Arts

Justin Timberlake gets his sexy on in Adelaide

Bringing Sexy Back to Adelaide for the first time since 2007, Justin Timberlake’s 20/20 Experience World Tour has all the element’s you’d expect from a mega star that has traversed several mediums of performance hyper successfully. It’s chic, bold, and no doubt the result of a huge production budget, but gets off to a slow start and gradually builds momentum as the show progresses. Fortunately, the visual spectacular makes up for the initial minimalist approach and adds weight to the whole JT Experience.

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Pic: Jackie Tran

Adelaide Entertainment Centre Monday Sep 22- Presented by Live Nation

Bringing Sexy Back to Adelaide for the first time since 2007, Justin Timberlake’s 20/20 Experience World Tour has all the element’s you’d expect from a mega star that has traversed several mediums of performance hyper successfully. It’s chic, bold, and no doubt the result of a huge production budget, but gets off to a slow start and gradually builds momentum as the show progresses. Fortunately, the visual spectacular makes up for the initial minimalist approach and adds weight to the whole JT Experience.

In the pre-show entertainment, a live DJ got the crowd wild before handing over to California R&B/Rock/Reggae outfit the Common Kings to set the pace. These guys were smooth and well received by the crowd. But when Justin Timberlake and the Tennessee Kids hit the stage and delved into his 20/20 repertoire with ‘Pusher Love Girl’, it sent the girls swooning and when he followed up with ‘Like I Love You’, they were already spellbound.

The first half was visually astonishing, with the honeycomb-screened backdrop displaying the multimedia experience, adding an extra layer to the show. The Tennessee Kids were well oiled as were the backup dancers who collectively disappeared into the sinking stage and reappeared again when required. The dance routines were a little repetitive in places, but there’s no doubt that Timberlake by now is a seasoned entertainer who sings and dances exceptionally well, and his voice still hits the high falsetto like notes synonymous with his songs with relative ease. Just before taking a quick break, JT and band sang ‘Cry me A River’ whilst the multimedia backdrop showed, well, a river engulfed by a typhoon as a symbolic gesture to match the song. It wasn’t a bad first half, but it just didn’t have the initial impact you’d expect from an entertainer of this calibre.

After some crowd banter, the second and more vibrant act launched, and this is where JT came out and delivered. Playing multiple instruments including keyboard and guitar, he showed why he’s currently one of the world’s most talented entertainers. The guy undoubtedly can write a song, and eventually opened up to the crowd with his sense of humour.

The highlight of the night was when the front of the stage detached and was elevated, which then transported Timberlake and other members from the main stage to the VIP area at the rear of the auditorium. It gave those up in the tiered seating a real close up glimpse and was an amazing addition to the show. He was generous as he worked the rear stage, shaking hands with fans, congratulating a couple who’d just got engaged right then and there, and finally making a toast to our wonderful City Of Adelaide …..and Tim Tams!

Whilst there, he paid tribute to fellow Memphis legend Elvis Presley with a rendition of ‘Heartbreak Hotel, and then celebrated another absent friend, Michael Jackson’, with a cover of ‘Human Nature’ and finally sang ‘What Goes Around Comes Around’.

The encore was where ‘Bringing Sexy Back’ finally made an appearance, and where the preferred version of Justin Timberlake finally turned up. It’s easy to understand how performers sometimes try to reinvent themselves or veer from their path. It may work for some, but for Justin Timberlake- when you’re on a good thing it’s best to stick with it. He’s certainly done that, and puts on a great show!

Justin Timberlake and the 20/20 Experience World Tour will play again tonight (Tuesday September 23) in Adelaide before heading to Brisbane, Sydney & Perth.

Take a look at  Glam Adelaide’s shots by Jackie Tran from last night’s show . (GALLERY)

Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=JUSTINTI14

 

Dates

Mon 22 & 23 Sep: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, SA

Fri 26 & 27 Sep: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLD

Wed 1 & 2 Oct: Allphones Arena Sydney, NSW

Wed 8 & 9 Oct: Perth Arena, WA

 

Reviewed by Darren Hassan

Twitter: @DazzHassan

 

 

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