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John Aizlewood's rating
, Lock up your divas...Alicia Keys is the real thing
By
John Aizlewood
26 May 2010
As globe-straddling divas go, there are none less diva-like than Alicia Keys. In a glitzy world of Gagas, Beyoncés, Madonnas, Rihannas and Mariahs, Keys keeps her clothes on and stands out by virtue of what she doesn’t do.
So, last night, she didn’t do anything especially eccentric — unless having a tubby, bespectacled, kilt-wearing bassist counts — and of her three outfits, two were so dowdy there might be something in those pregnancy rumours, or else Tehran is her Freedom tour’s next stop.
Her stage show was on the unspectacular side of spectacular, and having four keyboards to choose from (including a guitar-style one shaped like a key), she didn’t bother with choreography, leaving that to a gurning dancer who seemed to be tasked with invading her body space throughout the evening. And yet, if we do the honourable thing and ignore what seemed to be Keys’s platitude-related Tourette syndrome (“The most important thing about love is being able to love ourselves... I want you to be a rebel with me tonight...” etc, etc) she triumphed — and triumphed gloriously — with a masterfully judged mix of strength of will and power of song.
Original: her performance exuded authenticity
Consequently, platitudes notwithstanding, Keys exuded authenticity, and on ballads such as Like The Sea and Pray For Forgiveness she had the precious knack of making the O2 suddenly seem very intimate indeed.
Backed by a crack band attuned to her every nuance and a trio of superlative backing singers, she could do tear-stained epic in the grandstanding Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart, and exuberant up-tempo on the clattering, percussion-propelled Wait ’Til You See My Smile.
Cage fighter: power to Alicia and her dancer
Even without Beyoncé, their Put It In A Love Song duet was heady pop at its most hip-wiggling.
The best came last. Her co-write with Jay-Z, Empire State Of Mind, already has the unmistakable feel of a 21st-century standard.
As she delivered it in almost hymnal fashion, for a genuinely emotional moment it felt as if we were all children of the Five Boroughs. She may be short on diva-esque style, but Alicia Keys is all substance.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (6)
Anyone remember her first concert at the now defunct Docklands Arena?
That was pure class so I am sad to read comments by Chris, HH.
Alicia Keys will be around for a very long time so enjoy her talent and ignore the lighting!
- Claire Elizabeth, houston, 26/05/2010 18:02
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I was at her show last night. What a truely amazing talent and voice, I found it quite refreshing to have an artist do exactly what I paid for..Singing! Having been to various other concerts by different artist/bands and seen the production they have put on, it shifts the focus away from the talent of the performer.
She was billed as coming on at 9pm so if it was 9.23 then thats really not that bad, certainly not as bad as Whitney who really was atrocious and coundn't even manage singing her own songs, at least when Alicia was getting changed one of her backing singers (who was extremely good) did a cover of a non Alicia Songs (feeling good)
All in all I think it was a very entertaining concert...will see what Lady gaga has got offer next week!
- Louise, London, 26/05/2010 15:02
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I'm sorry to say that I agree with many of the comments here - this was easily the worst show I've seen at the O2. Heavily over produced with terrible sound (the bass was at a level that was beginning to hurt and watching my shirt vibrate with the bass was an interesting experience). Not sure why the backing band felt the need to go all 'heavy metal' on some of the guitar solos either.
The stage show was confused as was the lighting and 'messages' that were flashed up. Also there seemed to be little connection between the images and songs (singing love songs with pictures of the Vietnam war / world leaders etc was a bit odd, all lit by 'fluffy' pink lights).
Ms Keys redeems herself when sat behind a piano where she excels and her talent shines through. Note for the future: sack your production team, choose smaller venues and just sing - it what you do best.
Leave the glitzy stage shows for those artists who have to use them to cover up their shortcomings (you know who they are...).
- Chris, Haywards Heath, 26/05/2010 13:16
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We were there at the 02 on tues (in the 'Gods' seats, level 4) but still got all the emotion & class of that woman!. A truly outstanding performer. She came on rather late, 9.23pm, which meant a v late night. One other thing watch the 02 for food & drink prices - 2nd mortgage time!!
- David & Julia, Finchley, London, 26/05/2010 12:39
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I went last night and she was fantastic! So what she wasn't dancing around..she is a singer not a dancer! Her voice was amazing and would recommend anyone to go see her.
- Sarah, London, 26/05/2010 11:57
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Love her albums, great voice with a gorgeous body…pregnant? Well it agrees with her…good luck Alicia!
- James, London, 26/05/2010 11:21
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