Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball, O2 Arena - review - Music - Arts

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After all the hype, the show opened with cheeky chappy Olly Murs, whose bellowing vocals obliterated his funk-soul band. Thankfully, US singer Jason Derulo was a pro whose performance shone as brightly as his silver hoodie. Dads dragged along to the O2 doubtless perked up during Don't Wanna Go Home, which borrowed The Banana Boat Song's chorus.

Otherwise, these acts were made for radio: Pixie Lott was out of her depth; DJ Calvin Harris bludgeoned us with dance hits; and oddly boy band The Wanted played their own instruments on a so-so Goo Goo Dolls cover.

More pictures: Jessie J rocks the Jingle Bell Ball

Given the amount of airplay for Saturday's headliner, it's a wonder Capital doesn't just rebrand as Rihanna FM. There was a febrile atmosphere when she appeared - in the blonde wig she wore at her O2 show two days earlier - but Rihanna never quite took charge of her songs.

She employed bottom wiggling on What's My Name? although, mercifully, there was no time for the usual raunchiness. Umbrella was almost memorable and she briefly focused on singing, rather than dancing, for California King Bed.

However, Rihanna was more fun when draping herself over her dancers during the infectious We Found Love.

As a platform descended below the stage, Rihanna thrust her groin in our faces and was gone - an abrupt farewell after an unremarkable 25 minutes from one of the world's biggest music stars.

Capital FM's Jingle Bell Ball
O2