Loreen: Manchester Academy – Live Review

Loreen | Luna
Manchester Academy
March 22nd 2025

Loreen brings the Tour Life to a packed Manchester Academy with her ethereal vocals, tech beats, and magnetic stage presence. Ed Chadwick reviews a night with the two-time Eurovision Song Contest Winner.

My faith in the Manchester weekend bus service immediately vanished as I arrived late and midway through the second support act Luna’s set. From what I saw, she brought both glamour and charisma as she captivated the growing crowd with blends of synth-pop and alternative genres. Though the impact of her more personal, slower track was dulled by the weekly catchup conversations amongst the crowd. She crowned a memorable set with an announcement that she will be playing at Eurovision, a moment met with well-earned cheers.

A black, foggy stage was blasted with blinding white strobe lighting as Loreen took to the spotlight, rooted in the centre of the circular, almost halo-looking stage set. She sported a futuristic take on a knight’s plated armour with long, metallic claws extending from her fingertips – a look that combined medieval nobility with her space-age sound. Jupiter Drive opened the set. It felt like something straight out of Bladerunner with its nostalgic electronic beats cruising around the venue.

Loreen’s cosmic vocals provided a good balance to the deep, dense vibe of the song. Gravity brought the tempo up. Heavy tech house rhythms transformed the venue from just a Saturday night gig into a warehouse rave. Warning Sings had that signature European pop sound, using new musical components, like strings, but still combining it with house music grooves. Remaining anchored to the centre spot, she rarely stepped a foot out of place – perhaps the armoured chest plate limited her dancing ability – yet she still managed to amaze the crowd. As the wind machine roared, Loreen looked as if she was surfing through space and time, standing firm as her hair and flared trousers billowed around her while she hypnotised the audience with her fluid movements.

Hate The Way I Love You brought the tempo down a touch. Opting for a less tech-heavy approach, the song’s intensity built as Loreen navigated through raw emotions, amplified by her commanding presence. Empowering the audience, Statements was fierce and unapologetic with its electronic-driven sound intensifying its bold, anthemic energy. Pink Floyd’s Another Brick in the Wall seemed to have found itself worked in amongst the techno pulses closing out the song – an interesting yet embraced combination for classic rock lovers.

Dreams had more psychedelic tones as her soft, angelic vocals were driven through the track by immersive strings and an almost jazzy drumbeat. Its climax burst into a crescendo of euphoric emotion, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that engulfed each member of the crowd. An extended intro for Euphoria teased the audience before each flick of her metal claws instructed her band to add a new layer of sound. Winning her first Eurovision back in 2012 with this track, it was clear to see its enduring power as it seemed that every single person was roaring her lyrics back to her, even after she had left the stage before her encore.

Loreen returned with Is It Love, a blend of electronic melodies and celestial vocals merged with some elements of UK garage, further adding to the rave-y quality of the set. She still dominated the centre stage as she moved into the heavy hitter finale. Another Eurovision winner, Tattoo had the place bouncing. It was nothing short of electrifying, with its powerful surge of soaring melodies and pounding bass forcing the room into a trance-like state.

The Academy is not quite to the scale of the Eurovision Song Contest; however, Loreen didn’t treat it any differently. Every moment was delivered with the same intensity, passion, and theatrical flair that has made her a two-time Eurovision champion. A performer truly dedicated to her fans.

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Loreen can be found at her website | Facebook | X and Instagram.

Words by Ed Chadwick, you can find more of his reviews at his author profile.

All photos by Melanie Smith – Louder Than War | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Portfolio