As soon as I entered the Kia Forum on Friday, the energy felt different. Maybe it was the DJ hyping up the crowd with 90s tunes or the giddy rumbling of people. Chatting about Justin Timberlake and reminiscing about those NSYNC days. Whatever the case is, it was obvious we were in store for a good time.
As is now the norm for more established acts, no opener for Timberlake's The Forgot Tomorrow World Tour. A giant video introduction of the performer appeared on stage teasing his appearance around 9 pm. The crowd of course screamed with anticipation. From the stage, Timberlake appeared to the sounds of "No Angels," the second single from his recent sixth studio album, Everything I Thought It Was.
Accompanying him was his backing band, The Tennessee Kids -- composed of three background vocalists, a horns section, his band and dancers. The big symphonic production brightened the room. The chemistry between him and his team was undeniable. It was like we were watching lifelong friends having fun onstage, everyone in sync with the beat of the music. Especially during the performances of "Imagination" and "Technicolor," the venue came alive with harmonic R&B melodies and theatrical elements.
Even with the stage full of performers, all eyes were on Timberlake. As he stole the show with his quick dance moves, soulful singing and charismatic humor. Timberlake has been in the business since he was 11 and has developed into quite a versatile performer. He knows his strengths and weaknesses when it comes to his vocal capabilities.
The two-hour-plus performance featured tracks from his entire discography including "Señorita" from his debut Justified to mega-hits like "SexyBack" from FutureSex/LoveSounds.
Keeping things interesting, towards the end of the show he made his way dancing and singing through the audience to a smaller stage at the end of the venue floor where he performed eight songs including acoustic versions of “Selfish,” and “What Goes Around … Comes Around.”
For the grand finale, he kept everyone at the edge of their seats as he appeared harnessed on atop a floating platform for the last song of the night “Mirrors.” The crowd cheered in amazement as he cruised across the Kia Forum one last time.
Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur
For more on Justin Timberlake, vist justintimberlake.com
