Los Angeles, CA – After five long years of fans wishing and praying, Adele has come to LA to perform at the Staples Center. Adele took over the arena and claimed it hers for eight completely sold out nights.
The stage is configured to resemble a proscenium arch style theatre. Outlined by a thick golden frame, the vibe is relaxed, classy and low key. In contrast, an unsteady black and white moving image of Adele’s eyes projects to the screen on stage while everyone frantically waits for her arrival. Her eyes fixate and confidently stare into the distance. The solid presence of her wide eyes is important because 25 is the first album in which Adele confronts and locks eyes with the camera on her cover photo. It’s an indication of womanhood, strength, and readiness that she confidently shares throughout her concert.
The lights fade to black, and Staples becomes a tornado of bustling screams as Adele appears in the center stage to sing “Helloâ€. With an amorous smile, she welcomes the crowd as if they are family members she hasn’t seen or spoken to in a few years. She introduces herself and her witty self becomes the catch of the day. She cracks a joke, “If you don’t know who I am, than phew, you’re really in for it. We’re all going to be miserable and cry for two hours.â€
She understands the weight of her music, as well as its genre. She is not the type of artist to dance and twerk her way through a concert. In place of those fancy moves, Adele creates a visual experience for her audience. She knows that fans have come to listen to her out-of-this-world voice, but she offers something unique through imagery.
Adele makes her way to the front stage and continues with her next song, “Hometown Glory†from her first album, 19 with iconic images such as Downtown LA, the Hollywood sign, and Santa Monica pier. There is a feeling of love, unity, and pride among the audience that Adele has produced effortlessly. She sips her mug of tea and her witty jokes continue on in between each song. The comedy stems from a combination of her vibrant, infectious personality and as relief; a way to counterbalance the deep, emotional content of her songs.
In the middle of her set, Adele lets the crowd know that it’s okay to sit down because “We’re going to do some acoustic stuff. Is that okay with you?†The lights shift from dark to warm yellow tones, and the set shifts from large electric band to small acoustic band. She introduces her fellow bandmates and it feels like everyone is chillin’ in her living room. Adele talks about her biggest inspiration, Alison Krauss in the most admirable sense. Krauss inspired her song, “Don’t You Remember†from her 21 album.
She finishes the concert with her most famous upbeat hit, “Rolling in the Deep†with confetti thrown everywhere.
Adele’s voice sounds just like the recording—it is pitch perfect and emotionally driven in each and every song. It’s no wonder she’s had such an effect on people everywhere.
