World-class entertainers to light up the stage at Singapore Grand Prix 2017

Some of the world’s biggest acts, including Ariana Grande, Duran Duran, OneRepublic, The Chainsmokers and Seal, will be performing this year

Singapore Grand Prix

Peter Sabine

Published: 10:58am, 25 Jul 2017

Why you can trust SCMP

The Singapore Grand Prix has gained a reputation for delivering a diverse range of artists for shows that rival the main racing spectacle. This year is no exception with Ariana Grande, Duran Duran, OneRepublic, Seal and The Chainsmokers, and a spectrum of other artists coming to town.

Ariana Grande has shown courage to perform following the Manchester Arena bombing after her show earlier this year. The singer, who will be on Padang Stage on Saturday, September 16, rose to fame in 2013 and has hit albums, awards and singles galore to her name. While being one of the most followed stars on Instagram, she also made the Time 100, an annual list of the world’s most influential people, in 2016 with hits including Side To Side, Into You, Bang Bang, and One Last Time.

Also hot on the charts are US duo The Chainsmokers, who will be on the Padang Stage on Saturday. The group comprises Drew Taggart and Alex Pall, bringing a mix of dance styles in a diverse EDM pop showcase. Their hits, featuring unique lyrics and composition with dance music moods, include Closer, Don’t Let Me Down, Roses, Paris and Coldplay collaboration Something Just Like This.

British rock icons Duran Duran are also adding to the spectacle, bringing a wealth of experience – which includes releasing 14 albums, with sales of more than 100 million records. Mostly associated with 1980s rock, the band’s classics include Hungry Like the Wolf, Ordinary World and Rio, which have been augmented with newer collaborations featuring Janelle Monáe, Kiesza, Nile Rodgers and Mr Hudson. The group will perform on the Village Stage, also on Saturday and on the Padang Stage on Sunday, September 17.

Fans of classic of tunes will welcome a concert by British singer-songwriter Seal, whose track Kiss From a Rose appeared on the Batman Forever soundtrack and became a global hit. From winning a BRIT Award for Best British Male in 1992 to being a coach on The Voice Australia, Seal will be showcasing his skills at the Village Stage on Sunday, September 17.

Equally iconic are US pop rock band OneRepublic who came onto the music scene with their 2007 hit Apologise, ranking in the Top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100’s All-Time Top Songs list and becoming a top radio hit. Having been associated with the pop rock scene, the band are combining their popular sensibilities with electronic dance music (EDM) styling on tracks such as Love Runs Out and will be showing off their talent at the Padang Stage on Friday, September 15.

Outside of pop music, the Singapore Grand Prix is also delivering artists with different sensibilities. London-born George the Poet is presenting his brand of musical poetry and social commentary. The spoken word star released his debut effort, The Chicken & the Egg EP in 2014. This earned him a Brits Critics’ Choice Award, MTV Brand New Award and BBC Sound of 2015 Shortlist. The artist will be at Downtown (Zone 4) on Saturday, September 16, and at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre on Sunday.

Another one for the alternative music lover, British singer-songwriter Lianne La Havas is gracing the stage in Singapore. Having supported the likes of Alicia Keys, Bon Iver, Jools Holland, Paloma Faith, Prince, and Coldplay, she is becoming known for her own mix of jazz and soul. Her 2012 album Is Your Love Big Enough? sold 200,000 copies and won Album of the Year at iTunes, in addition to a Barclaycard Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello Best Album nominations. Known for Unstoppable, What You Don’t Do, and Is Your Love Big Enough? the artist will be on the Padang Stage on Friday, September 15, and Village Stage on Saturday.

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