The famous Hollywood Bowl was the setting for a night of great music as Carolina Liar, The Fray, and Kelly Clarkson took the stage.
The show ran pretty smoothly from what I could tell. Carolina Liar kicked things off and played a good set of songs that I was mostly unfamiliar with besides their hit, "Show Me What I'm Looking For." Unfortunately, as is Los Angeles tradition apparently, no one can show up to a show on time so the house was pretty sparse at that time. Still, they gave a good show and definitely made me want to pick up their albums. Despite the rudeness of most of the audience showing up an hour or more late, Carolina Liar got the crowd going and proved a nice way start a great night.
Next up, The Fray took the stage. Love them or hate them, The Fray do deserve respect. I personally love the band and thought their set was flawless. You could tell these were guys living a dream, and not just because they told you. Their energy was palpable and it infected the crowd. They touched on all their hits and even took a stroll through the crowd. Performing in the crowd at the Hollywood Bowl being another dream of lead singer Isaac Slade, whose voice did not falter once. Not while he was running up and down the aisles and not while he was standing in the middle of the crowd. I was really impressed by The Fray and am even more of a fan than I was before. Their music is just perfect to experience while the last of the evening light falls away to the dark.
And then, Kelly Clarkson. Here's the thing. I've always liked Kelly Clarkson. I never really counted myself a fan per say but I was always aware of her and her singles. After this show, I can definitively say: I am a fan.
Her voice is ridiculous (oddly she said just that to describe special guest John Legend). She makes it all seem so effortless. She took to the stage and took us to the stratosphere pretty much instantly. She expertly weaved her way through nearly all of her singles, some deep cuts, and an amazing cover of "We Are Young." Unfortunately, none of her songs from My December, a woefully underrated album, were represented. At least not at this show.
She had a couple surprises up her sleeve as well. The first of which was her Duets pupil Jason Ferrel who took the stage with her for a lively performance of "Mercy." Kid's got chops and I look forward to an album from him.
The second surprise was the previously mentioned John Legend who joined Clarkson on stage to perform "Don't You Wanna Stay" and a gorgeous cover of "You Don't Know Me" previously done on Duets.
Their voices compliment each other extremely well and these two duets were certainly a highlight of the show. That says something because this is a show that was pretty much full of highlights. There wasn't a lull to be had. She was flawless and she owned the Hollywod Bowl and everyone in it.
If I had to criticize anything it would be the length of the sets. When you have a dual headlining show like this you have to expect shortened sets. They're a good size but I could have easily enjoyed another hour of Kelly Clarkson.
Beyond that, I can't really complain about anything. It was a wonderful evening with brilliant performances from a band and an artist who just seem to be getting better and better.
If you get the chance to see this show, do so. You'll walk away a fan for sure.
For more info and tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com
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