Know It All” and the critically acclaimed “Breakaway,” she illustrated why, in spite of being attached to the music factory that is “American Idol,” she deserves to be taken seriously.ĭespite the at-times profane performance of opening act Rozzi Crane, Saturday’s show by Maroon 5 and Clarkson at Sleep Train was an exhilarating way to wrap up a long tour.
“I don’t know if you know it,” she said, “but I’m engaged, y’all.” Flashing a big, shiny ring on her finger, she said, “Beyonce called Brandon and told him he needed to put a ring on it.”īrandon is her fiancé Brandon Blackstock, the son of her manager, Narvel Blackstock, the husband of country legend Reba McEntire.Ĭlarkson could have easily top-billed Saturday night. “I’m weird that way.”Ĭlarkson, who has appeared at the top of pop charts many times, performed the country-themed “Tie It Up,” a new single released this summer that Clarkson said is the lead single for her upcoming country album. Her potent performance effectively delivered one hit after another, from 2004’s “Behind These Hazel Eyes” to her hit with Jason Aldean, “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” delivered as a solo because “it seemed more depressing that way,” she joked. Starting with “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” from 2011’s “Stronger,” Clarkson set the tone for an hour-long performance that was, well, strong and energetic. She powered through her 15 songs but had the energy for 15 more. If Levine seemed non-emotive at times, Clarkson was the exact opposite.
Earlier, Clarkson wished a fan named Rosa a happy birthday by serenading her in the same fashion. Some of the best moments of the evening came from unscripted moments like Levine grabbing an acoustic guitar and leading the audience in a tender “Happy Birthday” in honor of guitarist James Valentine. So did the encore-opening “Payphone,” the lead single from “Overexposed.” Saturday’s performance got an assist from Wiz Khalifa, courtesy of a video performance. The band’s cover of “Stereo Hearts,” by Gym Class Heroes, got the audience singing along and on their feet. About an hour and 15 minutes into the concert, the lights calmed down, and with Levine front and center, he delivered a touching “Won’t Go Home Without You,” the radio-friendly ballad from 2007’s “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long.” In 2004’s “Sunday Morning,” from the album “Songs About Jane,” he was backed by a horn section that allowed his vocals to shine. Levine’s vocals were best when he sang without the aid of loud, overly produced music. The band efficiently delivered its many hits, everything from the chart-topping 2011 hit “Moves Like Jagger” to 2007’s “Wake Up Call.” If it was a fun Saturday night you were looking for, you got it. Maroon 5 was throwing a party, and they brought all the accoutrements: a disco ball, lots of confetti and in Levine, the consummate host. Right on cue, white beach balls appeared on stage as Levine uttered the first words to “Lucky Strike,” from its fourth album, 2012’s “Overexposed.” Soon, the balls were bouncing around in the mosh pit and bathed in green laser light. It’s a formulaic, slick approach to music, but those in attendance didn’t seem to mind. The band didn’t detract from a set list that has been used throughout most of this tour, down to the three covers, which included Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky,” Prince’s “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” and Gym Class Heroes’ “Stereo Hearts.” Saturday’s show was highly produced and all business, with one song quickly leading to the next. At Saturday’s sold-out concert in Chula Vista, Levine did just fine with many numbers in the group’s 19-song set, but here and there were glimpses of a Levine who wasn’t quite 100 percent. Perhaps he was nursing a cold or the rigors of a long tour, which ends at the sold-out Hollywood Bowl tonight, are finally taking their toll. This, despite the fact that Levine seemed to be somewhat off. And with his smoldering eyes and toned tattooed body, the Maroon 5 front man oozes sex appeal.Īt Saturday’s concert - part of the 34-city Honda Civic Tour that’s double-billed with “American Idol” first-season winner Kelly Clarkson, with an opening act by Levine protégée Rozzi Crane - Levine did what Adam Levine does best: deliver a performance that left everyone wanting more … more Levine. He’s got the name recognition he is, after all, Adam Levine - celebrity host of NBC’s hit show “The Voice,” singer-songwriter, occasional actor, Grammy winner.
Levine of Maroon 5 is the star in the group. He could have pulled up a stool, sat down and read a phone book out loud, and thousands of his fans - female and male, young and old - would’ve still gone crazy wild. Adam Levine didn’t really have to do much Saturday night at Sleep Train Amphitheatre.
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