The Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix roars back this October with a stellar line-up of music legends and global superstars, promising a gathering where velocity and volume collide under the Marina Bay lights
Singapore never sleeps, as the saying goes. But for one weekend each year, staying awake is an understatement for the metropolis — it pulses with adrenaline, fuelled from revving engines and the stream of resonance that follows along with it. From Oct 3 to 5, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix returns to the Marina Bay Street Circuit, transforming the city’s glittering skyline into one of the most electrifying racetracks in the world.
Indeed, the spectacle of 20 of the world’s fastest drivers battling it out on a 5.063km circuit of 23 demanding corners is enough to get pulses racing. The humid tropical air, dazzling floodlights, and unforgiving street layout make this one of the most physically punishing races on the calendar. In fact, cockpit temperatures soar so high that drivers can lose up to 3kg in body weight. This test of skill and stamina has produced some of the race’s most memorable moments, from Fernando Alonso’s controversial 2008 victory to Carlos Sainz’s defensive masterclass in 2023 that ended Red Bull’s dominance.
Yet the Grand Prix’s magic lies just as much off-track. The event has been positioned not only as a motorsport spectacle but also as a global lifestyle music festival integrating fashion, design, and technology with the universal language of music. More than 550,000 foreign visitors have already made the pilgrimage, rounding in an estimated $2 billion in tourism receipts. In early 2025, the island was officially recognised for delivering the best overall fan experience, winning the “Fan Experience” award at the Formula 1 Promoter Awards.
The concert and entertainment lineup is just as hotly anticipated as the race. Previous editions of the three-day shows proved to be some of the largest gigs held in Singapore, and this season might just be the most exciting yet. With 31 artists and music groups, the Marina Bay precinct will welcome a roster of icons and rising stars across genres. Whether you are drawn by K-pop royalty, rock legends, or EDM powerhouses, there is something for every taste, ensuring the race festivities are as much about sound as it is about speed.
The Grand Prix circuit park is split into four different zones, where live music stages are situated between Zone 1 and Zone 4. Headliners will perform at Padang Stage in Zone 4 and Wharf Stage in Zone 1, whereas other artists will play at platforms across both sections (Zone 1: Sail Stage and Sunset Stage; Zone 4: Downtown Stage, Garage, DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre at Esplanade). Although all tickets provide access to performances in Zone 4, those mainly interested in watching the live acts can opt for the more affordable option of purchasing a Walkabout ticket – Zone 4 Walkabout provides entry to all facilities and viewing zones within the section, while Premier Walkabout allows you to venture between all zones within the circuit park as you please. Both grandstands are a 30 to 40 minute walk from each other, or you can hop onto the MRT from Nicoll Highway station to City Hall station for a quicker journey and a dose of cool air conditioning.
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Why the division? This curation was not done mindlessly. As this is the 16th edition, Adam Firth, executive director of Singapore GP, stated that the organisers have a better understanding of their patrons’ demographics. He explained that a large portion of Zone 1 ticketbuyers hail from Europe and Australia, leaning towards a more Gen X music palate with a preference for retro and indie acts.
This presents us with the heart of the matter: who exactly is a part of this star-studded lineup?
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The festival kicks off in style with G-Dragon, the South Korean superstar and leader of K-pop group BigBang. A pioneer of self-produced music, he is credited with revolutionising the genre through his boundary-pushing artistry and unmatched starpower. Back after a seven-year hiatus, his versatility as the “King of K-pop” is reflected through his vast discography of genre-bending tracks. Songs such as Coup d’Etat, Crayon, Crooked, and That XX provide an exploration of his range.
Sharing the spotlight on opening night is CL, former leader of 2NE1 and a solo powerhouse in her own right. With hits like The Baddest Female and Hello B*tches, she has carved her own individuality as an unapologetic, globe-trotting performer. Named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, her presence adds a fierce, feminine counterpoint to G-Dragon’s set. Compounded by the fact that the two were trained under the same company, the duo is definitely one of the most anticipated double bills of the occasion.
Adding a different vigour to the night is Clean Bandit, the Grammy-winning British electronic group who famously fuse classical strings with pulsating dance rhythms. Chart-toppers like Rockabye, Rather Be, Symphony and Solo have racked up billions of streams and keep propelling back to prominence. Their upbeat vibrations ensure day one ends with audiences on their feet, caught in a euphoric haze of chordophones and beats.
