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Pori Jazz has just unveiled its headliners. Thursday 16 July 2026 will culminate in a performance by British singer Seal, Friday 17 July sees Tom Odell take the stage, and Saturday 18 July is set to be a show-stopper as John Legend blows the roof off.
John Legend is one of the rare artists to have completed the full EGOT set, having won a Grammy, Oscar, Emmy and Tony. At Pori Jazz, he will perform an intimate solo concert featuring reworked versions of his biggest hits, alongside personal stories from his career and life.
Seal, best known for his iconic hit Kiss from a Rose, will draw heavily from his classic debut albums Seal (often referred to as Seal I) and Seal II, while also dipping into highlights from across his career. He last appeared at Pori Jazz a decade ago, in the summer of 2016. Thursday’s programme also includes Dublin-born singer and guitarist Imelda May, celebrated for her fearless reinvention of rockabilly and rock’n’roll.
Tom Odell brings his emotionally charged, soul-inflected pop to Friday night. Drawing influences from folk and indie rock, Odell has built a global following, with Another Love evolving into a worldwide phenomenon. Also performing on Friday is SML, a Los Angeles-based band whose sound fuses jazz, improvisation and indie music into something bold, fluid and distinctly their own.
Pori Jazz 2026 main concert line-up
Thursday 16 July: Seal / Imelda May / Matteo Mancuso / Annie & The Caldwells / Mikko Kuustonen / Sasha Berliner
Friday 17 July: Tom Odell / Jalen Ngonda / Vesala / Cécile McLorin Salvant / Pale Jay / SML / Salin / Helmi Antila Quartet
Saturday 18 July: John Legend / Juanes / Ricky-Tick Big Band & Julkinen Sana / Say She She / Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers / Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Potter, Larry Grenadier & Eric Harland: First Meeting / Fred Hersch Trio