Strolling on to the stage at Somerset House, John Legend sports an on-trend hot-pink suit and a shirt with several buttons undone. Now almost two decades into his career as a recording artist, the 12-time Grammy award winner is defying those critics who might have regarded his music as neo-soul schmaltz. Subtly thrusting his hips in time to Ooh Laa, much to the delight of the crowd, he plays up his sex symbol status. It’s a slick operation. His crisp vocals sound indistinguishable from the studio recordings, and he is accompanied by a similarly tight band and backing vocalists who shine on hits such as Used to Love U, as well as newer singles Dope and All She Wanna Do.
Legend’s limber dad dancing persists during Penthouse Floor, by which point his shirt is noticeably drenched in sweat. This is in part due to his showmanship, but doubtless also due to the balmy weather conditions at the outdoor venue on the eve of an unprecedented heatwave. Despite the heat, it’s the more upbeat repertoire that gets the most enthusiastic reaction from the crowd, though his solo piano ballads – including mega-hit Ordinary People and a poignant rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water dedicated to his late grandmother – provide moments of audience participation.
