The Femme Fatale tour.
Sure, we have all heard about it. One of the biggest concerts of the summer, right? Britney’s comeback, right?
I was pessimistic.
On the eve of her return to Las Vegas for a show at the MGM Grand, I decided to take a little roadtrip to Anaheim to get a preview of what Vegas was in for. As I drove I had a million thoughts going through my head. Namely, the 2007 MTV Awards where a seemingly drunk Spears tripped her way through “Gimme More.” Her story seemed to have the makings to be another Hollywood tragedy….reminiscent of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson.
Still, Spears seems to have kept her fans even through the tumultuous latter part of the decade. And why? Because she has “it”, though no one seems to really be sure what “it” is in regard to her. She’s not a great singer, although she does have a unique voice. She is no longer an incredible dancer, though she keeps up with her backup dancers. What she is, however, is an icon. She has the stage presence that can’t easily be replicated…and believe me…JIVE Records certainly tried when they had all but given up on Spears.
Upon arrival to the arena I was in awe of the variety of patrons. School girls, womanizers, and simply crazed fans of all ages and races. As my friends and I sat bored out of our mind when Nicki Manaj performed to a half empty arena…it became more clear to me. These other pop stars may be more talented…but they just don’t have the presence that Britney does on stage….they can’t hold the crowd’s attention…though like I said in the beginning of this entry, no one seems to really understand what “it” is about Spears.
(shot on IPhone4)
As the countdown began to Britney’s stage entrance the screams of the crowd were deafening. I sat anxiously thinking, “comeback?” “worth it?” “train wreck?” I had no idea what we were in for. As the stage props split to reveal Spears standing atop a staircase it was immediately clear—the Britney that these people fell in love with is back. On a tour that strictly prohibits drugs and alcohol…it was refreshing to see an in shape and coherent Britney dance, sing (with track of course), and entertain a crowd that seemed to be disappointed when they were forced to leave at the conclusion of the show.
So…VEGAS, if you have a chance to catch the Femme Fatale tour, I strongly recommend it. Whether you are a fan or not…you certainly will be in awe of the production…the “it” factor of Britney Spears.
UNLV’s own and www.breatheheavy.com webmaster, Jordan Miller, called the show “amazing” and the “best Britney has looking in years.”
For a full list of Femme Fatale tour dates and a chance at discounted tickets straight from Britney’s camp, check out www.famos.com.