London’s summer just got a whole lot hotter. Capital’s Summertime Ball, the annual pop music bash that packs Wembley Stadium with screaming fans, is officially back for 2025, and it’s bringing a legend to the stage. Mariah Carey, the queen of vocal runs and chart-topping hits, will headline the event on June 15, marking her first appearance at the festival. The announcement, dropped on April 28, has already sent ticket-hungry fans into a frenzy.
This year’s Summertime Ball promises to be a blockbuster. Carey, a five-time Grammy winner with a career spanning over three decades, is expected to deliver a setlist of 6 to 8 songs, clocking in at roughly 30 minutes. Her performance will lean on her status as a global icon, with organizers banking on her pulling out crowd-pleasers like “Fantasy,” “We Belong Together,” and maybe even a Christmas classic to wink at her holiday dominance. The event, hosted by Capital FM, will see thousands pour into the 90,000-capacity Wembley Stadium, a venue that’s hosted everyone from Beyoncé to the Rolling Stones.
Joining Carey is a stacked lineup of pop heavyweights. Acts like Jessie J, Zara Larsson, Benson Boone, and Reneé Rapp are confirmed, alongside KSI, Lola Young, Dasha, and a nostalgic Busted vs. McFly showdown. The mix spans genres and generations, ensuring the day-long festival appeals to teens scrolling playlists and adults who still know every word to “Year 3000.” Tickets, as always, are expected to vanish fast, with Capital FM urging listeners to tune in for details on how to snag them.
The Summertime Ball, a staple since 2008, has become one of the UK’s biggest pop events, drawing over 80,000 attendees in past years. Last held in 2024, it faced a year of uncertainty due to rising costs and logistical hurdles, but organizers have locked in 2025 with a vengeance. Carey’s booking is a coup, signaling the event’s return to full throttle after a bumpy post-pandemic recovery.
Carey herself confirmed the gig via an official statement, expressing excitement about performing in the UK for her fans, affectionately dubbed “Lambs.” The singer, who last toured the UK in 2019, is no stranger to massive crowds, having sold over 200 million records worldwide. Her appearance is a rare treat for British fans, who’ve mostly caught her in holiday-themed shows in recent years.
The festival will follow strict security protocols, in line with UK event regulations, with bag checks and restricted items enforced at Wembley. Organizers have also promised eco-friendly measures, like reduced single-use plastics, to align with London’s sustainability goals. Gates open at 1 p.m., with performances kicking off shortly after.
Fans can expect a day of high-energy sets, pyrotechnics, and that electric buzz only a stadium show delivers. Carey’s headlining slot will cap the night, her voice soaring over a sea of glowing phone screens. For those still scrambling for tickets, Capital FM’s website has the latest on availability and pricing, though expect a race against the clock.
June 15, 2025, is the date. Wembley Stadium is the place. Mariah Carey is the name. The Summertime Ball is back, and it’s ready to make London sing.