Wilder’s ‘Pure Imagination’ and ‘Over The Rainbow’ and his biggest smash hit ‘You Raise Me Up.’ He finished on a beautifully operatic version of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ which bought some of the crowd to tears.

Every year, each headliner is joined by a full supporting line-up across multiple stages, from major superstars to handpicked developing acts performing for fans from across the UK and the world. And the midweek programme allows free access to the site with outdoor cinema, street food markets, children’s theatre, fitness classes, summer sports screenings, evening events, live music and much more.

Celine Dion took to the stage in a sparkly blue jumpsuit to the delight of the crowd.  In an emotional and passionate performance, she brought the glamour from her Las Vegas show with four costume changes.

‘I’m looking out at this sea of people you look beautiful! People of London – my people. Are you ready to have a good time with me tonight?’

Celine individually thanked all the supports who had come before her on the Great Oak Stage and also played homage to some of the huge films she has sound-tracked on, including ‘Deadpool 2’, ‘Titanic’ and ‘Beauty And The Beast’. She also gave the UK their first live airing of her latest single ‘Flying On My Own’ and urged the audience to dance. She also paid tribute to artists including Prince with a special rendition of ‘Purple Rain’.

Celine finished her set with true class, with heartfelt tribute to John Lennon. Looking resplendent in a yellow gown, she closed on ‘Imagine’, calling for peace and harmony

“If I may, I would love to leave with this message of peace and harmony in the best way that I can.” The perfect ending to a perfect first day in Hyde Park.