Ne-Yo, O2 Arena, London, July 11th
Ne-Yo played the O2 Arena on July 11th
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Monday, 13, Jul 2009 10:32
Melanie Shaw wishes the Closer star would keep schtum during an impressive show at the O2.
Following his recent BET Award, the US R 'n' B star hit London's O2 Arena for a sold-out show as part of his UK tour.
Lots of hat-tilting, impressive dance moves and heartfelt tributes - but I couldn't help thinking I'd rather he just got on with it and performed his music.
From the start the mixed-age crowd of fans were ready to dance and at times the atmosphere felt a little like that of a boyband concert.
First up to entertain the crowd was Esmee Denters, a new US singer with an album produced by Justin Timberlake. After more music from the live DJ and a grand introduction, Keri Hilson came on stage to The Way I Are and gave a strong performance that almost led you to forget it wasn't her show.
That was until The Year of The Gentleman star hit the stage. The sound of a heart monitor beating filled the arena as Ne-Yo tried to 'save music'. Unsurprisingly for an act who makes no secret what a fan he was and has already performed a tribute song at the aforementioned awards to the late Michael Jackson, Ne-Yo's voice declared: "I will do everything in my power to keep the music alive. Rest in peace Michael Jackson".
Rising up out of the top of a basic stage set and dressed in a white jacket and one of his trademark hats, he then burst into Because of You to a crowd screaming so loudly you could just make out the song lyrics.
He went on to impress the crowd with a host of hits including Miss Independent, Sexy Love and Fade Into The Background. As well as slower ballads such as Mad, Lie to Me and the number one single So Sick, which was arguably one his best performances of the evening.
Ne-Yo dedicated his third track to Michael Jackson, starting off with the legend's hit Enjoy Yourself and at a later stage got the crowd to hold their fingers in the air whilst he announced: "Before I go any further I need you all to put two fingers like this and kiss them and hold them in the air for Michael Jackson". "We miss you, we love you". Later on he even announced his next O2 date on July 19th will see him perform a host of Jackson hits.
Those who'd been sitting down for some of the slower ballads were soon singing along as Ne-Yo showcased some of the hits he has written for other artists through a medley of excerpts including Beyonce's Irreplaceable, Take a Bow by Rihanna, Let Me Love You by Mario and Jennifer Hudson's Spotlight. The crowd were then entertained by Ne-Yo's newly signed artist Jadyn Maria and his band whilst he went for another costume change.
Finishing his encore and a highly entertaining show with Closer, streamers burst out into the audience and sparks flew on stage. After checking again if the crowd had fun, Ne-Yo held a cane above his head and disappeared back down into the stage where he'd started his set.
There is no doubting this guy has got talent and put on a great show, supported by the fact he has written numerous hits for popular stars, was recommended by Will.I.Am to work with Michael Jackson on new material and has had platinum selling albums.
However, perhaps he needs to concentrate on his own talent and cut down on the constant talking between songs and referrals to other stars.
Melanie Shaw