Hits Radio Live has grown into one of the must-attend shows of the annual calendar. With well over 7 million listeners on their 26 stations, the shows attract some of the biggest names in pop over the course of their two nights. As the first of their two shows lands at the BP Pulse Arena in Birmingham, 13,000 excited fans descend on the venue with fervour as they await the chance to catch a glimpse of their favourite presenters and performers.

Before the live acts take to the stage, former Pussycat Doll and presenter of The Hits Radio Throwback, Kimberley Wyatt, delivers a stunning DJ set that sees the euphoria in the arena build as they all join in an epic sing and dance along fuelled by classic anthems loved by all generations.

With Will Best, Fleur East and James Barr making a very fleeting appearance on stage, Hits Radio Live invites its first act on stage. Sonny Fodera's career has burgeoned in recent years with epic dance hits, and his DJ set highlights some of the biggest. While guest appearances from Poppy Baskcomb and Clementine Douglas are well received by the audience.

Making her solo debut at Hits Radio Live, Jade takes the moment to thank her loyal Mixers and newer fans as she delivers a far too brief insight into her totally sensational debut album. With her vocals on point, the eclectic nature of her set climaxes with a truly epic performance of Angel of My Dreams.

Having proved that TikTok was just a launchpad, Cian Ducrot starts his set sat at the piano, showcasing his truly soulful vocal. As everyone gets the feels and many are moved to tears with the depth of beauty in his set, he raises the bar with each song and shows why he is one of Ireland's biggest musical exports.

Closing out the first half is one of 2025's biggest musical breakout stars. Alex Warren may suffer a slight technical hitch at the start of his set, but it doesn't throw him, and he happily restarts her set in a playful manner. As the audience laps up Eternity, the set reaches a true high with the unforgettable Ordinary.

After a brief interlude, Calvin Harris is on hand to ramp up the feels. With nearly two decades' worth of dancefloor fillers, he makes the job look effortless. With Clementine Douglas reappearing for Blessings, the audience are up for everything he delivers – although both he and the audience know that We Found Love is the real climax.

With her other half in the jungle, Jess Glynne takes centre stage. While she brings the tune, she is a far more serious presence than the other performers. However, she loosens as every hit lands, and nobody can resist the singalong to her classics Rather Be and Hold My Hand.

Closing out the night lands at the doorstep of the artist Sam Thompson, who states is a close personal friend, Myles Smith. With the audience more than willing to wait for him to close the night, his rousing country-tinged pop gems are the perfect closer. With the audience going crazy for each song, Myles Smith proves why his star has risen so high.

Hits Live 2025 in Birmingham certainly brought the names, but it also brought the anthems and memories. A truly wonderful night.