Gwen Stefani, Shaggy made for a lit Saturday night at Bluesfest

OTTAWA -- Fans were loving Jamaican reggae star Shaggy perform on the RBC Stage during Ottawa Bluesfest at LeBreton Flats, Saturday, July 18, 2026. Photo by Ashley Fraser, Postmedia. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia

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The audience at the RBC Main Stage was in a party mood for Bluesfest’s final Saturday night on July 18, and Gwen Stefani could feel it.

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“I’m getting a super energy from you guys tonight,” declared the blonde dynamo early in her headlining performance, taking a moment to survey the crowd that stretched across the plaza in front of the Canadian War Museum.

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It wasn’t as big as a country crowd, partly because a late-afternoon rain drenched the site and likely contributed to a last-minute dip in attendance for the second-to-last night of this year’s Bluesfest.

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OTTAWA — Fans gathered in front of the RBC Stage during Ottawa Bluesfest at LeBreton Flats, Saturday, July 18, 2026. Photo by Ashley Fraser, Postmedia. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia

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Happily, the skies cleared and thousands made it to LeBreton Flats Park, dedicating themselves to having a good time. They danced, made noise, sang along and held up their phones to capture every moment of Stefani’s Bluesfest debut.

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“I’m pretty sure this might be the greatest concert I’ve ever had in Canada,” remarked the 56-year-old, her slicked-back ponytail framing a mega-watt grin. She wore the best outfit of this year’s fest, a plaid number in pink, black and a touch of sparkle that was artfully shredded to allow for movement.

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Believe me, she needed the shredding for ventilation. Stefani was a livewire of constant motion, whether bouncing back and forth across the stage or joining the vigorous routine of her dancers. A pared-down but powerful band, featuring women on bass and guitar, anchored the athletic show.

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There was a funny moment when a couple of signs in the crowd caught her eye. Spotting a pair of women in ridiculous banana costumes, armed with signs saying ‘This sh– is bananas,’ Stefani demanded they get on stage with her. Another young woman had a sign that said it was her first concert. “Get up here,” Stefani ordered, lining her up for a selfie.

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The setlist was a dopamine-filled crowd-pleaser, ranging from old No Doubt tracks to solo material and fun covers. And like all the artists that have been featured on the main stage, Stefani was enthusiastic in thanking fans for their support. “I have so much love to give you,” she said, “because this IS my life right now.”

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Earlier in the evening, Shaggy took it upon himself to get the party started by presenting the catchiest of tunes. In The Summertime was an ideal starting point for the night, followed by the 90s-era bangers Boombastic, Oh Carolina and That Girl.

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OTTAWA — Jamaican reggae star Shaggy brought his signature blend of reggae and dancehall to the festival. Photo by Ashley Fraser, Postmedia. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia

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Settling in for a singalong medley that included snippets of Bad Boys, Red Red Wine, Mad Mad World and more, Shaggy traded vocals with his MC and hyped the crowd by calling out to the “lay-dees,” as well as the reggae people and the dancehall devotees.

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The Jamaican star’s daylight spectacle also included some colourful language and suggestive moves that were more suited to a late-night dance floor than the family outing that Bluesfest has become.

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In light of Sunday’s uncertain weather, which veered from pouring rain to humidity-laden heat to downright chilly, the LeBreton Stage offered the shelter of a huge tent, and the draw of a couple of unknown acts with potential.