Rebecca Ferguson

Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Thu 1st Mar 2012

What a difference 2 years make, Rebecca Ferguson was XFactor finalist in 2010, Ok, yeah, she didn't win, but did that matter!? Releasing her debut single 'Nothing's Real But Love' back in November 2011, followed by the release of her debut album 'Heaven' a month later. A 14 date tour was announced and here we are. Support for tonight was Jay James Picton, unfortunately we were running late so we missed his set.

Rebecca Ferguson

Tickets for tonight ranged from £18 to £32.50, the venue was packed to the rafters (Sold Out) with a mixed age range, it was very strange, kids with their Mum's and Dad's, pensioners (there seemed to be a lot of these) teens and 20's-30's. The stage set was 3 podiums, one for the drum set, one for the two backing singers and lead guitarist and one for the keyboardist, bass player and rhythm guitarist. Backdrop was a screen which had different images portrayed on it all night, lighting, well never seen so many lights.

The Scouse songbird came on stage just after 9, all dressed in black from head to toe, with a pair of classy high heeled shoes, it's a wonder she could walk, mind you she did shuffle about to and fro across the stage. She appeared with just a glimmer of light shining on her, it was awesome. The audience made a little murmur when she came on stage.

The set last just over 70 mins, including 14 songs, kicking off proceedings 'Fighting Suspicions', 'Mr Bright Eyes', 'Diamond To Stone', the audience seemed quite subdued to be honest, even though they did clap, between songs you could hear a pin drop!

There's no doubting Ms Ferguson's vocal capability, shame it took XFactor to discover her talent, but I guess better late than never. I have always admired Ms Ferguson's family values and how she keeps her family life private and she loves her kids dearly. She is one of music's little gems, still slightly shy and just coming out of her shell. She did talk to the audience about how she had written the songs and where they had come from, even thanking everyone who voted for her and who has supported her during XFactor and now. I love the fact she is living the dream and still has her feet on the ground.

Rebecca Ferguson


Funniest moment was when it all went deadly quiet, next thing you heard "Oh, my god, sorry, I must've turned my battery pack off", the crowd roared with laughter. During the set it was quite funny, cause where we were seated we could see everything, at times you could see a sea of mobile phones recording songs and taking pictures, who invented mobiles!

I found the band, although amazing, a tad to loud at times and they seemed to drown out Ms Ferguson slightly, but on the whole her voice was amazing and actually what I expected. She didn't disappoint at all.

'Shoulder To Shoulder', 'Glitter and Gold', the awesome 'Teach Me How To Be Loved’, Too Good To Lose' and the amazing 'Fairytale'. The audience did actually manage to get to their feet during the last few songs after being egged on by Ferguson to get up and move.

She saved the best till last and the song everyone had been waiting for, debut single 'Nothings Real But Love', absolute stonker.

On the whole an amazing performance and everyone went home happy. Tonight Ms Ferguson proved she can sing and the XFactor voters weren't wrong to put her through to the final. Real talent always shine's through and tonight she certainly did that.

Rebecca Ferguson

article by: Michelle & Trish Owen-Williams

photos by: Michelle Owen-Williams

published: 02/03/2012 15:16



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