Natasha Bedingfield kept dancers on their toes in an electrifying surprise concert at THON 2023 on Friday night in the Bryce Jordan Center.
The British singer-songwriter and Grammy nominee performed at the BJC to encourage dancers to keep their energy high, as she opened with her song “Love Like This” from her 2007 N.B. album before addressing the electrified crowd.
“There is no love like THON,” the singer said as the crowd cheered. “This is such a wonderful cause. I am so excited to be here.”
Spectators’ wristbands lit up as Bedingfield began her next song, “Single,” the singer’s first single released from her 2004 debut album “Unwritten.” Bedingfield encouraged the crowd to sing along as a guitar rift solo overtook the floor.
Bedingfield followed up with a crowd favorite: “Pocketful of Sunshine,” the 2007 hit that remains one of her most popular songs. The crowd screamed the lyrics as heavy drums and guitar instrumentals filled the room. Bedingfield wowed the audience as she sank to her knees and belted out “take me away” before finishing off with a bow to the crowd.
She followed up with two covers: “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd and “Purple Rain” by Prince. Both songs kept the crowd dancing and singing along as Bedingfield displayed her range on high notes.
The BJC lights faded to purple as Bedingfield told the crowd “maybe we can change the world.” She continued her performance with some head bangs and an awesome guitar rift by the guitarist. Phone flashlights filled the crowd as everyone sang along.
“This whole night is about dancing for a really good cause, so I’m really excited to see some really good moves,” she said.
Bedingfield then jumped right into her next song, “These Words,” from her album “Unwritten.” The singer danced with her drummer, and amusingly, the camera lost her as she crossed the stage to wave to the crowd. She wasn’t lost forever, though, and finished the song with some soft instrumentals.
She gave the crowd a momentary disappointment when she said that was her last song. She was kidding, or course.
“Not really, just one more,” she assured the crowd.
The singer had an unexpected performance next with an a capella version of her song “Wild Horse” from her 2004 album “Unwritten.” She showed off her powerful vocals as the instrumentals went quiet.
Bedingfield then sprang right into a short verse from “Lose Yourself” by Eminem as the crowd screamed with excitement.
And then, finally, the song everyone was waiting for: “Unwritten.” The crowd filled with excitement as Bedingfield sang more impressive high notes and waved with the singer as the remix version of “Unwritten” played. Pink streamers launched from the stage, and the crowd erupted into more cheers.
“Thank you THON, you’re the best!” she said.
