Louis Tomlinson, Demi Lovato, Conan Gray and more confirmed for BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge Month

BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge Month 2025 is officially making its highly anticipated return, and this year’s lineup is one of the most exciting in recent memory. Running from Monday, September 29 through Monday, November 3, the star-studded series of performances features 15 incredible artists, ranging from global icons to rising newcomers, each bringing their unique sound to the intimate Live Lounge stage.

Among the most talked-about names on the list are Louis Tomlinson, who will be performing his very first solo Live Lounge set, Demi Lovato, making a triumphant return for the first time since 2017, and Lewis Capaldi, who is confirmed for both a traditional performance and a very special Live Lounge Late session.

Let’s take a detailed look at what fans can expect from this year’s Live Lounge Month and why it has already become one of the most buzzed-about music events of the year.

What Makes BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge Month So Special?

For years, BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge has served as a platform where some of the world’s biggest artists strip back their chart-topping hits and deliver exclusive, often unforgettable performances. The format usually requires musicians to play acoustic or re-imagined versions of their own songs while also covering tracks from other artists, creating surprising and magical moments for fans.

The intimacy of the Live Lounge sets it apart from typical live concerts. Instead of massive stadiums or arena tours, the performances are broadcast from a smaller, controlled environment, showcasing raw vocals, fresh arrangements, and unexpected collaborations.

According to Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, this year’s Live Lounge Month is packed with “incredible debuts and the return of some huge names, making it one of the most exciting moments in our calendar.”

BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge Month 2025 Full Lineup

Here’s the complete schedule of artists confirmed for this year’s Live Lounge Month:

• Monday, September 29 – Olivia Dean

• Wednesday, October 1 – Conan Gray

• Friday, October 3 – Myles Smith

• Monday, October 6 – mgk

• Wednesday, October 8 – PinkPantheress

• Friday, October 10 – Robbie Williams

• Monday, October 13 – The Last Dinner Party

• Wednesday, October 15 – Skye Newman

• Friday, October 17 – Reneé Rapp

• Monday, October 20 – Lewis Capaldi (plus a Live Lounge Late)

• Wednesday, October 22 – Demi Lovato

• Friday, October 24 – Wet Leg

• Monday, October 27 – Mumford & Sons

• Wednesday, October 29 – Louis Tomlinson

• Monday, November 3 – Florence + The Machine

Performances will air every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 12 p.m. during Rickie, Melvin, and Charlie’s Radio 1 show.

Louis Tomlinson’s First Solo Live Lounge Set

Perhaps the most anticipated performance of the month is Louis Tomlinson’s first solo appearance in the Live Lounge. While Tomlinson has performed in the iconic setting as a member of One Direction, this marks a milestone moment in his solo career.

Fans are already speculating about which tracks he might choose to showcase. With hits from his albums Walls and Faith in the Future, plus the Live Lounge tradition of covering another artist’s song, the possibilities are exciting.

Given his strong following and history with the Live Lounge, Tomlinson’s performance on October 29 is expected to be one of the standout highlights of the entire month.

Demi Lovato Returns After Seven Years

Another major moment is the return of Demi Lovato, who last performed in the Live Lounge back in 2017. Known for their powerhouse vocals and emotional performances, Lovato is expected to bring both intensity and vulnerability to their set on October 22.

Fans are particularly eager to see what cover track Demi might choose, as their previous Live Lounge performances included unforgettable renditions that showcased versatility and raw talent.

Lewis Capaldi’s Live Lounge Late

Lewis Capaldi, one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of the past decade, will not only perform a standard Live Lounge set on October 20 but will also deliver a special Live Lounge Late session.

This extended performance will feature three additional tracks and will be broadcast during Radio 1’s New Music Show with Jack Saunders. Known for his ability to balance heartfelt ballads with humor and relatability, Capaldi’s double feature is guaranteed to resonate deeply with fans.

Other Star Performances to Watch

While Louis Tomlinson, Demi Lovato, and Lewis Capaldi may be headlining the buzz, the rest of the lineup is equally impressive.

• Robbie Williams (October 10) will deliver a Radio 1 Anthems Live Lounge, likely celebrating his long career of hits.

• Florence + The Machine (November 3) will close the month with what promises to be a soaring, ethereal performance.

• PinkPantheress, Conan Gray, and Wet Leg will bring fresh energy from the new generation of pop and indie stars.

• Mumford & Sons (October 27) will showcase their folk-rock mastery in a stripped-back format that suits their style perfectly.

The mix of newcomers and established stars guarantees variety and freshness throughout the month.

Why Live Lounge Month Resonates with Fans

Part of the reason why Live Lounge Month continues to grow in popularity is its ability to surprise. The stripped-back format forces artists to step outside of their comfort zone, often revealing new sides to their artistry.

Covers, in particular, have become a defining element. Over the years, fans have witnessed unexpected mashups and genre-crossing performances that have gone viral and remained in fans’ playlists long after the broadcasts ended.

According to Rickie, Melvin, and Charlie, the Radio 1 hosts:

“Live Lounge Month is back and we couldn’t be more excited! It’s always such a special time on Radio 1 – artists stripping things back, surprising us with covers you’d never expect, and creating those unforgettable moments that only the Live Lounge can bring.”

The Cultural Impact of Live Lounge

Beyond the immediate excitement, the Live Lounge has become an essential part of modern music culture. Many artists have used it as a platform to showcase versatility, win over new audiences, and even debut tracks in a unique format.

For fans, it provides a rare opportunity to hear familiar songs in a completely different light. For artists, it represents both a challenge and an honor — a chance to be remembered for how they reinvented their sound in such an iconic setting.

What Fans Are Saying

Online reaction to the 2025 lineup has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Louis Tomlinson’s first solo performance has dominated fan conversations, with speculation over setlists running rampant on social media. Demi Lovato’s return has also sparked excitement, while Lewis Capaldi’s Live Lounge Late is seen as a bold expansion of the tradition.

Meanwhile, fans of Florence + The Machine and Mumford & Sons are looking forward to stripped-back renditions of their larger-than-life anthems. The inclusion of newer artists such as Olivia Dean and The Last Dinner Party also signals Radio 1’s continued commitment to spotlighting fresh talent.

Final Thoughts

With an impressive mix of pop stars, rock icons, and emerging talents, this year’s BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge Month promises to be one of the most memorable in its history.

From Louis Tomlinson’s debut solo set and Demi Lovato’s long-awaited return to Lewis Capaldi’s groundbreaking Live Lounge Late, the lineup offers something for everyone. Add to that the presence of Florence + The Machine, Mumford & Sons, Robbie Williams, PinkPantheress, Wet Leg, and many more, and you have a month of music that is guaranteed to create moments fans will talk about for years to come.

As Aled Haydn Jones perfectly summed it up:

“The magic of the Live Lounge is in its intimacy: stripped-back performances that let fans experience their favourite artists like they’ve never heard them before.”

This year’s Live Lounge Month is shaping up to be bigger, better, and more emotional than ever — a celebration of music in its purest form.