As part of the Live at The Iveagh Gardens 2025 summer series, Natasha Bedingfield delivered an unforgettable evening of pop, R&B, and soulful dance anthems in front of a sold-out crowd in Dublin on July 18. Performing in the historic and scenic Iveagh Gardens, Bedingfield’s return to the live stage felt both nostalgic and invigorating, showing her enduring connection with fans and her deep love for live performance.
The night began with a strong opening set from Calum Bowie, a rising Scottish singer-songwriter whose emotive vocals and heartfelt lyrics quickly won over the Irish crowd. Bowie performed against a simple backdrop his name displayed in bold white lettering on a large screen behind him which allowed the focus to stay firmly on his voice and storytelling. His set built a warm, intimate energy that perfectly set the stage for the evening’s headliner.
When Natasha’s band took the stage shortly after, anticipation reached a high. The musicians kicked things off with a slick instrumental intro, allowing the crowd to cheer and gather themselves before Bedingfield herself emerged to rapturous applause. She launched into “Love Like This,” immediately igniting the crowd. The sound was crisp, the vocals pitch-perfect, and the vibe electric.
The visual production throughout the night elevated the experience. A large LED screen behind the stage added visual depth to each song, cycling through vibrant colors, video clips, and stylized graphics. At times, her name appeared in script, while other moments saw visuals that complimented the mood of each track adding an immersive feel without ever distracting from the performance itself.
A standout moment early in the set was Natasha’s stunning cover of “Glory Box” by Portishead. Stripping the trip-hop classic down to its emotional core, Bedingfield infused it with her own vocal style soulful and powerful, yet controlled. It showcased her range and artistry beyond her better-known pop hits.
Midway through the show, Natasha performed a medley that included “Weightless”/“Wild Horses”/“Neon Lights”. Seamlessly blended together, the trio of songs formed a musical journey that kept the crowd swaying and singing along. Each song shifted in mood and tempo, yet the transitions felt natural, reflecting Natasha’s versatility as an artist.
Later in the set, came another cover this time a moving rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain” A bold choice, but one she handled with grace and emotion, building the intensity slowly before letting loose in the final chorus. The crowd was spellbound, and the applause that followed was among the loudest of the night.
As the set neared its end, anticipation peaked for the song everyone had been waiting for “Unwritten” The opening chords rang out, and the crowd erupted. The entire garden became a chorus, voices echoing the iconic lyrics back to Natasha with unfiltered joy. The song, filled with themes of hope and new beginnings, felt especially poignant performed under the open summer sky.
She closed the night on a high note, wrapping up what was a magical evening of music, connection, and pure pop delight. Bedingfield reminded everyone why her music has stood the test of time not just because of catchy hooks, but because of the heart behind every note.
In a setting as beautiful and historic as the Iveagh Gardens, Natasha Bedingfield’s performance felt both timeless and fresh a testament to her talent, her charisma, and her unique ability to light up a stage.
Calum Bowie photos:
Natasha Bedingfield photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Intro
Love Like This
Roller Skate
Glory Box (Portishead)
Soulmate
Single
Weightless/White Horses/Neon Lights
Adorable
Frogs & Princes
Pocket of Sunshine
Politik (Coldplay)
I Bruise Easliy
These Words
Purple Rain (Prince)
Unwritten
These Words
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic