| |
RATING:  
SINGAPORE: He might not have jaw-dropping, record-breaking sets like Aaron Kwok’s revolving stage, nor did he boast of impeccable dance skills like Show Luo but still, mando-pop singer JJ Lin could heat up a crowd with just his music.
Kick-starting his World Tour 2009 at Singapore’s indoor stadium, home-grown protégé JJ grooved to the beat of opening number “The Choice Is Yours” in a silver vest and signature checkered pants.
The talented singer, who recently ventured into fashion with his first shop at off Chinatown in Ann Siang Hill couldn’t help but have with him on stage his Baby Js – giant dolls he designed.
JJ had cautioned the audience that he had lost his voice in the morning and might be unable to reach some high notes. But it was hard to tell he was sick just hours before, judging from his performance.
He charmed the audience with his mind-blowing vocals and warm personality, serenading the audience with crowd favourites like “Sarang Heyo”, “Frozen” and “Perfect Match” before changing into a second costume – a glittery warrior-like suit – for “Lord Vader” and “Immortal’.
JJ put in some commendable effort when he tried to do several handstands during the futuristic “No. 89757”, drawing laughter and encouraging cheers from the crowd.
His guests for the evening included the Singapore version of Twins, BY2, who sang “Feel For You Only” with JJ. But their lack of stage experience was evident with a shaky performance and lack of chemistry with JJ.
It was a big contrast to JJ’s other guest, Taiwanese singer Fan Wei Qi. Her sweet yet powerful vocals were mesmerizing. Delivering “Dimples” and “Black and White” in duets with JJ, she sizzled and JJ just couldn’t help but give Fan a kiss, especially with the absence of her boyfriend, Taiwanese artiste Hei Ren.
Other notable highlights included a segment that JJ devoted to Jacky Cheung and Michael Jackson. This included a rendition of Cheung’s classic ballad “Hear My Concert” and high-beat Cantonese number “Messy Hair”. As for the tribute to the ‘King of Pop’, JJ launched into “You’re Not Alone” and “Beat It”, complete with famous pelvic thrusts and moonwalk.
But the most heartwarming segment of the show was a performance not by the star but the Lin family to celebrate JJ’s 28th birthday (which fell on March 27). JJ’s folks gamely appeared on stage to perform with him “Tales of the Red Cliff” playing Chinese string instruments the pipa and erhu while JJ’s brother was on the piano.
Overwhelmed with emotion, JJ choked back tears during the song, only to be rescued by his father who gallantly took over to sing, amazingly well, on his behalf. When JJ affectionately gave his mum a peck on the cheek, there was nary a dry eye in the crowd.
In JJ’s own words, it was the best birthday present.
As for his fans, JJ had a surprise present of his own -- over a hundred handwritten letters planted under the seats. The sweet gesture from the unassuming artiste made the concert very personable for the sell-out crowd.
The night would not have been complete without JJ crooning his soulful karaoke-friendly hits such as “Simple” and “Someday”, which he did while playing on the piano.
When the multi-talented artiste came onstage in a see-through jacket for a dance medley, showing off some nifty dance moves, the crowd started to get pumped up.
Unfortunately, it was near the finale.
Maybe it was due to the lack of out-of-the-world gimmicks in this concert. But that was well made up by JJ’s sincere and intense three-hour delivery where music took centre stage without any distractions.
|
