In a world where R&B music is almost nonexistent, the "As I Am" tour grants its concertgoers unique access into the genre. Headlined by Alicia Keys and featuring performances by American Idol alum Jordin Sparks and Ne-Yo, the concert experience allows the audience to become fully engaged with R&B's past, present and future.
With her optimistic demeanor and youthful energy, Jordin is undoubtedly the future of R&B. Though it's barely been a year since her win on the 6th season of AI, she's already put out a successful solo album and had a smash hit single "No Air," a duet with fellow R&B heavyweight Chris Brown. Jordin was the first to take the stage at Madison Square Garden, and though she only performed a set of four songs, her poise, precision and power came across loud and clear, showing how her ascension towards superstardom is well on its way.
Ne-Yo entered the stage donning a black suit and top-hat akin to that of a magician. And throughout the night, Ne-Yo enchanted his audience by having them suspend their rationality and partake in his mystical escapades. As his set progressed, we began to follow the story of Ne-Yo and his nameless love interest. He began with his newest single, "Closer," and the songs that followed served to highlight the joys of their new love. There was the playful "Can We Chill?" the sensual "Say It" and the gracious "Make Me Better," during which the crowd was graced with a surprise performance from rapper Fabolous.
With her optimistic demeanor and youthful energy, Jordin is undoubtedly the future of R&B. Though it's barely been a year since her win on the 6th season of AI, she's already put out a successful solo album and had a smash hit single "No Air," a duet with fellow R&B heavyweight Chris Brown. Jordin was the first to take the stage at Madison Square Garden, and though she only performed a set of four songs, her poise, precision and power came across loud and clear, showing how her ascension towards superstardom is well on its way.Ne-Yo entered the stage donning a black suit and top-hat akin to that of a magician. And throughout the night, Ne-Yo enchanted his audience by having them suspend their rationality and partake in his mystical escapades. As his set progressed, we began to follow the story of Ne-Yo and his nameless love interest. He began with his newest single, "Closer," and the songs that followed served to highlight the joys of their new love. There was the playful "Can We Chill?" the sensual "Say It" and the gracious "Make Me Better," during which the crowd was graced with a surprise performance from rapper Fabolous.
