Concert recap: Jennifer Lopez, Robbie Williams, John Legend, more at Singapore F1 weekend

SINGAPORE – Jennifer Lopez thrilled audiences with a racy set while  Robbie Williams ignored an unexpected downpour to deliver a memorable performance in front of a sopping wet but satisfied crowd. (READ: Music, food, parties, races: Grand Prix Season Singapore 2014)

These were the highlights of this year’s entertainment offerings at the Singapore Grand Prix, the world’s only street night race in the Formula One calendar. 

Chants of “J. Lo! J. Lo! J. Lo!” prefaced Lopez’s appearance onstage a few minutes past the appointed time of 10:30 p.m. It was soon after Mercedes AMG’s Lewis Hamilton snagged the Grand Prix trophy, with Red Bull Racing’s Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo coming in second and third respectively. 

The 45-year-old American pop diva looked stunning in a white ensemble that showed off her toned arms and legs and that famous derriere. “Congratulations to Louie,” she said, referring to the 29-year-old Hamilton. “Let’s keep the energy going.”

With a wind machine constantly blowing her honey blond locks back for a dynamic, sultry look, Lopez delivered a high-octane performance that had fans dancing and moving along throughout her allotted hour and a half onstage.

She tipped a hat off to the old days when she did a medley of her old hits, including fan favorite “Ain’t It Funny” and a reworked version of a throwback single “If You Had My Love.” 

Jaws dropped however when she reappeared in the next segment wearing a bondage-inspired barely-there black dress and slithered and gyrated on a couch to her song “Girls.” Perhaps it served as a reminder of her still-potent sexuality amidst the rise of younger, fresher pop talent.

“I like singing the hits for you, really I do,” she said at one point. “But can I do something new for you?” She then sang “Never Satisfied,” the single from her new album AKA.

“@jlodancers I love sharing these epic moments with you!! More than backup dancers you got my back!! #artists #mybabies #Igotyourback #loyalty #familia,” read the caption on this Instagram post. 

While the crowd applauded politely, it was when she launched into her chart-topping hits like “Let’s Get Loud,” “Waiting For Tonight,” “Dance Again” and “On The Floor” that there was a noticeable uptick in audience participation.

“Thank you for coming out Singapore!!! 60,000 strong!!! Amazing night!! #Formula1 Congrats Lewis Hamilton!” she wrote on Instagram later. 

There was little doubt that the dance pop diva was an excellent choice to close the festivities at the Singapore Grand Prix. 

‘Do we care about the rain?’

Robbie Williams likewise impressed during his headlining set the night before (Saturday). Five minutes before he took to the stage, the skies opened and dumped rain on the grounds. While it was an inconvenience, the surprise showers brought an extraordinary element to the proceedings. 

Instead of playing it safe and remaining under the covered area of the stage, the 40-year-old British pop star braved the rains and got his tuxedo wet within minutes. There was a slight technical difficulty early on (“I can’t hear myself!” he said), but this was soon remedied, and it seemed as though he thoroughly enjoyed singing and dancing in the rain.

Like Lopez, Williams performed his old hits, opening with “Let Me Entertain You,” and diving into “Rock DJ” and “Millennium.”

 

“Do we care about the rain?” he said, to which audiences howled “No!” 

Williams also included songs that paid tribute to his many influences, including Frank Sinatra, Jay-Z, Liza Minnelli, Tina Turner and R. Kelly. The crowds obviously loved it though when he sang his own hits, especially “Come Undone,” and “Angels.” Many fans kept singing bars from “Angels” as they made their way out of the Padang stage.

More music

Elsewhere on the Marina Bay Circuit, there were other entertainment options to supplement the racing experience, including John Legend, Ziggy Marley, Pet Shop Boys and Taiwanese band Mayday, who headlined the first day of the show on Friday. There were also performance artists and illusionists. 

The Pet Shop Boys 

 

 

Also this year, Filipino musician Carlos Castaño and his band were included in the program.

Previous big name artists that have headlined the Grand Prix concert in Singapore include Beyonce, the Black Eyed Peas, No Doubt, Maroon 5, Katy Perry and Rihanna. 

Now on its seventh year, the Singapore Grand Prix is one of the most awaited events in the F1 racing calendar in the region not just for the race itself but for the musical headliners that add an even more festive atmosphere for aficionados and casual fans. The initial lineup is usually revealed as early as May, but headliners are announced closer to the race date.

Hotels in the vicinity of the race circuit usually jack up their prices during F1 weekend, so if you’re planning to come next year, it’s advisable to check out more practical lodging options further out. Some areas to consider include Bugis, Novena and the Geylang district. 

There are different ticketing options depending on the number of days and the number of zones that can be accessed. Prices range from SG$68 (about US $52.7 or P2,386) for a single-day walkabout ticket (Friday) all the way to SG$2,128 (US $1,681 or P74,698) for full access on all zones plus a seat at the Turn 3 Premier Grandstand. Ticket information as well as early bird rates are usually released as early as March. – Rappler.com

For more information on the Singapore Grand Prix, visit singaporegp.sg