Camila Cabello, O2 Academy, Birmingham - review

So when I heard her debut European solo tour was coming to Birmingham’s O2 Academy, I did wonder how she would manage without four girls by her side.

But the Cuba-born singer did just fine - she was incredible, in fact. Proving her girlband days were well and truly behind her, she owned the stage, bringing bucket loads of sass and sex appeal with her.

Opening with Never Be The Same, which charted at number seven, the X Factor US finalist took revellers through singles from her debut album Camila.

I knew this 21 year old would be a hit with young crowds, but I never realised just how popular she was. Her banner-clad army of fans knew every word to every song - and I mean every single one.

The pop princess could have strolled off stage mid-show and you still would be able to clearly hear the entire crowd singing in chorus - of this I have no doubt. It’s the sort of thing I maybe only expect when Robbie Williams sings Angels or when Oasis’ Wonderwall comes on.

And Camila seemed to think so to, telling her ‘insanely beautiful’ crowd: “This is the loudest anyone has ever sang for me.

"This is one of my favourite crowds ever and I love you so much.”

Something’s Gotta Give was definitely a stand-out performance. The huge screen towering over the stage had previously played pre-recorded clips of the starlet, but during this song it beamed clips of gun control rallies, Black Lives Matter marches, homeless people and refugees, while Camila stood alone in the middle of the stage showcasing her powerhouse vocals. It was pretty powerful, and a complete twist from the exotic and effortless dancing throughout the show.

In the middle of the barrage of screams and cheers, she said: “There’s so many amazing fans here tonight. I love coming back to the UK but this is the time I really get to tell you to your faces how much I really appreciate you.

“We have such an incredible, special relationship. Thank you for being here for me.”

Crowd-pleaser Havana brought the gig to a end, and it was the one everyone had been waiting for; the venue completely erupted and was the loudest it had been all night.

Camila may be a rising star, but last night I truly felt I was in the presence of a world-renowned icon far beyond her years.