Review: Jason Derulo and THERA at Birmingham's Utilita Arena

What I didn’t expect was to be completely captivated before the headliner even stepped on stage. That surprise came in the form of THERA — a rising dark pop artist whose name, judging by the buzz in the arena foyer afterwards, won’t remain “up and coming” for long.

THERA opened her set with a cinematic intensity that instantly shifted the arena’s energy. Her sound — a blend of brooding synths, sharp beats, and emotionally charged vocals — felt both contemporary and distinct. It’s the kind of music that resonates with younger audiences while still offering enough depth and artistry to hook the adults in the room. My daughter leaned over during the first chorus and whispered "she’s pretty good” - and honestly, I couldn’t disagree.

What stood out most was THERA’s vocal presence. Even in a cavernous venue like the Utilita/NIA, her voice carried a clarity and emotional weight that commanded attention. She moved effortlessly between ethereal falsetto and darker, more grounded tones, giving each track a sense of narrative. There’s a confidence in her delivery that suggests she knows exactly who she is as an artist — a rare quality in someone still early in their career.

THERA’s stage production was minimalist but striking: moody lighting, shadow‑play silhouettes, and a visual palette that matched her sonic identity. Rather than relying on spectacle, she let atmosphere do the heavy lifting. The result was a set that felt intimate despite the arena scale — a clever contrast to the high‑octane pop theatrics that would follow with Derulo.

My daughter, usually glued to her phone, barely looked away from the stage. That alone speaks volumes.

Supporting slots can be unforgiving, especially when the crowd is impatient for the main act. But THERA handled the challenge with poise. She spoke to the audience with warmth and humility, acknowledging the opportunity and sharing brief glimpses into the stories behind her songs, remarking on a song she wrote at age 12. By the time she closed her set, she had earned genuine applause, she glided through the audience warmly talking to fans and having selfies. 

As we left the arena later that night, my daughter was already searching THERA on her playlist apps. That’s the mark of an effective support act: someone who doesn’t just fill time but expands the night, adds a new voice to the experience and leaves you wanting more.

Jason Derulo may have been the headliner, but THERA carved out her own moment — a dark pop revelation whose star is clearly on the rise.

Derulo’s world tour delivered exactly what he is known for: high-energy spectacle, razor-sharp choreography, and a surprisingly cross-generational appeal. As a parent attending with my teenager, I was struck by how much I mirrored his diverse fanbase. The show bridged our age gap perfectly. My daughter cheered for the hits she's grown up with, while I enjoyed the tracks I’ve been presented with by my teenager over the years. It is rare to find an artist who can facilitate such a genuine shared experience between parents and teenagers.

His performance style is built on precision, high energy, a little steamy but full of fun. The show features high-intensity staging with LED-heavy sets and athletic dancers who are central to the storytelling. This 'thrilling performance' vibe is his signature, blending pop, R&B, and club energy. 

Beyond his stage presence, Derulo is a prolific songwriter. Before his solo success with hits like Whatcha Say, Talk Dirty and Savage Love, he wrote for various major artists. 

The dancers were athletic and outstanding. The choreography was bold and precise, keeping even my daughter completely captivated throughout the set; the production quality a polished setup that transformed the arena atmosphere.

The concert was thrilling, polished, and unexpectedly meaningful. I walked in thinking this was an evening to entertain my daughter, but I walked out realising it was just as much for me. It was a night of incredible talent and shared energy that we will remember for years.