Beyonce, MetroRadio Arena, Newcastle (From The Northern Echo)

Beyonce, MetroRadio Arena, Newcastle

12:12pm Tuesday 24th November 2009

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ARGUABLY the world’s greatest female artist, Beyonce gave the North-East a night to remember.

The two-hour set has to be among the most remarkable ever to be showcased at the packed venue, with both men and women hoarse and close to tears as the high-energy and immaculate performance unfolded.

Beyonce did her best to dispel the “Diva” myth with a highly-personal and interactive show that saw her touch and reach out to the audience, and even happily pose for photographs as she belted out hit after hit.

With little protection around her, she was happy to get up close and personal with her fans in a way that is rarely seen these days, which only left the excitable crowd baying for more.

It was the second time the US chart topper had visited the region this year as part of her I am... tour.

Kicking off the show with Crazy in Love, she went on to give a dazzling and noteperfect performance of all of the tracks from her 2009 I am...

Sasha Fierce album, including fantastic versions of Single Ladies and If I Were a Boy, while dancing her booty off at the same time.

Dressed as a bride, she gave a stirring rendition of Ave Maria, before belting out an equally emotive cover of Alanis Morrissette’s You Oughta Know.

However, it was during the finale, when she performed Halo in memory of her late hero Michael Jackson, that tears welled.

There were times when Beyonce was close to shedding tears herself, such is the energy and emotion she pours into her performance. No one could fail to be moved by the strength, yet gentleness, of her voice, or her dedication and commitment to her act and her fans.

As is becoming a trait of the superstar, she finished by singing Happy Birthday to those in the audience who were celebrating another year, and she left the stage claiming her appreciation and love of her fans.

As a cynic, I would rarely believe messages of love from pop artists, but after spending two hours in the company of Beyonce, I believed every word. What a talent, and what a beautiful person, in every sense.

Karen Westcott

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