Tom Grennan lights up Liverpool for Radio 1's Big Weekend

Tom Grennan delivered an electrifying performance at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool, closing out the Friday night festivities. Dressed in a black jacket and dark sunglasses, he captivated the audience with his powerful voice and engaging stage presence. The crowd, despite the rain, was on their feet, dancing and singing along as they enjoyed surprise appearances from popular artists like Ella Henderson, YouTuber KSI, Mel C, and The Zutons. Grennan took the stage after other talented performers, including The Wombats, Natasha Bedingfield, James Hype, and Biffy Clyro, who also entertained the audience at Sefton Park. In an interview with BBC Newsbeat before his performance, Grennan expressed his excitement about headlining the event, calling it 'pretty crazy. ' He reflected on his journey in music, saying, 'It's been such a mad journey. ' He also shared his admiration for Mel C, describing her as 'a superstar' and expressing his joy about their collaboration. 'I've been friends with Mel for a while now. And I just felt like we should do something special - thank God she said yes! ' Mel C made a surprise appearance on stage, wearing a Liverpool football club jersey while Grennan sported an Everton jersey, creating a fun moment for the fans. Natasha Bedingfield, who also performed at Big Weekend for the second consecutive year, had her own Main Stage slot this time. Last year, she was a guest during Ella Henderson's performance, but this year she wowed the crowd with her hits, including 'Unwritten' and 'These Words. ' After her performance, she shared her feelings with Newsbeat, saying it 'felt amazing' to be back on stage. 'I just felt really relaxed up there. Like it's nice to be home. There's so much joy happening with my songs, it's ridiculous. I can't even handle how much people are loving [it], I don't even know what to do with it. ' James Hype, known for his chart-topping hits, expressed his excitement about performing at Big Weekend, especially since his mom and sister were in attendance. He also debuted a new project called Sync, which he described as 'A visual experience where all the screens and lights are controlled by the decks in real time. ' The Wombats, who were the first artists to perform on the Main Stage on Friday, received an enthusiastic response from the crowd. They remarked, 'Music is in people's blood here. Everyone's up for a good time, up for the music. This is where it all began for us, so it's a really special moment. ' The festival featured a variety of performances across different stages, including the New Music Stage, showcasing talents like Barry Can't Swim, Jazzy, Prospa, Katy B, and Nia Archives. With more than 100,000 fans expected to attend Big Weekend in Liverpool, the event promises to be a memorable experience with around 100 acts performing across four stages. The weekend lineup includes Sam Fender headlining on Saturday and Mumford & Sons closing the festival on Sunday. Other artists set to perform on the Main Stage include Tom Odell, Sugababes, Myles Smith, Wolf Alice, Tate McRae, Lola Young, Jorja Smith, Wet Leg, and HAIM, ensuring a fantastic musical experience for all attendees.