Lizzo gets another sold out United Center feeling “Good As Hell” and it’s “About Damn Time”
Those who’ve been with Lizzo since the very beginning a decade ago always believed she was destined for superstardom, and not only did the rapper/singer/songwriter/actress notch a United Center sell out when the “Special” Tour got started, but proved it all over again with an exclusive encore edition.
The headliner, along with a passionate cast of musicians, background singers and dancers, were all the more accomplished when it came to a tightly choreographed, nearly two-hour entertainment extravaganza, yet always made time to interact directly with fans.
“This is a safe space where you can be yourself,” Lizzo promised following a vibrant start with “The Sign” and “2 Be Loved (Am I Ready),” as an audience representing nearly every walk of life imaginable let out a bellow of cheers.
Of course, much of that cross-section can be attributed to her constant advocacy for body positivity and equality, alongside an extremely contagious combination of pop, hip-hop, R&B and rock capable of appealing to multiple generations.
In fact, it’s extremely rare to find an artist who can just as comfortably introduce “Boys” with the progressive guitar riff to Yes’ “Heart Of The Sunrise,” trade “Rumors” raps with Cardi B (via the video screen) or blend her own soulful “Break Up Twice” with Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing).”
A slice of “I’m Every Woman,” originally cut by Chicago’s own Chaka Khan, preceded the empowering “Like A Girl,” which Lizzo dedicated to “all the women, all the trans women and non-gender conforming friends.”
Sonic shades of Michael Jackson made their way into the dance floor-filler “Everybody’s Gay” as lasers pierced a disco ball and the ally held a Progress Pride Flag, proclaiming “drag is not a crime” at its conclusion to another unanimous round of support.
By “Coldplay,” introduced with a chorus of the group’s “Yellow,” Lizzo busted out the flute for one of many proficient solos, then turned to the poignant “Truth Hurts” where her noteworthy voice was the primary instrument, despite having admitted earlier to a sore throat as of late.
Another worthwhile segment wasn’t necessarily performance-related, but rather, quite personal as she read signs and engaged with concertgoers, even taking selfies, autographing a purse, getting a hearty “Black girl laugh” from a boisterous husband, accepting a resume while thoroughly interacting with the potential applicant and offering a supportive ear to a Ukrainian native in tears over the current crisis.
As if that wasn’t all enough, the supreme bangers “Good As Hell” and “Juice” had the entire arena losing their minds, leaving their troubles behind and championing Lizzo finally getting the entire globe’s attention, which to quote the firecracker of a finale, it’s “About Damn Time.”
For additional information on Lizzo, visit LizzoMusic.com.
For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.
Upcoming concert highlights at the United Center include The Cure (Jun. 10); Stevie Nicks (Jun. 23); Twice (Jun. 28-29); Anita Baker (Jun. 30); Erykah Badu (Jul. 1); Drake and 21 Savage (Jul. 5-6); Windy City Smokeout (Jul. 13-16); Alicia Keys (Jul. 28); Thomas Rhett (Jul. 28); Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire (Aug. 5); Madonna (Aug. 9-10); Lil Durk (Aug. 11); LL Cool J (Aug. 13); Sam Smith (Aug. 15); Chance The Rapper (Aug. 19); Lil Baby (Aug. 24); Arctic Monkeys (Aug. 27); Pearl Jam (Sept. 5 and 7); Aerosmith (Sept. 15); 50 Cent (Sept. 16); Peter Gabriel (Sept. 30); Mana (Oct. 1); Wu-Tang Clan and Nas (Oct. 8); SZA (Oct. 10); John Mayer (Oct. 18); Queen + Adam Lambert (Oct. 30-31) and Depeche Mode (Nov. 13). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.