This is one I was looking forward to and she didn’t disappoint.
After a few failed flutters on the horses, I sat to absorb the atmosphere and people watch – always a delight in such a setting where people are dressed up and looking glamorous in the sunshine.
Once the final race concluded everyone jostled into position to get a good view of the stage, eager for it all to begin.
Jessie J came out with a thumping version of ‘California’ to get the energy pumping through the crowd and it was received with loud cheers.
The setlist was as we wanted it to be, with high-octane anthems like ‘Do It Like a Dude’, Domino’ and ‘Bang Bang’ had the entire crowd jumping and shouting every word back at her, creating an arena-level rumble. Mid-way through, she stripped things back for a soulful, stripped-down rendition of ‘Who You Are’, and ‘I’ll Never Know Why’ a vulnerable moment that felt emotional as thousands of phone lights came out through the crowd.
Jessie told us from the beginning that ‘Price Tag’ would be at the end so that we all had too hang around, but we were happy to as it was all such a good night.
What truly made the night special for me was her natural charisma and genuine connection with the audience. Between the songs she spoke to the crowd with her trademark no-nonsense Essex warmth, joking about the racing results and encouraging everyone to let go of their daily worries. The audience ‘chat’ wasn’t rushed or fake, it was truly genuine, to the point a conversation was had to a couple on the side of the stage celebrating their new baby. That personal rapport turned a racecourse venue into an intimate, shared celebration.
Jessie J was completely her authentic self with her banter, warmth, heartfelt stories with her heart on her sleeve made me like her all the more.
This combination of late afternoon and early evening racing with live music remains one of the highlights of the summer. Check out Newmarket Nights here.
Press Photos: MITCH PERYER / Amateur photos – me! (obvs)
Newmarket official photos by Pavel Rosca