I don’t think that there are quite enough words to describe what exactly happened last night. How do you describe having the absolute privilege of being at a live show of one of the greatest artists of all time? Maybe you can’t, not properly, not in the way that Stevie Wonder deserves.

Saturday 12th July 2025 marked my first time seeing Stevie Wonder live – so much like everyone else, I was very excited. The atmosphere was incredible from the moment the gates opened. Slightly chilled yet a good up-beat vibe, the support acts we saw such as John Poppi, Mica Millar, Elmeine, Thee Sacred Souls and Ezra Collective more than warmed up the Hyde Park crowd in preparation for Stevie. As those acts are also hardcore fans, they gave off even more energy because of their own excitement. I was still on a high long after Ezra Collective’s set so was ready for a night of Wonder. Having been in attendance at Stevie’s last show at Hyde Park in 2018, Femi of Ezra Collective, explained how it was one of the greatest nights of his entire life. I feel this is one of the best way to describe it, as I certainly felt the same way about last night.

Escorted on stage by his son and daughter, Stevie spoke to the audience for a while before starting the first song of the night. It is such a blur now that I can’t even remember what was said but he shared words of inspiration and of love and in those moments, created a sense of unity within the crowd. Love’s In Need of Love Today kicked off the setlist. The musicianship on stage was second to none and that familiar voice we have all come to know so well across the years, was just as rich and soulful as it has always been. A cover of John Lennon’s Imagine saw the whole of Hyde Park sing along beautifully and we were reminded of Wonder’s love and respect for other songwriters.

The energy went up a scale with a bit of funk and groove for Master Blaster (Jammin’) and Higher Ground. That distinctive bass line for Higher Ground was an unbelievable feeling when it started playing – the crowd all felt it and of course, let out a thunderous roar. Corinne Bailey Rae who had performed on the Great Oak Stage earlier was invited back on stage to join perform Sly and The Family Stone’s Everybody Is A Star.

Big numbers including Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours and Don’t You Worry ‘bout A Thing were of course, big crowd moments before Stevie handed the reigns over to band members AJ McNeill, Janis Watts and Zuri Harris. Each performed a solo song for the crowd proving their individual and undeniable talent as stand out solo vocalists. After returning to the stage for a few songs his daughter and backing singer Aisha Morris took over for a cover of Nancy Wilson’s Save Your Love For Me. A beautiful delivery of the song, it’s clear the vocal genes are strong in the family. Another backing singer came down to the piano to perform If You Really Love Me, with Stevie (if anyone has her name I would appreciate it). A fun, comedic and naturally beautiful moment between the pair made for a memorable moment.

Emotions were on a high during I Just Called To Say I Love You. The beauty in the unity of the crowd singing along was undeniable—a powerful reminder of music’s ability to bring thousands together in a single, shared moment.

The next segment was hit after hit and filled the entirety of Hyde Park with so much joy. Enthusiastic sing-a-longs came from songs such as Living For The City, Sir Duke, I Wish and Isn’t She Lovely. The latter saw many couples dancing and feeling appreciation for each other which again proved the power of music and how it brings us together. In fact, watching the crowd moments throughout the set was mesmerising, a sea of fans dancing, singing and feeling completely free, totally lost in the music.

Stevie’s son Mandla Morris came on stage to sing I Can Only Be Me by Keith John. An emotionally charged performance, Mandla explained how the song connected with him. Much like his father, Mandla has a rich tone and his performance was soulful and sensational.

Celebrating his daughter Sophia’s birthday, a song I was never expecting to hear live was his dazzling and far superior birthday song Happy Birthday. With his daughters coming on stage, it was a moving moment and gave us a sense of appreciation for family.

The night ended with a jam session. Songs such as Superstition, As and Another Star were the perfect close.

You don’t have to be an expert on the history of his music, you don’t have to be a die-hard fan, Stevie Wonder caters for everyone, he’s a superstar and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone that didn’t know the majority of the set list. It isn’t just Wonder’s music and his unique tone that makes his shows as enjoyable as they are – it’s also his humour, his fun way of interacting with the crowd and his wonderful ability to make a 65,000 strong event feel like a private party for friends.

Stevie Wonder, alongside his outstanding band, delivered one of the most entertaining, engaging, energetic and unforgettable performances in recent history. Their energy, musicianship, and soul connected with the audience on every level. It truly was a legendary. My feet are absolutely killing me from dancing all night and my voice is now nothing but a whisper, was it worth it? You better believe it was!