Concert Review: John Legend, Vector Arena

John Legend performs at Vector Arena in Auckland.Photo / Michelle Frances Photography

Reviewer Rachel Bache takes in crooner John Legend's Auckland show.

"I don't want to brag, Auckland," American singer John Legend told the fans filling up the half bowl of Auckland's Vector Arena last night. "... Or maybe I do."

The cocky All Of Me hitmaker swept up the crowd, which featured a great deal of loved-up-couples, with his smooth vocals. But John Legend knows he's good.

Sat centre stage behind a grand piano and accompanied by a full band including a string quartet, Legend kicked off the night with a sleepy version of Made To Love, throwing cheeky smirks out to the crowd.

He kept it up for most of the night, even stepping away from the piano a few times to swagger and thrust across the stage in his pressed grey suit.

John Legend performs at Vector Arena in Auckland. Photo / Michelle Frances

After the first few sultry songs, Legend took a slightly self-indulgent moment to share the tale of how he followed his dreams to New York City, name-dropping stars like Kanye West, Jay Z and Alicia keys.

Slamming his hands down on the opening piano notes of Everything Is Everything by Lauryn Hill, the crowd roared with excitement.

However, it was just tease - which they were audibly disappointed by - and Legend continued with his story of collaborating with various musicians, saying, "Yes, that was me".

Finally, the singer decided on Let's Get Lifted from his debut album, which celebrates its 10 year anniversary this year.

Used To Love U saw an attempt to wake up the somewhat lacklustre audience, but it wasn't until an hour into his show that Legend got people up on their feet with Green Light and a cover of Michael Jackson's Rock With You.

The crooner also performed a beautiful gospel version of Bridge Over Troubled Water, which moved the crowd. One by one cellphone lights filled the room like stars as the audience sung along to the Simon and Garfunkel tune.

John Legend performs at Vector Arena in Auckland. Photo / Michelle Frances

Throughout the night Legend moved between having his full band play with him, to a select few instruments, to just tinkering solo on his grand piano. The music was slick, but perhaps better suited to an intimate theatre, rather than an open arena.

Legend let loose on the last few songs of the night, as though he had been holding back vocally earlier in his show. He effortlessly belted out impressive vocals through his final R&B ballads.

Not keeping his fans waiting long for an encore, Legend returned to his piano one last time to perform his hit of the moment, All Of Me.

The love song received the biggest cheers of the night. Legend bowed and waved goodbye, but not before taking a selfie with the crowd, who farewelled him with a standing ovation.

John Legend
Where: Vector Arena, Auckland
When: Wednesday, December 10

- nzherald.co.nz