Olly Alexander took the stage at Brighton Pride for a memorable surprise performance with Girls Aloud. Introduced by Married at First Sight UK star and trans activist Ella Morgan, Girls Aloud members Nadine Coyle, Cheryl, Kimberly Walsh, and Nicola Roberts thrilled the audience at Preston Park.
Draped in gold metallic coats, Girls Aloud opened with “The Show,” captivating the crowd with their powerful vocals. Their setlist included hits like “Something New,” “Can’t Speak French,” “Sound Of The Underground,” and a cover of Madonna’s “Material Girl.” The crowd was further delighted when Eurovision 2024 contestant Alexander joined for a rare performance of “The Loving Kind,” their first since 2009, and collaborated on Years & Years’ hit “King.”
Alexander expressed his gratitude, saying, “I can’t tell you what an honour it is to be on this stage. This is a dream come true,” as the audience warmly received him.
Girls Aloud’s appearance at Brighton Pride marked the conclusion of their The Girls Aloud Show UK tour, their first performances together in over a decade. The show included poignant tributes to the late Sarah Harding, who passed away in 2021 after a battle with breast cancer. During “Whole Lotta History,” a montage of Harding’s videos played while her vocals echoed through the venue. The tribute concluded with a quote, “The darkest nights produce the brightest stars,” displayed on the screen.
The emotional homage continued as Harding’s recorded vocals introduced a cover of The Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand by You.” The band completed the song a cappella, their haunting harmonies resonating with the 300,000-strong audience. The performance was a moving testament to Harding’s enduring impact on the band and their fans.
After a lengthy encore and a costume change into silver glittering dresses, Girls Aloud returned to perform “The Promise.” Harding’s image appeared once more on the screen, and the band members paused to watch, creating a deeply emotional moment for everyone present.