Wireless Festival goers were “packed in like Sardines” according to fans on the inaugural night at Finsbury Park yesterday, as the sun beamed down and headliner Drake performed his first of three shows this weekend. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of the Hotline Bling singer to the UK – and he certainly didn’t disappoint on Friday with special guests and a few surprises.
The 38-year-old rapper and singer, who boasts five Grammy Awards, surprised fans by bringing out Lauryn Hill mid-show. Her rendition of ‘Ex-Factor’ seamlessly transitioned into Drake rapping his 2018 hit single ‘Nice For What’. Videos circulating online capture the incredible scenes, with one fan declaring on X that it was “one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen”.
But that wasn’t all; Drake, who jetted into the UK earlier this week aboard his private plane ‘Air Drake’, also welcomed five other artists onto the stage – Mario, Bobby Valentino, Bryson Tiller, and Giveon to perform their crowd-pleasing singles. Plus, the One Dance artist added an unlikely song to his set – a Whitney Houston track – and he soared through the air.
Fans were left stunned at the unexpected moment after seeing him on a cylindrical platform, extending his microphone out to the crowd as the legendary song echoed around the venue.
While sharing videos on TikTok of the moment, fans shared their reactions.
One individual said: “The last thing I expected…Drake performing I will always love you by Whitney Houston Wireless 2025.”
A fan posted a clip exclaiming: “Drake flying through Finsbury Park singing Whitney Houston was not on my 2025 Bingo card.” Someone else posted: “Only drake would fly on a crane around the whole wireless crowd, singing Whitney Houston.
“Drake really said ‘I’m seeing everybody’,” another fan remarked as he soared above the audience.
Another astonished concertgoer, who found the moment quite moving, shared: “Not Drake flying through the air to Whitney Houston after bringing out 10 back to back special guests. We go again tomorrow.”
Comments ranged from amusement to admiration, with one person joking: “He’s so unserious.” While someone else noted: “This man is having too much fun.”
Another attendee whimsically suggested Drake was playing the part of a “fairy”.
The Canadian rapper is no stranger to Wireless surprise appearances. In 2021, he dropped in unannounced to perform with Future, and he also graced the festival with an unexpected set in 2018.
Which artists are joining the line-up for Wireless Festival 2025?
The festival has confirmed a host of new acts. The nights promise a vibrant showcase of Black music excellence, spanning rap, R&B, Afrobeats, dancehall, grime, and trap genres.
Revealed to join the Friday scene are Leon Thomas, KWN, Odeal, Roy Woods, Sailorr, TBA, Nippa, and Kamilla Rose. Saturday’s performances will include BigXThaPlug, Lancey Foux, Nemzzz, Fimiguerrero, Sahbabii, Len, Chy Cartier, YT and Kenny Allstar.
On Sunday, festival-goers will have the chance to see performances from Vybz Kartel, Popcaan, Spice, Masicka, Uncle Waffles, Darkoo, Odumodublvck, Skeete and Izzy Bossy. Drake is set to be the main act for all three days.
