Adenike Adewale: Queen of the Night every night for 10 years!

A phenomenal Tribute to the original Queen of the Night, Whitney Houston!

Review By Gary Campion

Last night, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the phenomenal show "Queen of the Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston" at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, and let me just say it was an experience for the ages! As part of the production's celebratory 10th anniversary tour, this performance was not just a tribute; it was a vibrant celebration of Whitney Houston's timeless music and extraordinary legacy.

From the moment the lights dimmed, the excitement in the air was palpable. The show kicked off with the sensational Adenike Adewale, dazzling in a sparkling blue jumpsuit as she opened with “So Emotional.” Her voice was nothing short of breathtaking, hitting every note with power and grace, capturing the spirit of Whitney perfectly. Adenike has a magnetic stage presence, effortlessly drawing the audience in and encouraging us to join in the fun. At one point, she even had us mingle with our neighbours, a fantastic icebreaker that set a lively tone for the evening!

With a tight five-piece band backing her, including keys, drums, guitar, bass guitar, and saxophone, and not 1 but 3 backing vocalists the energy was electric. The setlist was a journey through the decades of Whitney's career, beginning with some of her iconic hits. Next up was “Saving All My Love,” seamlessly followed by the upbeat “How Will I Know” and the sassy “I'm Your Baby Tonight.” The crowd was already buzzing, and then Adenike’s costume change into a stunning white off-the-shoulder formal dress took it to the next level for “I Have Nothing” from The Bodyguard Movie. This moment was pure magic, with audience members joining in and some even rising to their feet for a standing ovation!

As the show progressed, Adenike kept the momentum going with tracks like “Step by Step” and “Love Will Save the Day.” Between songs, she peppered in fascinating historical nuggets about Whitney’s life, giving context and depth to the performance. It was almost like a heartfelt storytelling session that made the experience even more poignant. The atmosphere was alive with nostalgia, as we were reminded of the struggles and triumphs that defined Whitney as a person and artist.

One of the standout moments came when she introducedSteve Allen on keys for an acoustic rendition of “Run to You.” The stripped-down arrangement showcased not only Adenike's vocal prowess but also the band's incredible musicianship. With the audience fully engaged, we were swept into the emotional depths of Whitney's music.

After a brief interval, perfect for a quick bathroom break and to grab another drink, we were back for the second half with Adenike shimmering in bright gold sequins for “One Moment in Time.” If the first act was brilliant, this was its show-stopping sequel! The transition into  R&B with “Your Love Is My Love” really had the crowd buzzing, and I’ve never heard a more harmonious Belfast audience singing along, it certainly felt like we were all part of something special that night.

Continuing with “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” and “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay,” the band really showcased their versatility, flawlessly transitioning between different genres and styles that Whitney explored throughout her career. And then came the electrifying “Higher Love,” a personal favourite of mine, which had everyone on their feet, dancing and singing along. Finally, after yet another costume change into a glittering silver sequin outfit, we were treated to “Million Dollar Bill,” led by Adenike’s remarkable backing vocalist, Holly.

As the night came to an end, I found myself reflecting on the journey we had taken. This wasn't just a show; it was a heartfelt tribute to Whitney Houston, and Adenike Adewale brought that tribute to life in a way that was not only entertaining but deeply moving. It was an evening filled with laughter, tears, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the music that continues to inspire us.

If you have an opportunity to catch “Queen of the Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston” on its current tour, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It’s a chance to celebrate not just Whitney’s incredible legacy but also to be part of a collective experience that lifts your spirit and fills your heart with joy. Trust me; this will be a night to remember!