I'm only halfway through the month and so much has happened. Feeling very exhausted. 😅
Watched my favourite Irish boy band, Westlife, at the Singapore EXPO on 3rd February.
This concert was different from their usual shows because of the "gala evening" format, which included a small orchestra, a more formal musical arrangement, and the guys decked out in suits.
The result was absolutely wonderful!
While the EXPO isn't a good concert venue - bad location and acoustics, ugly ( exposed pipes on the ceiling ), dining chairs for seats - the event still attracted 6,000 fans with an equal mix of men and women, and everyone knew the lyrics and sang their hearts out.
The lads performed for about 1hr 45 min, and I counted approximately 20-22 hits in the setlist, mostly from their early albums.
I've been a fan for 25 years and seen them on stage at least 5 times, but it never ever gets old.
Although I flew solo for this one, I didn't feel lonely at all. We were on our feet for most of the show and the mass karaoke made it a communal experience. I guess being squashed together like sardines in a can also helped - it's tough to feel isolated when you don't have any personal space. 😄
This was the first time Mark wasn't around, but Shane, Kian and Nicky were more than capable of whipping the crowd into a frenzy. Plus, they still look boyishly handsome despite being in their mid-40s.
They mentioned a 25th anniversary world tour lined up next year. I'll definitely be going! 😁
Last night, I saw Josh Groban at the Star Theatre.
It's been 7 years since he last performed in Singapore. During that time, he released another album ( Harmony ) and received his 2nd Tony nomination for his lead performance in the Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd.
The ticket prices this round were positively eye-watering, even with my high threshold.
But I went ahead and splurged on the VIP soundcheck experience because it was the first time this was offered, and included not only an acoustic performance but also a Q&A session and group photo.
The experience was totally worth it. Josh was extremely friendly and answered lots of questions. I tried to ask one but sadly, the guy next to me raised his hand at the same time and I think Josh got distracted, 'cos he didn't circle back to me after that, and moved to the other side of the stage instead.
But I'm surprisingly zen about it haha. Sticking to my 2026 mantra: go with the flow. 😎
The concert itself was mind-blowing!
Like Westlife's, Josh ramped things up with a small orchestra and a choir, both of which were absent in 2019.
His voice has also gotten even better, and I kept having goosebumps every time he sang.
The setlist was significantly different, with fewer selections from his early albums.
There were, of course, fan favourites like To Where You Are, You Raise Me Up and Alejate.
But I welcomed newer additions such as Bridge Over Troubled Water ( from his Bridges album ), Pure Imagination and Over The Rainbow ( from Stages, which I love so much ), as well as The World We Knew and Angels ( from Harmony ).
But there were 2 major highlights for me:
First, Nathan Hartono's guest appearance for a duet with Josh on What I Did For Love ( from A Chorus Line ).
I literally felt my adrenaline level surge because (a) I've been such a huge fan of Nathan's since I saw him in Pangdemonium's fantastic 2012 production of Spring Awakening, (b) Nathan is sooo handsome, and (c) the duet blew my mind into another galaxy!
I have no idea if Josh has dueted with anyone on this song for his other shows, but this particular combination was so perfect, I think I stopped breathing a few times.
Thank you so much for the beautiful memory. 💕
Second, Josh's medley of 2 songs from an upcoming movie music album.
One was a Sicilian version of The Godfather's Speak Softly Love, and the other, a cover of the title song from Skyfall.
The latter is best described as astounding, with the trademark James Bond theme's dramatic arrangement, numerous glory notes and kickass backup from his band, the orchestra and choir.
I can't wait to get my hands on his next album aaaahhhh!
Like Westlife, I've also been a fan of Josh's for 25 years. Way before he came to Singapore, I was so desperate to see him that I flew to Sydney twice just to watch his shows.
It's been a privilege to follow his journey from a shy teenager to consummate performer.
Please come back soon.
Last but not least, a short review of this documentary, featuring my favourite boy band of all time, Take That.
With never-seen-before footage and in-depth interviews with all its members, it was a very enlightening - and moving - experience for me.
All these years, I think many of us were under the impression that Robbie Williams was the bad guy, that he made the first move to leave because he was arrogant, egoistic, etc.
But Gary Barlow openly admitted that he was equally to blame for being selfish, for not allowing other members to contribute or give input, which also stemmed from his youthful ignorance and pride.
Although I knew the story ended happily, it was heartwarming to see the group heal and reunite after a period of personal struggles. Watching them triumph again with hugely successful albums and world tours was immensely rewarding.
That's it for February blog entry part 2.
Not sure if there'll be a part 3 - maybe... if another exciting incident occurs haha.
Coming up: the second installment of Bridgerton season 4, and 2 more concerts, including OneRepublic's first gig at the Indoor Stadium ( plus a meet and greet! ).
There's also a great book I'd like to review once I finish it.
Thanks for reading! Till next time. 😊
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