Live review: Alexa Goddard: Islington Academy

Words by:
Bizu Yaregal
Follow @Bensue

It must be surreal for 25-year old Alexa Goddard – still yet to release her debut studio album, the Hampshire lass has quickly amassed a strong following, no bigger however than Jay Z and his Roc Nation label, to which Goddard is signed.

Last Tuesday (20th May), Goddard proved her might, performing a one-off headline show at London’s O2 Islington Academy. Prior to opening with the Taylor Swift-reminiscent country-laced So There, Goddard took time to speak to the crowd, expressing her excitement at being be able to perform in front of a sold out concert.

The bubbly popstress continued to speak about her hardcore fans (travelling as far as the USA), following a burst into Pretty Girls, a new cut from Goddard’s upcoming studio album. The track itself has strong appeal, more in the way of Jessie J’s Do It Like A Dude, thus offering her the potential to break that more critical ‘urban’ audience.

Meanwhile, the more ‘self-explanatory’ My Favourite Song was ensued by an honest performance; Goddard revealing the track struck chords with her own father as a favourite from the forthcoming LP (though the suggestive nature of the song drew the line at being a dedication to the man whose support has been pivotal over the years).

Over time, Goddard has amassed a strong following on YouTube, thanks in part to her plethora of covers; seemingly it made sense for these to continue onstage. From a rousing performance of Pharrell’s Happy, Alexa treated fans to her risqué rendition of Beyonce’s Drunk In Love; a definite highlight of the night, bringing together an element of suave and sophistication to the stage. ,

The rest of the evening saw Goddard unveil further unreleased cuts from the record, whilst bringing the show to a close with forthcoming single Marilyn (set for release on 27th July), indulging the crowd into a singalong led by Alexa herself.

I look forward to seeing what’s in store for Alexa; one thing’s for certain, she’ll be playing to far bigger audiences from now on…