The second day belongs to the heavyweights. Headlining is Foo Fighters, one of the most influential rock bands of the last three decades. With over 15 Grammy Awards and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, their catalogue — from Everlong, Monkey Wrench, Learn to Fly, and Best of You — has resonated with rock fans regardless of age. Their score is expected to unite tens of thousands in one massive chorus, further ignited by the charming charisma and sense of brotherhood that they exude, which differentiates them from average rockstars.
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Balancing the rock bravado with electronic waves, Alan Walker brings his signature melodic EDM to the stand. Best known for Faded, Walker has become a fixture at festivals like Coachella and Tomorrowland. Fresh from his Walkerworld tour, his appearance promises to immerse audiences in soaring soundscapes, proving himself as one of the genre’s most bankable stars.
Crowded House, the iconic Australian-New Zealand rock outfit, offers a change of pace with heartfelt melodies rich in nostalgia. Bittersweet and filled with expressive honesty, classics like Don’t Dream It’s Over and Weather With You are guaranteed singalongs, reminding the audience of their timeless emotional resonance.
The final day of the Grand Prix will see a legendary headliner bringing back records that span half a century. Not only is Sir Elton John an EGOT-award winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony), he is one of the most highly acclaimed and successful solo artists of all time. Having achieved two diamond, 43 platinum or multi-platinum, 26 gold albums and more than 300 million records sold worldwide, his anthems, from Rocket Man to Your Song, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Tiny Dancer are household soundtracks of entire generations.
Also gracing the scene is Lewis Capaldi, the Scottish singer-songwriter whose raw vulnerability and powerhouse vocals have earned him international acclaim. After a pause to focus on his health, Capaldi’s comeback is marked by his new single Survive, and his session promises to be both moving and cathartic.
Closing the weekend is The Smashing Pumpkins, returning to Singapore after 15 years. Creating a unique identity of their own with a distinct mix of grunge, alt-rock, and dreamy shoegaze might have seemed ambitious in the 1990s, but it proved to be worthwhile as they kept reinventing and pushing into new spaces. With hits like 1979, Bullet with Butterfly Wings and Tonight, Tonight, the band speaks directly to feelings of alienation, love, rage and wonder, creating an experience that is visually and sonically aesthetic.
Beyond the main acts, the diversity of the artist list speaks volumes. Indie fans are well-fed with a feast to choose from: spiky rock-sounding Brit-rock from The Lathums, or their more synth-pop counterparts The Wombats. Rum Jungle blends pop arrangements with psychedelic guitars, while Tom Grennan expresses himself with his gritty, meaningful vocals.
For something heavier, Babymetal combines metal with idol pop in a theatrical showcase. On the lighter side, pop lovers can indulge in vocally-charged sets from Indonesia’s Putri Ariana, folk-pop artist Maisie Peters, and American Idol alumni Haley Reinhart. Concert-goers will have to lace up their shoes for a night of dancing as the feel-good bangers press on with boy band Oakë, who marry pop, funk and neo-soul, and Japanese groove and funk band Tokyo Groove Jyoshi.
The electronic contingent is equally strong — with the familiar presence of F1 stage regular DJ Admin, Latin-infused EDM complete with live drumming by Le Twins, as well as the first “time-travelling DJ” Hot Dub Time Machine known for playing vinyls in chronological order dating back to the 60s.
The party stays alive long after the engines have cooled with more turntables transcending genres: Hanna with hip-hop, R&B and moombahton; DJ QuestionMark, who merges UK garage, drum and bass, glitch hop and a live flute; and Kim Turnbull with roots in afrobeats, amapiano and dance sequences. Former Spice Girls member Melanie C will also make an appearance, merging pop anthems and nostalgic hits into high-energy processions.
Techno listeners were not forgotten, with Pete Tong bringing his legendary house beats, indie electronic duo The Naked and Famous, and Indo House, who meld South Asian rhythms with contemporary house and techno. Malaysia’s Belle Sisoski will represent the ethnic tones of Southeast Asia in her one-woman multi-instrumental show. Representing the motherland, Singapore’s very own dynamic vocal ensemble, The Island Voices, will share their rich harmonies and captivating presence.
A true reflection of the melting pot that is Singapore, this celebration of genres, generations and global echoes portrays the cosmopolitan spirit and distinguishes the country’s Grand Prix from the rest. Whether you attend for the speed, sound, or both, this October promises an affair of rhythm against thundering engines, where the Lion City will roar louder than ever.
