On January 16, 2009, a then-rising star named Adele took the stage at WXPN’s Free at Noon and delivered an unforgettable performance that foreshadowed the global stardom that was soon to follow. Just a year after the release of her debut album 19, the soulful British singer captivated the packed audience with her timeless voice, raw emotion, and natural stage presence. What unfolded that afternoon was a powerful, intimate set that resonated deeply with all in attendance and lives on in WXPN’s cherished live archives.
From the moment she stepped onto the stage, Adele’s charm and warmth were evident. Despite being a newcomer to the American music scene at the time, she immediately created a sense of connection with the audience. “It’s nice to be back again!” she said with a smile, her thick London accent adding to her down-to-earth appeal. Yet, once she began to sing, the room shifted from casual anticipation to something much more profound.
Adele opened with “Right as Rain,” blending deeply personal lyrics, with a stripped down guitar. Her voice, clear and soaring, filled the room with a richness that seemed effortless. The emotional depth in her delivery was undeniable, and though it was an early afternoon show, it felt as though time had stopped inside the venue. She seemed to pour her soul into every note, leaving the audience spellbound. Then she played “Hometown Glory”, backed by sweeping piano melodies. She followed that with a beautiful stripped-down version of “Melt My Heart to Stone.”
She closed with “Chasing Pavements,” the hit single that helped launch her to international fame. The song’s infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics translated beautifully to the live setting, and Adele’s vocals—both powerful and tender—brought an entirely new dimension to the track. Between songs, she charmed the crowd with her quick wit and self-deprecating humor, balancing her emotional intensity with moments of lightness and laughter. It was this combination of vulnerability and authenticity that endeared her to the audience that day.
Adele’s voice was clear and soaring
Perhaps the most remarkable moment of the performance came with her rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.” While many artists have covered the classic, Adele’s interpretation felt deeply personal, as though she was singing it for the very first time. Her voice swelled with emotion, bringing new life to the song and demonstrating her remarkable ability to inhabit the lyrics and make them her own.
The stripped-down, acoustic nature of the set allowed Adele’s voice to shine without distraction, and by the end of the performance, it was clear that this was no ordinary Free at Noon. This was a glimpse into the beginning of something truly special.
In the years since that performance, Adele has gone on to become one of the biggest stars in the world, winning countless awards and selling millions of albums. But for those lucky enough to be at WXPN’s World Cafe Live on that winter day in 2009, they experienced something much more personal—a moment when the future of music felt alive with possibility.
Adele’s Free at Noon set was not just a concert; it was a reminder of music’s unique power to move us, connect us, and stay with us long after the final note has faded.