Keys isn't a dancer or a ringleader. She's a writer and singer of songs. And while her time behind the piano may not have fulfilled the modern cultural ideal of what an R&B superstar does on a stage, those quieter, less visceral moments made a strong case for sticking with your strengths.
One of these for Keys is connecting to female fans with simple messages. We're all trying to find our way, she assured the audience before singing "Where Do We Go From Here." Don't bow to pressure, but do something meaningful, she instructed, and then launched into "Sure Looks Good To Me," a tune bursting with revelations along the lines of "Life's too short too waste."
Like Oprah with a keyboard, Keys assured her flock that even when she is a mess, she is a "Superwoman."
On the contrary. Keys seems cosmically stuck between her natural gifts and the demands of the marketplace - a conundrum played out in the short film that opened the show. An effusive gospel choir sings while a preacher - played by Cedric the Entertainer - sends a young Alicia out on her "journey to the world of music" with a few mysterious words about backstabbers, star makers, and - most tellingly - remembering to send back her 10 percent tithe.
There were moments when the organic tunesmith and the high-wattage entertainer converged: Keys's fiery duet on "Diary" with backup singer Jermaine Paul was soul-stirring and roof-raising all at once.
But it was the exception in a show that seemed to stretch the star's judgment as well as her skills.
He's known for churning out hit songs for a stable of performers, but writer and producer Ne-Yo spared no expense stoking his own mythmaker machinery during an often sizzling opening slot. Showgirls in white tails, sharp-suited big band, and a scene-stealing dancer were on hand to supplement his sweet singing, nimble body work, and lover-man storyline.
American Idol Jordin Sparks navigated her standard-issue repertoire with admirable vocal power and youthful vitality.
Joan Anderman can be reached at anderman@globe.com. For more on music visit boston.com/ae/music/blog.
