Mary J. Blige has made no secret of the fact that she loves her fans. And, in turn, fans have shared their appreciation for the Grammy Award-winning “No More Drama” singer throughout her storied career. During the March 14 For My Fans Tour stop at Chicago’s United Center – which also featured outstanding performances from Mario and Ne-Yo – Blige went all out performing all her hits with pitch-perfect precision as a way of celebrating the countless music-lovers who have supported her along the way.
The show began with a high-energy, hit-filled set from Mario whose vocal prowess and skilled dancing set the stage for an unforgettable night of music. Beginning with his ode to unrequited love, “Just a Friend 2002,” Mario also delighted the packed stadium with “How Do I Breathe,” “Braid My Hair,” “Keep Going (Aaaaahhhhh),” and more. Cellphones were in the air for the duration of the Baltimore-born R&B superstar’s opening performance as everyone wanted to remember every note, move, and serenade – yes, he sang directly to fans surrounding the stage – beyond the frenzy of the in-the-moment memories.
Ne-Yo followed and he clearly got the memo that impeccable showmanship was the order of the day. Flanked by an ensemble of talented dancers, the multi-hyphenate unleashed a series of songs like “Stay,” “She Got Her Own,” and “Miss Independent” among others.
With the crowd more than warmed up, it was time for Ms. Mary J. Blige to step into the spotlight, which she did singing “Take Me As I Am” on the B Stage set-up on the floor in the back of the venue. Beginning this way gave Blige a chance to shake hands with and thank some of her biggest fans who reserved special booths for the occasion. She soon defied gravity by using an elevated platform that whisked her in the air over to the Main Stage. A quick wardrobe change later, Blige was back this time with dancers and the full spectacular spectacle of her headlining set.
The For My Fans Tour took time out to share videos and audio of memorable moments from Blige’s career. From famous interviews to her iconic appearance at the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show, each mini-intermission offered an opportunity to reset and reflect on the journey that led Blige and her fans to this beautiful night in Chicago.
After one such auditory interlude – which featured dancers performing to recordings of snippets of “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By,” and “I’m the Only Woman” – a more contemplative Blige returned to sing “Be Without You” as cascades of fire fell behind her. “Mary’s Joint,” during which you could hear the heartbreak in every note, made way for the new track “Here I Am.” The two songs, released three decades apart, demonstrated Blige’s emotional resilience and the endurance required to continue to open oneself up to love.
Self-love was also a theme of the night as it’s hard to connect with anyone else, if you don’t first love yourself– a truth that is explored in many of Blige’s songs. Before performing “Good Morning Gorgeous,” Blige shared that she works out her own self-love muscles every day.
“I been working on myself and I’m still working on my self,” she said. “This self-love stuff ain’t easy y’all. Every morning I gotta wake up and build myself up and encourage myself.”
Mary J. Blige is a superstar at the highest level, yet her humble approach to connecting with fans on a genuine level is unmatched by any other performer of her stature. This may be the For My Fans Tour, but, as far as everyone in the venue was concerned, the show was an opportunity for the fans to celebrate the woman behind the music. Whether by showing off sparkling statement footwear that would make Mary proud on the tour’s “Boot Cam,” singing along with every single word, or holding up signs reading “MJB da MVP” – which is exactly what fans in the front did near the end of the setlist – the love fans felt permeated every moment. Blige met each gesture of love from Chicago fans with one of her own, most notably performing “Family Affair” wearing Bull’s red right in the heart of “House that Jordan Built.”
Check out photos from the Chicago stop of Mary J. Blige’s For My Fans Tour below – featuring Mario and Ne-Yo – and click here to pick-up tickets to future tour dates. More information about upcoming events at the United Center can be found at LiveNation.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)