Live Review Hayley Kiyoko, Forum, London 6th February 2019

It’s been less than six months since Hayley Kiyoko played her first UK headline shows. In that time, and largely thanks to her highly-dedicated online fanbase, she now stands proud in front of a crowd almost four times the size – the first of two sold-out nights at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town.

Flanked by professional dancers and a rainbow-heavy light show, Hayley – through notable disbelief - declares tonight her “no strings attached insane arena dream”. By this point, in what is becoming a staple at her shows, a series of bras have been pelted at the stage and the rising superstar has been met by repeated declarations of love from the doting crowd. It’s testament not only to how far Hayley Kiyoko has come, but how she has become an important voice for a young LGBT community.

Finding early fame as part of the sickly-sweet Nickelodeon and Disney family, Hayley has shaken off early associations to be crowned the ‘lesbian Jesus’ by an army of online stans. She carries this appointed status with her, countless fans waving rainbow flags while singing the unquestionably empowering ‘Girls Like Girls’ at the top of their voices.