Mary J. Blige

Attending a Mary J. Blige concert for me is like going to church. There’s going to be a lot of praising, amen's and hallelujahs. This is just the way it is when Mary is in town. My usual experience at her shows is spiritual, reflective and cathartic. Sometimes I might even catch the “Holy Ghost.” It also always leaves me drained with a hoarse voice the following day. Because I have such high expectations when it comes to Mary and the fact that this was called “The Liberation Tour,” I was a bit surprised that the show ended and didn’t feel as I had previously. Sure, the concert was good, but it wasn’t great. Don’t get me wrong, she still gave a performance I’ll remember. She preached to the choir and we hung onto every word, shouting back when necessary (and taking notes as well). Mary still looks fabulous (who is her trainer and can he/she hook me up?), but her voice wasn’t as pure and crisp as it has been in previous shows. There was something lacking that I can’t quite put my finger on. It seemed like Mary wasn’t at the top of her game. Perhaps she was tired or just having an off night. A friend who attended with me said it might be because Mary has had so much turmoil this year. I wasn’t quite sure what turmoil she was referring to – outside of Mary having issues with her charity FFAWN – so I did some research and didn’t find much that would explain Mary’s demeanor. Changing twice (into a black dress and white outfit with thigh-high leopard print boots), she started the show rocking a red shorts outfit and her trademark sunglasses. The set opened with her version of Chaka Khan’s Ain’t Nobody. Keeping the high-energy pace going, next was Family Affair, followed by Feel Inside and Enough Cryin’. She asked the audience if she could get her “Charlie Wilson on” during Real Love (which led into the Gap Band’s Outstanding). Before launching into Good Woman Down she expressed to the men that, “Fellas, I am a woman and I relate to them, so no disrespect.” At the end of Not Gonna Cry Mary had her own Holy Ghost moment singing repeatedly, “He wasn’t worth it!” I usually take a break during I’m Going Down because the audience has sung this song at every single Mary show I’ve been too. And that’s fine, because I’ve been singing along to all the songs anyway, and I need a moment to collect myself before I go HAM again. I had just one issue, though. Not only did the audience sing I’m Going Down, we also sang portions of My Life and Be Without You. I found this unusual because Mary generally sings all songs. Ending with Be Without You there was no encore. When the house lights turned on, I was a bit perplexed. The show just didn’t seem long enough. And once I realized she only sang one song from Growing Pains (Just Fine), I was even more disappointed.

Mary J. Blige personifies soul and it clearly has a huge influence on both her life and her performance. As she appeared onstage at the iTunes festival, there was a wonderful feeling of warmth resonating from the singer as she took her place behind the microphone to deliver a powerful opener 'Enough Cryin''. She clearly enjoys performing live as her face is adorned with a huge smile as she receives the huge cheers and applause from the crowd.

She explains to the British audience that she has been away for a while so tonight would be a celebration for both of them and she keeps the celebratory vibes with 'The One' and 'Just Fine'. Her soulful vocal travels around the venue with ease and she showcases the reason she is such a celebrated artist. A number of vocal acrobatics amaze the crowd during a jazzed up rendition of 'Therapy'.

For such a soulful artist, not many people could have predicted her to have performed a U2 cover, yet she makes 'One' her own and delivers it in her own signature style. Mass singalong to 'Be Without You' closes a fantastic home coming of sorts as the UK audience leave hoping Mary will return soon.

I, Theresa Speaks, seen MS. Mary J. at my 4th of July bash at the Art Museum in Philadelphia, Pa. She rocked it! Her performance was so on point. I was jamming at home in front of my television. I wished I could have seen her Live. It so happened to be I was off that night from work. She was great! She had at least 6in heels on and she was dancing and singing as if she had on sneakers. I was so amazed! It began to rain but that didn't stop her. She performed until she was finished. I really enjoyed her and her band was really good also. I said if she ever came back to Philly I would go see her. She will be here June 4-5,2022 at the Roots Picnic here in Philadelphia, Pa. Unfortunately, I won't be able to atend the concert because I can't afford the tickets. I wish I could though! Anyway, Mary J. will rock it like she did that year. Thanks for letting me be able to give my review. Mrs. Theresa Speaks 1346 W. Toronto St. Phila., Pa. 19132-2417. Take Care MARY and God Bless you1

Bronx singer and songwriter Mary J Blige has been a big name on the hip hop and R&B circuit for years now, set apart by her distinctly soulful style of singing. On stage Mary J Blige brought all her soul with her, wowing the audience with her stage presence and magnetism. Blige has collaborated with everyone from Faith Evans to Jay Z, and the confidence she brought on stage certainly reflected her star studded career. She brought the house down with a selection of her biggest hits from her tumultuous career and from her many hit albums. Appearing on stage dressed up in a flashy dress with her signature hoops and blonde bob, and with only a few backing dancers, Blige owned the stage from the moment she stepped on it. She opened with her famous ‘Family Affair’ to the crowd’s delight, and her set only got more and more lively as she moved between party R&B shakers and slower, more soulful ballads. She ended the set with ‘No More Drama’ and a sassy goodbye.

This is 1 artist I needed to see! Her music has brought me through some dark times! Mary J came out all guns blazing with and emotional, energetic and explosive perforfance from start to finish!

Each song left you wanting more and the energy in the crowd was on a whole new level. For such a mega star she was humble and organised and obviously committed to giving us all memories which will stay for ever! I thought Lauryn Hill would be the only artist to bring me to tears but by No More Drama even the guy sat next to us was in tears.

This lady is the Queen of MUSIC.

I wish I could post the video!!! I absolutely love MJB. She has been my fave since I was 12 or 13 and I'm about to be 37. Her shows are always amazing. She always makes sure to find ways to uplift the ladies. From beginning to end, I was up on my feet dancing and grooving to the music. Even when it was just the band playing. I will always wish the show was longer but regardless, I still loved it. Honestly, I wish I would have went both days. Until next time, MJB!!!

The show was awesome. MJB sang from her heart and soul. She even showcased her backup singers and her band which played with perfection. The stage design allowed her to get close to the audience and dip under stage and change outfits. She danced, testified and encouraged herself as well as the audience while covering most of her hits. I hope to see her again because once was not enough. I need more than an hour from MJB!
❤️ it!

AWESOME!!!!! Mary' performance was excellent and I love how she keeps it real opening up about personal life. Every female can relate to her songs or her conversations. I love to see her but n cuz nicety and I'm waiting on the next one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Excellent performance by both MJB and NAS. The mix of songs was near perfect. Me and my date thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

Negatives: started 32 minutes late and view obstructed by people coming down to capture video. Staff was too slow in addressing the last.

This was a near bucket list item, I would do it again.

EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT. My first time seeing her and I will definitely see her again!!!!

The fans sitting next to me had seen her multiple times.

I did not sit down the entire concert. Mary did not have an opening act, but I think she needs one so that the crowd does not think she is late coming on.