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Raye became emotional as she told the large crowd at Reading Festival on Saturday that she had only ever performed for “two people” at a festival and that she had “always prayed” that one day people would “care about my music”.
The 26-year-old six-time Brit Award winner wowed at the festival in a chocolate brown sequined dress.
Her dress was sleeveless and featured stylish sheer panels on the sides, making Raye’s waist appear even smaller.
Raye, who took the stage barefoot, was accompanied by her backup vocalists, all wearing white.
While on stage, Raye addressed the audience and said, “It’s always been a dream of mine to play this festival.
An emotional Raye tells her huge Reading Festival audience that she’s only ever played to “two people” at a festival and that she’s “always prayed” that people would “care” one day
The six-time Brit Award-winning singer dazzled at the festival in a chocolate brown sequined dress
Her dress was sleeveless and featured stylish sheer panels on the sides, making Raye’s waist appear even smaller.
‘I didn’t think I’d be starting here on the main stage with all these people here, this is f***ing crazy. I did it guys!
‘I came to Reading when I was 16 and had just finished my GCSEs, I was in the deep end and living my life as a dancer.
‘When I came to this festival when I was 16, I thought: ‘One day I’m going to play here and I can’t believe we’re here.’
‘I’ve played so many s*** festivals – when I say s*** I don’t mean the type of festival. I mean I was ready to play and there were two people in the audience and I always prayed that one day someone would give a s*** and now here I am playing in Reading.
‘Anything is possible: I was here at sixteen with a dream and look at me now.’
Six songs in Raye’s set were upbeat and positive, but one song dealt with sexual abuse.
Before the song, Raye said, “When I became an independent artist, I made a promise to myself that I would make honest music about the things that I’ve been through. That’s a medicine and music can heal you and make you feel better, that you’re heard and listened to.
“I like to cry and this is a sad song, but I’m gonna sing it. I pray you can’t relate to it, but if you can, I hope it feels like a hug. It’s called Ice Cream Man.”
Unfortunately, there was a medical issue in the audience during Raye’s performance and she calmly waited for the issue to be resolved.
Raye, who entered the stage barefoot, was accompanied by her backing vocalists who all wore white clothing
While on stage, Raye addressed the crowd and said, “It’s always been a dream of mine to play this festival. I never thought I’d be starting out here on the main stage.”
‘I’ve played so many s*** festivals – when I say s*** I don’t mean the type of festival. I mean I was ready to perform and there were two people in the audience
‘I always prayed that one day someone would give ass*** and now I’m here playing Reading. Anything is possible: I was here at 16 with a dream and look at me now’
Six songs in Raye’s set were upbeat and positive, but one song dealt with sexual abuse.
Raye was one of five acts selected to open for Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tourwhen the 34-year-old megastar returned to Wembley Stadium to perform another five sold-out concerts from August 15-20.
Following her amazing performance, Raye shared a series of photos from this month on Instagram, including some of her amazing stage performances and a photo of her hugging Taylor.
Raye shared a glimpse of Taylor’s handwritten note in between snaps, in which she says she’s a “huge fan” of the Escapism hitmaker, before thanking her for opening her show.
The message read: ‘Raye, I am such a huge fan of yours and have been for years. I can’t believe my luck that you have said yes and are joining us for such an important night on The Eras Tour, our last night (in) Wembley! Thank you (from the) bottom of my heart.’