±«Óãtv

This page has been archived and is no longer updated.Find out more about page archiving.

Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park is just days away and you can watch all of the action right here on the Radio 2 website. And, as the big day approaches, Radio 2 presenters have picked the artists they can't wait to watch.

Let Zoë, Ken, Mark, Steve, Dermot, Sara, Simon and Trevor be your guide to this year's incredible line-up...

Stereophonics... chosen by Dermot O'Leary

Six number one albums... over 10 million sales... Stereophonics are capping more than two decades at the top in 2017 with the release later this year of their tenth studio album, and a performance at Radio 2's Live in Hyde Park event. With an extensive catalogue of hits such as Dakota, Have A Nice Day and Handbags and Gladrags, they are renowned as one of the UK's best live bands.

Dermot says: "This year Stereophonics celebrate 25 years in the business – having notched up six No 1 albums. Always humble, but the right side of raucous - Every time it's hit after hit after hit...the Joe Calzaghes of rock and roll."

Seth Lakeman & Wildwood Kin... chosen by Mark Radcliffe

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Seth Lakeman is no stranger to Radio 2, having won both Singer of the Year and Best Album at the ±«Óãtv Radio 2 Folk Awards - not to mention his nomination for the Mercury Prize in 2005. He joins the line up to perform with emerging ±«Óãtv Introducing artists, Wildwood Kin, the female trio comprised of sisters, Beth and Emillie Key and their cousin Meghann Loney who feature on Lakeman’s eighth studio album, Ballads Of The Broken Few.

Mark says: "The collaboration between Seth Lakeman and Wildwood Kin is the perfect union in many ways."

Rick Astley... chosen by Sara Cox

It's 30 years since Rick Astley's first single Never Gonna Give You Up hit the number one spot, stayed there for five weeks and went on to be the best-selling song of 1987. Last year, he made a long awaited return back to the top of the charts with his number one album, 50, and he'll be gracing the Hyde Park stage in September.

Sara says: "I'm a certified Rickette, a total Astleyhead. I LOVE the man. Hyde Park had better brace itself when he strides out onto that stage - he's fantastic live and gives it some proper welly. A true 80s superstar."

Emeli Sandé... chosen by Trevor Nelson

Singer-songwriter, Emeli Sandé's debut album - Our version Of Events - was the biggest selling UK album of 2012, spending seven non-consecutive weeks at number one. She’s got three number one singles to her name, won four Brit Awards, two Ivor Novellos, four Mobos, a Q, and even performed at the White House in front of President Obama.

Trevor says: "Who can forget her spine-tingling performance at the Olympics in 2012? Well I certainly can't and I am sure Hyde Park will not forget the day Emeli, with her blonde quiff and majestic voice, graces our stage"

James Blunt... chosen by Ken Bruce

James Blunt's first album, Back To Bedlam, included the smash hit singles You’re Beautiful and Goodbye My Lover, bringing international fame to the former British Army officer who has since sold over 20 million albums and over 12 million singles. This year he released his fifth studio album, The Afterlove, and will - of course - treat us to a stunning live set in Hyde Park.

Ken says: "James Blunt's music is part of so many people's lives. He has a song for every experience and emotion, speaking directly to his audience."

Shania Twain... chosen by Steve Wright

With international hits including That Don’t Impress Me Much, You’re Still the One, and Man! I Feel Like A Woman! Shania Twain is the reigning queen of country-pop... the top-selling female country artist of all time with more than 90 million albums sold worldwide!! She'll be stepping out to entertain the crowds at this year’s Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park in what is her only UK date this year.

Steve says: "Shania Twain was one of the first artists to reintroduce my interest in country music in the mid-90s. She successfully fused new country with pop to make something totally different and fun too."

Blondie... chosen by Simon Mayo

The iconic Blondie have been at the forefront of the music scene scene for 40 years, combining elements of new wave, disco, pop, rap, and reggae in a back catalogue of incredible music, from Heart of Glass, Atomic, Call Me, Rapture and Maria, and recent hit single, Fun. Formed by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, the group released their 11th studio album, Pollinator, this year.

Simon says: "Denis by Blondie. It's 1977. I watch Top of the Pops, I buy the single, the album. I'm still in love after all these years!"

Take That... chosen by Zoë Ball

Take That need no introduction. It was 25 years ago that their debut album, Take That and Party, stole our hearts and ears. Seven number one albums, 12 number one singles and over 45 million records sold in the UK alone later and hits such as Back For Good, Patience, Greatest Day and The Flood have sealed their status as national treasures.

Zoë says: "I'm very excited to see the gorgeous boys and can't wait to hear the oldies. They always put on a brilliant show, everyone going to Hyde Park is in for a treat! I'll be pulling out my best shimmy for Could It Be Magic!"