Joy Crookes lit up the night sky at the Montreux Jazz Festival, delivering a tour-de-force performance that left audiences breathless and begging for more. The Stravinski Auditorium was electric as she took to the stage with her signature voice and infectious energy, treating fans to a thrilling mix of old favourites and brand-new material.
The 27-year-old sensation tore through a setlist that included fan-favourite tracks from her Mercury Prize-shortlisted debut album 'Skin', including the anthemic 'Feet Don't Fail Me Now'. But it was the premiere of two scorching new songs - 'Chop Chop Chop Chop Honey' and 'Painkiller' - that stole the show. The former, inspired by her Bangladeshi heritage, brought a depth and nuance to her sound that left critics and fans alike in awe.
Crookes was at her poetic best when she dedicated her heartfelt ballad 'Forever' to the people of Palestine, its poignant message resonating with the packed crowd. And who could forget her wicked sense of humour? Her cheeky comparison of her green dress to Poundland cleaning cloths left the international audience in stitches - a charming moment that only added to her already immense charm.
This was Crookes' dream come true, performing at the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival alongside musical heroes like Etta James. The festival's CEO Mathieu Jaton hailed it as 'a special platform for artists globally', and with good reason - this year's eclectic line-up included a show-stopping performance by Grammy-winning American artist John Legend.
The Montreux Jazz Festival remains the holy grail of music festivals, where new talent is forged alongside rock legends like Deep Purple. And it's clear that Joy Crookes is here to stay, her unique sound and charisma cementing her status as one of Britain's brightest stars. With 'Juniper', her eagerly anticipated 2025 album, just around the corner, we can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.