Last night, I joined 65,000 fans at London’s Hyde Park for a sun-drenched evening of music, emotion and girl power – courtesy of the sensational Olivia Rodrigo, with a surprise guest appearance from Ed Sheeran. It wasn’t just a concert. It was an intergenerational moment – and as a mum, it gave me all the feels.
Rodrigo, just 22, was utterly magnetic. From her glistening silver-sequinned stage look to the stripped-back intimacy of her piano ballads, she commanded the massive Great Oak Stage with confidence far beyond her years. She played the piano, guitar, and poured heart into every note of her 19-song set – not a missed beat or breath in sight.
Olivia Rodrigo at BST Hyde Park Photo by @sophiajcarey-131
As a mum, what struck me most was the audience itself: waves of young girls in sequinned skirts, lilac cowgirl hats and purple eyeliner – a glittering mini-Olivia army – flanked by equally enthusiastic parents. The crowd was bursting with energy and emotion, singing every word. I noticed dads with daughters, mums hugging teens, and parents who clearly knew the lyrics just as well as their children.
It made me reflect: back in the 80s, my parents would never have taken me to a Billy Idol concert (they’d have asked, “Who?”). Today, artists like Olivia Rodrigo are bridging the parent-child gap, offering concerts that double as beautiful bonding experiences.
Personal highlight? When Olivia brought out Ed Sheeran for a surprise duet of The A Team – it was understated, tender, and perfectly timed. While I’ve seen Ed before at Wembley, I must admit: Olivia’s full live band created a more dynamic, energetic show than Ed’s solo loop-pedal set.
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The only disappointment (shared quietly by a few mums nearby) was Olivia’s frequent use of strong language – particularly the word “f***ing,” used multiple times in both lyrics and between-song chats. While she’s undeniably authentic and unfiltered – and this is her raw pop persona – it’s worth noting that many in her fanbase are tweens and younger teens. As a role model, it wouldn’t hurt to dial it down just a touch.
Still, Rodrigo is a powerhouse – full of grace, emotion, and unrelenting talent. Her confidence is inspiring, especially to girls at that fragile, searching age. She’s not just performing for them; she’s being for them – vulnerable, strong, imperfect, and real.
The festival itself felt more family-friendly than ever. The vibe was safe, the layout well-managed, and support acts like The Last Dinner Party added delightful variety – imagine punk witches meets fairy goth girls – I loved them.
BST Hyde Park – The Last Dinner Party – Photo credit: @sophiajcarey-88
Olivia’s BST debut wasn’t just a show – it was a shared generational memory in the making. If you’re a parent wondering whether a pop concert is a good idea for your teen (and for you too), let me reassure you: this was a joyful, empowering night for all ages.
The verdict:
A magical pop night with substance, talent and connection. One to remember.
BST Hyde Park returns with more superstars and unique shows. It has become THE place to be in the London summer, a date in the diary for hundreds of thousands of fans every year. This June and July will see more legendary artists take to the stage over three weekends with more including Zach Bryan (29 June), Noah Kahan (4 July), Sabrina Carpenter (5 + 6 July), Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts (11 July), Stevie Wonder (12 July) and Jeff Lynne’s ELO (13 July) taking over Hyde Park.
Tickets are on sale now
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