Swedish pop superstar Lorine Talhaoui – AKA Loreen’s – long-awaited return to London saw her grace the stage at London’s famous Hammersmith Apollo for a night of transcendent vocals, ethereal visuals, and emotionally charged performances. The sold-out crowd, buzzing with anticipation, was treated to a carefully curated setlist that spanned her career, blending cinematic ballads with euphoric dance anthems.
Loreen @ Hammersmith Apollo
The night opened with sophomore LP Ride tune Jupiter Drive, an atmospheric and hauntingly beautiful introduction that set the tone for the journey ahead. As beams of light bathed the stage, Loreen’s silhouette emerged from within a large, almost Stargate-like, light ring and her soaring vocals filled the venue – the singer sporting her famous overly extended fingernails. 2024 single Gravity followed, the crowd singing along to its low-key intro before bringing a pulsing energy that had the audience entranced, while more singles from last year – Forever and Warning Signs – seamlessly carried the momentum forward.
Midway through the set, Hate The Way I Love You introduced a more introspective moment, allowing Loreen to showcase the rawness of her artistry. The audience swayed to the emotional intensity, before being taken back to her Eurovision roots with a rousing rendition of potential 2017 entry Statements, Pink Floyd’s Another Brick In The Wall being woven in amongst storming beats and screaming guitars. The track, known for its dark, avant-garde aesthetic, was delivered with fierce conviction, reaffirming her reputation as one of pop’s most unique storytellers.
The crowd erupted as the opening notes of debut single My Heart Is Refusing Me rang out, a reminder of the early days of the Swede’s career. She then seamlessly transitioned into I’m In It With You, a deeply personal track that resonated throughout the Apollo’s grand space. Dreams and Coming Close followed, creating a hypnotic, dreamlike interlude that showcased her ability to fuse vulnerability with sonic power. “Will you dance it with some new song” she asks, to screams from her captivated audience.
Loreen @ Hammersmith Apollo
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for—the unmistakable build of 2012 Eurovision winner Euphoria. The energy in the venue became electric, with the entire crowd singing along to the song that catapulted Loreen to international stardom. It was a defining moment of the night, a reminder of the timeless magic she creates on stage.
For the encore, the 41-year-old Västerås native delivered the poignant Is It Love, wrapping the audience in a warm, heartfelt embrace before closing with Tattoo, her 2023 Eurovision-winning anthem. The closing notes echoed through the Apollo, marking the end of a night that was nothing short of mesmerising.
Loreen’s show at the Hammersmith Apollo was more than a concert—it was an immersive experience, a testament to her artistry, and a celebration of music’s power to connect on a profound level. Although she will forever be tied to her duel Eurovision Song Contest wins, fans left the venue knowing they had witnessed something truly special, a performance that will linger in their hearts for years to come.
Live review of Loreen at Hammersmith Apollo, London on 20th March 2025 by Kalpesh Patel.
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