Last week vocal chameleon Janelle Monáe delivered a stellar live performance of "BaBopByeYa," the genre-blending closing track on this year's epic The ArchAndroid. The pint-sized singer shed her tuxedo for a sleek dress and teamed up with the Emory Symphony Orchestra at Emory University's Schwartz Center for Performing Arts in Atlanta, Georgia for a stunning live interpretation of the tune. As the perfect end to the brilliantly executed, cinematic concept album, this orchestral whirlwind is a testament to Monáe's power and range as a performer. The sweeping love song, divided into three movements, evokes images of big, classic MGM-era musicals and clearly displays Monáe's years of opera training and flair for fantasy and the whimsical. Combine that with her golden voice and commitment to artistic excellence, and it's clear why Prince the Purple Wonder tapped Monáe for his upcoming "Welcome 2 America" tour. Side note: For a split second, with the black dress and puffy hair, I thought I was watching an old Anita Baker performance. Take a look for yourself in the video below.
- Advertisement -
