Showday Manchester Apollo

Since we were already parked right next to the venue, the day started off pretty easy. It was another day of concession sales, so I gave myself permission to sleep in a little longer.

The venue had a small, somewhat sad merch stall, so I gave it a makeover with our decorations before the venue staff arrived. It needed a bit of magic.

After that, I went to warrior training. We focused on the shield wall in Urbani, practicing more than usual. It was tough on my feet, a bit uncomfortable, but we managed to tighten the formation beautifully.

Later, I picked some lovely flowers for my goddess crown and started preparing for the show while enjoying some really good food.

It felt almost surreal that the audience line was right next to our buses. We had to be cautious having fans that close can be intense, but it was also sweet to connect with a few kind faces before the chaos began.

The show went smoothly... until Urbani. During the shield wall move, there’s a moment where we have to drop to one knee quickly. As I did it, I felt a sharp snap in my foot and then pain. Real pain.

Panic hit me instantly. My body reacted before I could even think, trying to hold it together fighting off the urge to faint or throw up. I still had two songs to go, and I wasn’t sure I could make it. I signaled to Ruben that I was in trouble, unsure whether to stay or leave. But I couldn’t think clearly enough to decide, so I just let the adrenaline take over and somehow made it through.

As soon as I got off stage, I went straight to Tess, asked for a medic, sugar, and ice. People rushed to help. I missed half the show, and while everyone was shocked, we held it together. No goddess performance for me that night.

Afterwards, I was surrounded with help and kindness, and somehow made it back to the bus. Tomorrow in Lille, we’ll have to find a doctor and see what’s really going on with my foot.Read more