Michael Ball returns to Cardiff with his Solo Tour: A review by Melissa Compton.

23/05/2019

Michael Ball returned to Cardiff’s St David’s Hall this evening, with a mind-blowing show leaving the audience thrilled. He amazed us once more with his range of stunning vocals and dance moves. Michael hosted the evening with the charisma and charm that makes him adored by many, stopping at one point to take a crowd selfie which was later posted on twitter.

Coming home to you is Michael’s latest No.1 album. Michael took the stage framed by swirling spotlights with an impressive band, with three back-up singers completing the line-up. The screen at the back of the stage played images and video clips some of which were

3-D, enhancing the show and giving it a big stadium feel. He opened the night with the title track from his album of the same name, which showed off his impressive vocals and acted as a nice baseline of what was to come.

 

The night continued with a mixture of tracks both from the album and from musicals and big numbers such as I just Can’t help believing and Something inside so strong. It didn’t take long before we were being treated to the powerhouse that is the full amazing vocal range that has made Michael Ball so popular from soft subtle notes to full blown power ballads, delivering flawless performances song by song. The new song Tennessee Dreams is insanely catchy.

 

Michael Ball’s career spans decades appearing in musicals such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Hairspray and many others. In 1992 Michael Ball enter the Eurovision song Contest with the track One Step away and came second place. he performed this track with high energy this evening. This man’s career is truly inspiring, he even has an OBE for his services to Musical Theatre.

 

 

A touching moment during this live show, was when Michael sang three songs dedicated to his family who were present except an uncle who had passed away the third song was dedicated to the uncle’s memory and sung beautifully in welsh.

 

At the end of each song, Michael was given a standing ovation often having to wait to continue. Nothing quite prepares you for this show: it is simply an immersive experience that you to be a part of. Michael’s powerful and sometimes electric vocals make it feel as if the music is vibrating through you.

 

During the interval scene’s there was a showing the making of the video Coming home to you: including Michael’s dogs who are too cute. The second half featured songs from various musicals such as Les Misérables and Hairspray were performed the crowd was invited to dance in front of the stage and sing along. The dancing and waving intensified when You just can’t stop the beat from Hairspray was performed.

 

With a crowd that savoured every moment of the show the only way to describe it is a unique break-taking experience with a truly inspiring vocalist.

 

Michael Ball’s album, Coming Home to You is out now!