Last Friday, the lights of Exeter’s Westpoint Arena shone a little brighter as Becky Hill—pop music’s reigning queen of euphoric anthems—took to the stage. Known for her powerhouse vocals and magnetic energy, her arrival in Exeter is more than just another concert: it's a celebration of a singer whose star continues to rise with every performance, every collaboration, and every beat.

For those unfamiliar with Becky Hill’s journey, she first burst onto the UK music scene in 2012 as a wide-eyed, unpolished teenager competing on The Voice UK. She wowed audiences with her husky, soulful voice and unmistakable talent, securing a place on Jessie J’s team and quickly becoming a fan favourite. Although she didn’t win, Becky’s run on the show marked the beginning of a career that has outgrown the limitations of talent-show fame.

Her breakthrough moment came in 2014 when she collaborated with drum-and-bass duo Rudimental and DJ Wilkinson on the track “Afterglow.” This was the beginning of a now-legendary list of collaborations with some of the biggest names in electronic and dance music. She seamlessly blended her pop sensibilities with the pulse of UK dance culture, making her a sought-after vocalist in the genre.

Her voice is instantly recognisable, and so is her ability to elevate any track she touches. Among her many high-profile collaborations, one of the most significant came with Dutch DJ Oliver Heldens on the 2014 hit “Gecko (Overdrive).” The track soared to the top of the UK charts, cementing Becky Hill’s reputation as not just a vocalist, but a chart-topping force. Her smooth vocal style was the perfect match for Heldens' deep house beats, and the success of the track opened the floodgates for a series of collaborations.

Over the years, Becky has worked with a roster of exceptional artists, including David Guetta on the infectious hit “Remember” (2021), where her voice paired perfectly with Guetta's high-energy production, creating a song that became an instant summer anthem. She’s also partnered with Sigala on the euphoric “Wish You Well” (2019), a song that still dominates playlists, while her collaboration with MK on the vibrant “Piece of Me” (2016) showcases her ability to switch between pop hooks and house rhythms effortlessly.

More recently, her work with Galantis on “Run” (2022) brought her to new audiences, and in every collaboration, Becky Hill has proven that she’s not just a feature artist—she’s the voice that defines these tracks.

Becky Hill has always had a knack for creating electrifying live performances. Her rise through the music industry has been punctuated by appearances on some of the UK's biggest stages. Her name has become synonymous with a festival atmosphere, with performances that offer not just songs, but an experience. From Glastonbury to Creamfields, she’s become a fixture at the biggest festivals in the country.

For me, the journey began in Plymouth a few years back, where Becky Hill delivered a stellar performance that left an indelible mark. Since then, I’ve had the chance to witness her ascend to new heights, headlining festivals like Boardmasters in Cornwall. The Boardmasters set, held on the windswept Cornish coast, was nothing short of legendary. Becky’s ability to transform an open-air festival into an intimate, high-energy concert is part of her undeniable charm. Whether performing in front of thousands or in more intimate venues, Becky brings the same infectious energy, ensuring that no matter the crowd size, everyone feels a personal connection to her music.

Kicking off the night’s proceedings was DJ Charlie Boon, whose carefully curated set of classic floor-fillers had the audience moving from the moment they entered the venue. Known for his energetic performances, Charlie’s set was a vibrant mix of euphoric anthems and deep basslines. Fresh off his summer performances, he delivered the kind of seamless, infectious energy that has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting DJs on the circuit. His skill behind the decks set the tone for what would be a night to remember.

Next up was Catching Cairo, an unexpected but highly refreshing act that fused soulful vocals with precision-engineered drum and bass. The duo, consisting of a live vocalist and a DJ, created a hypnotic atmosphere, with the singer's velvety tones adding a layer of warmth to the pulsating rhythms. The vocalist prowled the stage with commanding presence, exuding diva-like confidence as her voice soared through the arena, elevating tracks that were both fierce and sultry. It was a unique pairing of styles, and the crowd responded with enthusiasm, visibly entranced by the seamless blend of smooth melodies and hard-hitting beats.

Then, just after 9 p.m., the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Becky Hill stormed the stage with her signature high-octane energy, launching into her opening number with the kind of force that immediately had the audience in the palm of her hand. The arena, already buzzing with excitement, erupted as Becky and her trio of dynamic backing vocalists and incredible band delivered a high-energy performance that proved why she’s become one of the UK’s most sought-after live acts. The chemistry between Becky and her singers was electric, and it was clear from their joyous, infectious energy that they were having the time of their lives onstage.

From the opening beats, the crowd fed off Becky’s presence, singing every word back to her. This wasn’t just a concert—it was a full-on celebration of her career and the euphoric, anthemic hits she’s become known for. The setlist was a veritable greatest hits collection, featuring classics like "Wish You Well," "Last Time," "Crazy What Love Can Do," and "Remember." The entire arena felt like one pulsating unit, with Becky leading the charge in what felt more like a shared experience than a standard show.

In a surprise moment, Becky disappeared after ‘Disconnect’, only to reappear moments later at the back of the venue. From there, she delivered a stripped-back, emotional interlude with two of her most touching ballads, "Man of My Dreams" and "I Could Get Used to This." Perched on a raised platform that gently rotated, she offered fans a 360-degree view as her raw, soulful vocals filled the room. It was a spine-tingling moment of intimacy in the midst of an otherwise high-energy set, and the later arrivals who hadn’t made it to the front of the crowd were treated to an up-close performance they won’t soon forget.

Hill’s versatility as a performer was on full display throughout the night, seamlessly switching from infectious pop bangers to heartfelt ballads, and even weaving in a few cover tracks, including dance anthems by Oliver Heldens, MK, and Wilkinson. These covers felt right at home in her set, given her deep roots in the dance music world. Each song was executed with effortless precision, reminding the crowd just how broad her musical range truly is.

Looking around the room, it was impossible not to be struck by the sheer joy on the faces of the audience. This wasn’t just about the music—it was about community, about coming together on a Friday night to celebrate the start of the weekend with one of pop’s most compelling live performers.

As the night drew to a close with a thunderous rendition of “Remember", complete with some colourful confetti sprayed into the air, the crowd was left buzzing, every face glowing with the satisfaction of having witnessed something truly special. For those in attendance, it was the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Becky Hill once again proved why she’s at the top of her game—Exeter couldn’t have asked for a better show.

As she continues to evolve as an artist, Becky Hill shows no signs of slowing down. Having already achieved over 4 billion streams and a BRIT Award for Best Dance Act, she’s not only cemented her place in music history but is continuously pushing the boundaries of her artistry. Her voice has become the heartbeat of a generation’s nightlife, soundtracking everything from festival sunsets to club nights and long summer drives.

With new music always in the works and more collaborations surely on the horizon, Becky Hill’s reign is far from over. And on Friday, Exeter witnessed the latest chapter in her already stellar career.

Words by Steve Muscutt

Pictures by Aaron Golden