Jessie J’s universal appeal was clear to see on Saturday night as she performed to a packed Phones4U arena.
From families who had brought their children along to groups of women on a hen night, there was something for everyone.
Ably supported by Olivia Somerlyn – think Taylor Swift but with more electric guitars and hair flicking – and chart regulars Lawson, the main star of Jessie’s show was undoubtedly her voice.
She can really sing; something that is incredibly reassuring in an age of miming and autotune.
Her songs are intercut with videos of Jessie delivering a series of inspiring monologues, which err more on the side of cheesy than motivational.
Her on-stage presence is however undeniable.
From the first song Big White Room, as she enters a smoke-filled stage in a flowing white dress, to the anthem Do It Like a Dude which is accompanied by fire bursting around the stage, Jessie puts everything into her performance.
With five outfit changes and non-stop dancing, the energy of the room never dropped.
It built to a fitting finale when sparks, streamers and gold glitter erupted through the arena as Jessie belted out Alive, Price Tag and It’s My Party.
Clearly overwhelmed by the support at some times, Jessie described Manchester as her second home and that she couldn’t believe she was playing to a packed out arena.
The message for her young fans was positive from the get go; whether it came courtesy of the cheesy videos or the meaning behind her songs, Jessie encouraged them to never give up and keep believing.
The most touching moment of the night came courtesy of one of the videos which showed a young Jessie singing ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ to an adoring audience made up of family members.
In the same video, she gives an interview where she says all she wants in life is to be recognised for her music. ‘I want to make people feel good,’ she beams.
Judging by the reaction of the huge Manchester crowd, who departed into the rainy streets singing and dancing, she has achieved just that.
Image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, with thanks
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