Universal Music Group UK has celebrated British talent on the global stage.
In the US, the major staged an exclusive showcase in Los Angeles with performances from Olivia Dean, FLO, Holly Humberstone and Sekou, as well as a surprise appearance from Elton John.
UMG CEO & chairman Sir Lucian Grainge was in attendance, along with Universal Music UK CEO & chairman Dickon Stainer.
The event at Candela La Brea – dubbed the ‘Abbey Road Tavern’ for this one-off event – featured intimate performances from four of the UK’s hottest new stars. It was held in partnership with Abbey Road Studios and Globe, the creative and partnerships division of UMG UK.
Dickon Stainer, chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK, said: “Today was a glimpse into the extraordinary talent being signed by our UK labels. These artists mark a new era in the special bond between British talent and the creative and commercial powerhouse which is the US. And deepest thanks to the legendary Elton John for his words this evening.”
The showcase coincided with another Universal UK success – Sam Fender’s victory with People Watching at the Mercury Prize in Newcastle.
The LA event began with a performance from FLO – the highest charting British R&B girl group in the last 23 years, now with over a billion career streams. Fresh off the back of their latest tour, the trio performed Losing You and Access All Areas.
They were followed by Sekou, who recently opened for FLO and Reneé Rapp on their European tours. He sang Better Man as well as his recent single Catching Bodies. Holly Humberstone then stepped into the spotlight with a preview of her new music.
A surprise interlude followed in which Elton John was warmly welcomed to the stage. A champion of young British artists, he has just marked the 10th anniversary of his Rocket Hour radio show. Sir Elton spoke about his passion for UK talent and the vibrant music scene.
Closing the show was Olivia Dean, riding high off the back of her latest album The Art of Loving – which reached No.1 in five countries and is currently No.7 in the US – and hit single Man I Need, which is the highest-charting song from a UK act on Spotify’s Global charts this year.
In the UK, Olivia Dean’s album secured the biggest opening week for a British female artist since Adele in 2021. Dean is about to tour the US supporting Sabrina Carpenter, including five shows at Madison Square Gardens.
PHOTOS: Christopher Polk
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