Casey McQuillen illuminates The London Palladium in full-circle moment supporting Anastacia
13 May 2025
Newsdesk
Last tuesday, I had the distinct pleasure of witnessing singer-songwriter Casey McQuillen take the stage at the iconic London Palladium as she opened for global sensation Anastacia. It was a momentous occasion for the rising star, who is having an exceptional year, with sold-out European tours and a string of infectious hit singles propelling her into the spotlight. Fresh off the release of the unapologetic self-love ode ‘Better’ and empowering anthem ‘Better Than This’, I was eager to catch her in person - and she certainly didn’t disappoint.
Immediately captivating the audience with radiant opener ‘Talk In My Head’, Casey illuminated The Palladium and commanded the stage, throwing endless passion into each moment of her set. As she emerged with the radiant energy of a firecracker, she screamed instant confidence - an attribute reflected in her previous array of singles. Clad from head to toe in a glittering ruby-red dress, she was accompanied only by her guitarist-pianist, just enough to hold the grandeur of the venue in the palm of her hand.
Throughout, Casey balanced an effortless presence with instantly recognizable vocals that echoed seamlessly through the room. Her energetic style was complemented by chatty, humorous on-stage banter and matched by candid songwriting, making the performance as deeply likeable as it was entertaining. A glorious collection of guitar-led polished anthems and profound ballads followed, from the relatable depiction of letting a toxic relationship go in ‘The One’ to the unreleased, yet equally enthralling, ‘Just Might.’
A standout moment in the set was recent single ‘Better’ - a proud declaration of self-worth and her journey toward reclaiming confidence. ‘Raise your hand if you’re single!’ she shouted, met with a wave of raised hands as she fully stepped into her power and independence. 'I couldn’t feel more confident than I do right now - wearing a red dress at the Palladium!' she exclaimed with joy, earning a roar of cheers from the crowd. Casey delivered this assurance in the most effortlessly endearing way, dancing with carefree joy to the song’s infectious groove and breathing soul into every lyric. The result was electric: playful, magnetic, and a perfect spark that set the tone for an unforgettable night.
Addressing her battle with body image, she introduced the heartfelt, piano-led ballad ‘Skinny’ - a raw and tender reflection on the impact of comparison and the joy it often robs. The track marked another moment of vulnerability turned empowerment, with its title underscoring a bold message of self-acceptance. The moment was thought-provoking, quieting the full house as the audience absorbed her strikingly relatable lyrics.
The theme of unity and self-empowerment carried seamlessly into the raw and heartfelt “In and Out,” originally released as a duet with Jon McLaughlin. Delving into the emotional tug-of-war of holding onto a flawed but cherished love, she delivered a performance that welcomed vulnerability. Her gift for writing songs steeped in real, lived emotion was on full display. The crowd, completely captivated, lifted their phone torches high, transforming the venue into a glowing, undulating sea of light. Even with anticipation building for Anastacia, she carved out an atmospheric moment that was entirely her own, undoubtedly leaving with a fresh wave of new fans.
Closing the set, Casey ended the night with the triumphant ‘Better Than This’, a profound reflection of the star’s full-circle moment and most recent release. As she devoted the song to London, she shared its inspiring backstory: moving to the city to pursue her music career. By the looks of it, her dreams are all coming to light. The pop-rock anthem, with its euphoric chorus, felt cinematic and monumentous, treating the audience with a track that’s destined to fill arenas in the future.
If this shimmering performance is any indication, Casey Mcquillen is set to keep on charming venues worldwide: a true natural and deserving star on a rising ascent. As she hinted towards her upcoming headline shows in November, we’ll be sure to mark our calendars and join her on her next live adventure.
