A country singer from Luton says she is determined to put the town “on the map for good reasons” after performing at one of the biggest events in the global country music calendar.
Olivia Lynn, 20, was chosen by BBC Radio 2 and BBC Introducing to showcase her talent at the Country to Country (C2C) festival at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday.
The event, which also takes place in Glasgow and Belfast, has been described by legendary radio presenter Bob Harris as “one of the biggest events in the country music calendar globally”.
The Stopsley singer said performing at the popular festival was a proud moment, particularly as she continues to promote her hometown.
“There is a stigma around being a country artist from the UK in general, which is something as a British girly I’m trying to overcome and break through the glass,” she told the BBC.
“But especially saying I’m from Luton is a big thing as well. I’m really trying to put a positive spin on things and put Luton on the map for good reasons.”
Describing the opportunity to perform at the O2, Lynn added: “It was so surreal. I feel like it was a massive pinch me moment, but I feel so proud and also super privileged to be able to even be in the O2 and perform.
“Just meeting Bob Harris was one of the most insane moments, having someone like me come from Luton and perform at this amazing event, it’s crazy.”
Lynn was also invited to perform a live session for BBC Radio 2, her live music debut on national radion, where she played her single ‘Open’.
Prior to her performance at the O2, Lynn played a sold out hometown warm-up show at The Castle, and before making the trip to London, she also shared her excitement with fans on Instagram.
“It doesn’t feel real,” she said, adding: “To think the little girl from luton who dropped out of high school would be performing at @c2cfestival @theo2london and meeting the legendary @whisperingbob is an insane thought….. but clearly nothing is impossible.”
Looking ahead, Lynn said she hoped her C2C appearance could lead to performances at some of the UK’s biggest festivals, with her eye on the Reading, Leeds and Glastonbury festivals, but her next appearance will be this summer at the Bedford River Festival on the BBC Introducing stage.
You can find Lynn and her music on her official website | Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon Music | TikTok | Instagram |
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