JLS Command The Arena Stage At The O2

On their 19th show at The O2 Arena in London, English boyband JLS proved that they’ve still got the magic that captivated fans over a decade ago. Fans have been buzzing since they announced the Everybody Say JLS: The Hits Tour and tonight the atmosphere was electric as the quartet – Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes, JB Gill, and Oritsé Williams – commanded the stage with a sensational performance that showcased their evolution since their early days on The X-Factor.

JLS @ The O2 Arena

English boyband JLS performing at the O2 Arena in London, UK on 9th November 2023 (Abigail Shii)

Opening the night was Iranian-American singer-songwriter Shabnam Kamoii – AKA Shab – setting the tone with her infectious energy and dance-pop tinged tracks. Covered in innumerable jewels and flanked by dancers Natalie Schervish and Lauren Grundmann, her performance was nothing short of dazzling. Fresh off a collaboration with Fat Joe and with a second album underway, Shab has cemented herself as one to watch.

Next up was the charismatic Tinchy Stryder, whose stage presence and rap prowess added a dynamic layer to the evening’s lineup. His delivery was sharp and precise, each lyric cutting through the arena with a palpable intensity and had the crowd singing along to every word. The Ghanaian-British rapper effortlessly commanded attention and built anticipation for the main event with his seamless fusion of grime, hip hop, and R&B elements, creating a high-energy atmosphere that perfectly set the stage for JLS.

On the first of two nights in front of a 20,000-strong crowd, from the moment JLS exploded onto the North Greenwich stage, it was evident that they were on a mission to deliver an unforgettable show. They promised the hits, and delivered that and more – including a surprise appearance by fellow X-Factor alumni Olly Murs and his number one single Heart Skips A Beat.

With tracks like Everybody In Love and Beat Again, the ever impressive choreography, and a little bit of fire, JLS left little to be desired, although many would undoubtedly be returning the next night for a second dose of nostalgia. Check out the full setlist from the night below:

Eyes Wide Shut
Hottest Girl in the World
Day One
Do You Feel What I Feel
Eternal Love
One Shot
So Many Girls
Only Making Love
I Know What She Like
Close to You
Only Tonight
Better for You
Proud
The Club Is Alive
DJ Set Megamix (including elements of Umbrella, Take A Chance On Me & No Scrubs)
Heart Skips a Beat
She Makes Me Wanna
Beat Again
Love You More
Everybody in Love

Words and photography of Shab, Tinchy Stryder and JLS at The O2 Arena, London by Abigail Shii on 9th November 2023

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Beck with The BBC Concert Orchestra @ The Royal Albert Hall (Kalpesh Patel)

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Leonie Jakobi (Anchor and Pine Collective)

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