Emeli Sandé review: Singer celebrates World Cup win with a Three Lions rendition

Soulful: Emeli Sandé performs at the Old Royal Naval College
STEVE GILLETT / LIVEPIX
Elizabeth Aubrey4 July 2018

When England won on penalties against Colombia last night, Emeli Sandé had just finished a duet with Mike Davies on See Beneath Your Beautiful to a standing ovation.

As cheers erupted sporadically once news of the win filtered through, Sandé burst into a soulful rendition of Three Lions. Music and football fans at the Old Royal Naval College delighted in a shared moment of exuberant joy as the party suddenly started.

The match was shown before the gig on the stage screens. “I’m sorry we can’t finish the football,” Sandé said, as she arrived on stage moments after Colombia’s equaliser. “But we’ve got a lot of songs for you.”

Sandé opened with Hurts, followed by Free, her duet with Rudimental from 2013. Her voice soared as she was supported by her excellent, soulful band who impressed.

This felt like a reflective set for Sandé, who spoke often about her past between songs. Dedicating Tenderly to her sister in the audience, the singer appeared emotional, just as she did when recounting her time as a medical student on My Kind Of Love.

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Sandé talked of hope and the future too, especially when she sang two new songs. Free As A Bird proved especially popular as the star took to the piano for this and fan favourite Clown.

The post-win joy continued as Sandé’s backing vocalists sang Sweet Love. The tone became distinctly celebratory, something that continued well into her performance of Chip collaboration, Diamond Rings. Combining brassy ska and reggae, it captured the party sprit well and showed off the breadth of styles Sandé has explored since her debut.

Next To Me closed an evening of music and football that spanned reflection, hope and freedom: a joyous night for all.

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