I was blown away by Adele's recent performance on the Graham Norton show. Backed by a band that included a full string section and back-up singers, Adele gave one of her most flawless live vocal performances. Her rich voice smoothly trickles through high and low notes as if it's dancing. These type of performances haven't been surprising to the world since the British songstress first hit the scene with "19", but the recent singles off of "21" seem to elevate her to a whole other level. Is she a young English Aretha Franklin? Although she has the voice of a diva, she's still quirky as ever: cockney, fowl-mouthed, strange teeth, plus-sized--British and charming. It's amazing to watch her sit on a couch like an ordinary girl and then witness such extrodinary soul explode out of her as soon as she hits the stage. In a time when female pop-stars have to become larger-than-life maternal/religious icons to their fans ("mother monsters", "big barbs") or over-exploited fetishized sex crazed dolls (Britney, Rihanna, Katy), it is utterly refreshing to watch a truly talented woman shake a room with her voice without even leaving a chair. That's power. And if you don't believe me, please take the time to enjoy the visually stunning Rolling in the Deep video.
We are lucky to be blessed with such a presence in our music industry. Remember what truly powerful talent looks like. (Hint: It's not wearing a pink/blue wig or telephone hat).
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