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Beyoncé and Rihanna recently hit the UK for live shows and Davina Morris was on hand to check them out

Beyoncé at the O2 Arena

YOU’RE always guaranteed a great show with Beyoncé. High-energy dance moves, high-wire antics and numerous sexy outfits meant that Jay-Z and Kanye West’s appearances were really just added bonuses.

Of course, it was nice that Kanye came out of hiding, following his infamous on-stage outburst at the MTV Video Music Awards in September. And yes, it was great that Jay played the dutiful husband and joined his wife on stage to perform his verse of her hit Crazy In Love. Of course, the crowd went wild when both Kanye and Jigga graced the stage. But when it comes to performing, B’s got it covered.

Backed by her all-female band, Beyoncé delivered a range of hits including If I Were A Boy, Sweet Drams and Diva, while the crowd rang out deafening screams. (Seriously, my eardrums took a battering from the cheers of nearby attendees). There were also plenty of ‘awwwws’, when a home video of Beyoncé dancing as a child began playing on the arena’s giant screen.

It was when the band began playing Ego that Kanye stepped out to deliver his verse of the track, which sent the crowd into a frenzy. B’s band then performed a medley of Michael Jackson hits, including Billie Jean and Working Day and Night, in tribute to the king of pop.

Next, she slowed down the tempo and belted out the ballads At Last and Listen. And although she appeared to be suffering from a sore throat when she spoke to the crowd, her vocals remained flawless as she delivered each song. This was followed by an upbeat performance of Single Ladies, before she belted out Halo. She then delivered another Michael Jackson tribute, stating, “there will only be one”, as a picture of the Thriller legend appeared behind her.

One lucky audience member was then serenaded by B, after declaring that it was her birthday. In fact, it seemed that half the audience raised their hands when B asked if it was anybody’s birthday. Co-incidence, eh?

Before she left the stage, B demonstrated a real ‘connect with the audience’ moment when she thanked the crowd for their attendance, despite the poor train service on the Jubilee Line! We’re pretty sure B didn’t have to jump on the London Underground to get to the venue, so thumbs up to her for acknowledging those of us who did!

Rihanna @ the O2 Academy Brixton

WHAT did Rihanna’s show have in common with Beyoncé’s? Both were graced with Jay-Z’s presence. (Clearly, Jigga had some time on his hands). But before Rihanna was joined by her mentor, she held her own as she debuted tracks from her new album, Rated R. Taking to the stage for her first UK performance since her attack at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown, the Bajan songstress was back on top form.

Strutting across the stage in fishnet tights and a black leotard, Rihanna only performed a handful of tracks, as the show was intended to be an album preview and not a concert. She began the show with new track Madhouse, before delivering Wait Your Turn. She then took to a revolving couch as she performed her eerie new number, Russian Roulette.

With her new sound possessing a distinctly dark and chilling tone, it was almost odd to see her revert back to upbeat pop as she performed Don’t Stop The Music and Disturbia.

Having gone through a turbulent time in her personal life – and subsequently becoming media hot property – it was nice to be reminded of what it was that actually made Ri Ri famous in the first place: the music. Granted, she’s no Aretha Franklin, but Rihanna can belt out pretty powerful vocals, as she demonstrated when she performed Take A Bow.

Jay-Z wasn’t the show’s only guest. As Rihanna performed So Hard – an upbeat, reggae-tinged number – she was joined by Young Jeezy, though it seemed that most of the audience didn’t know who he was. (They cheered for him nevertheless). But it was when Jay stepped out performing his opening verse of Run This Town that the crowd went truly wild, before joining in with Rihanna’s catchy ‘Heyyyyyyy’ chorus.

Comedy came when Jay and Rihanna performed the smash hit Umbrella – and a couple of audience members decided to put up their brollies in the middle of the venue! Who would’ve thought that a rainy day in London would spark such a climactic ending to a show?

Published: 23 November 2009
Issue: 1399

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