We’ve been living up to this moment since the release of That’s Showbiz Baby! back in September. After having our first taste of what was to come during JADE’s performance at Mighty Hoopla last summer in London, we knew we were in for a pop-packed mega performance. The pop star is unmistakably one of the most exciting acts in today’s pop music landscape. The way the former Little Mix member studies pop music and executes it in the best way possible undeniably shines through in everything she does. We gear up for a show filled with pop-tastic moments, dramatic theatre references and vocals ready to blow the roof off tonight’s venue, Fabrique, Milan.
A small theatre curtain appears on stage. It’s so tiny and camp that this object alone sets the tone for the evening. The opener of the night is ‘FUFN (Fuck You For Now)’. JADE’s beautiful voice comes through the curtain, but the big reveal of the pop star still awaits. She makes sure no one passes out from shock and takes it step by step. First we get a glimpse of her arm, then her legs follow — and there she is, the main event of the night. Everyone familiar with the single knows the show is off to a powerful start: huge vocals, an even louder crowd and arms chanting in the air.
As soon as we hear a loud alarm ringing through the building, we know what’s coming next. The tempo stays high as we dive straight into a favorite of Clean — one of the most underrated album tracks — ‘Headache’. The singer is bursting with energy and it’s clear she is here to give us the night of our lives. She knows very well that we spent our money to see a show, and that is exactly what she delivers. Hearing the crowd sing every single word to this deep-cut album track proves that tonight’s room is packed with true fans.
JADE then puts on a silver tinsel coat and gives a shout-out to her idol Diana Ross before diving into the next section of the night. First up is ‘Before You Break My Heart’, which samples The Supremes, followed by our favorite single ‘Fantasy’. The song about sexual liberation sounds as beautiful as ever. She urges us to live as our purest selves and not limit ourselves because of others’ expectations. After this glamorous disco moment she becomes more serious as she introduces the next song. ‘Unconditional’ was written for her mum, who has been in and out of the hospital due to her battle with Lupus. Emotions run high as she scream-sings the pre-chorus over loud drums and guitar riffs. Her mum would be incredibly proud hearing this sung back to her by every audience member.
For the next song the crowd gets a special job: acting as her backing vocalists. During the ending of the beautiful ‘Self Saboteur’ we take on the responsibility of singing the “Aah ha ah” section. It comes as no surprise that we take this job very seriously. While we chant along, JADE belts out the stunning final notes of the song and sounds as angelic as ever. Just like on the album, the concert smoothly transitions into ‘Lip Service’. The flirty and playful track seems to be a fan favourite, as loud screams introduce the song.
One of the moments we have been waiting for most is hearing ‘Natural at Disaster’ live. After her Amazon exclusive live performance of the song, it became the track we were most excited to hear in person. We do miss the incredible choir that joined her in that recording, but it quickly becomes clear that JADE can more than hold her own. Big vocals fill the room and nearly blow the roof off Fabrique. The mic was on! The show nearly comes to an end, but JADE reassures us that a 15-minute encore is still waiting.
The encore begins with a goosebump-inducing moment. The entire crowd is asked to turn around as JADE walks over to perform ‘Silent Disco’ right next to the sound engineer. Suddenly the singer is up close and personal, and we can’t believe how stunning she looks. Dressed in a red theatre-curtain dress, she has the perfect moment to showcase her vocal abilities. She hits high whistle notes reminiscent of Mariah Carey, serenading us while the room watches in complete silence.
She then returns to the stage to perform the first single from the deluxe version of her debut album. Church bells ring while a gloomy red light fills the stage — it’s time for ‘Church’. The song celebrates her fanbase and welcomes everyone exactly as they are. Tonight perfectly reflects the safe space the singer has built for her fans: we are all one, singing the same words throughout the night.
The evening can only end with one song — the smash hit ‘Angel Of My Dreams’. We thought we had already heard the crowd at its loudest, but we were clearly wrong. The moment the song begins, we scream our lungs out. During the third section of the track, the singer fully embraces camp: her dress becomes decorated with arrows, fake glittery blood and massive angel wings. These are the pop moments we live for.
JADE proves she is a true student of pop music — and that she is the IT girl. Every moment of the show feels camp, pop and carefully thought out. It feels like just a glimpse of what the future holds for JADE. We had the time of our lives — so much so that we get to do it all over again tomorrow in Berlin.