2024 marked 22 years since the formation of Girls Aloud and, to mark their two decade milestone, they embarked on a reunion tour. One of these shows, at the O2, aired as a television special, bringing one of the most successful vocal groups to come out of the UK to the homes of many fans.
Having split in 2013, plans for an initial 20-year reunion were put on hold when Sarah Harding was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, and she would pass away in 2021. In spite of this, remaining members Kimberley Walsh, Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, and Nicola Roberts have reassembled to put together a show which is part tribute, part nostalgia trip, and part party.
Girls Aloud made a return with the song Something New from 2012, illuminated by pink screens, followed by a trumpet-filled rendition of the catchy dance tune Love Machine, and a line dance to Biology. These songs, and others, are a reminder of how good the good old days were, specifically how pop music used to be, and this is none the clearer through Cheryl’s enthusiasm and the occasional shot of the audience, young and old alike, singing and dancing along.
And it’s not just the songs and scenery that set the atmosphere. The costume changes – which total four – do so as well, particularly when the ladies enter the arena on motorcycles in mirror-themed dresses – or a suit, in Kimberley’s case – for the start of rock ballad Wake Me Up.
Nadine introduced the segment dedicated to paying tribute to Sarah, with Nicola looking outward to the audience fondly as they played her performance of I’ll Stand By You, before the rest of the group joined in and the audience swayed along. This was a performance guaranteed to give anyone the feels and gave the sense that, somewhere, the spirit of Sarah was with the group. This also rings true with the playing of her verse during the group’s performance of The Promise.
Even for those watching the broadcast as opposed to the live show, the whole experience is still enjoyable for old and new fans of Girls Aloud – especially with the behind the scenes footage of the group and dancers getting ready for the show and its segments. Something Kinda Oooh? More like Something Kinda Yeah.
The Girls Aloud Show Live at the O2 is available to stream on ITVX.
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