On Monday, November 11, at New York City’s legendary Roseland Ballroom, a roster of up and coming artists performed as a part of VH1’s “You Oughta Know” concert series. Performances included songs from former YOK alum, the beautiful mega-talent, Emeli Sandé as well as young New-Zealand newbie and hit success Lorde.
The event was hosted by VH1’s VJ Jim Shearer, with additional appearances by celebrity presenters such as “Orange Is the New Black’s” Danielle Brooke’s as well as HBO “Girls” star Zosia Mamet. Decorated with dangling white light and a silver backdrop, the main stage looked like a winter wonderland.
Opening the night with a bang, Emeli Sandé performed songs off of her 2012 debut album “Our Version of Events”. She sure knew how to get the crowd pumped with her opening number, “Heaven” a ballad with house beats that she co-wrote. For her next piece “My Kind of Love” Sande got the audience to sing along. Next she segued to “Read All About It, Part III,” which she notably performed at the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony. Ending her performance with her first song to reach the top 40 of the US Billboard’s Hot 100 “Next to Me,” Sandé had the crowd wanting more. Drawing comparisons to Beyoncé and Alicia Keys, Emeli Sandé is currently in the midst of recording her follow-up to 2012′s “Our Version Of Events.”
Known for her syncopated beats and harmonic vocals, Lorde made a sweeping appearance in a modest black knit dress, chunky boots and a leather jacket. Joining her onstage were her keyboardist and drummer by her side. Performing tracks from her debut album “Pure Heroine,” Lorde opened with “Bravado.” Next she performed “Royals” and got the crowd pumped. “Royals” reached number one in the US, a first for a New Zealand solo artist. “Buzzcut Season” followed and she ended her set with “Team.”
For fans who didn’t catch the live taping, the full show will be airing on VH1 on Thursday, November 21 at 9/8C.
-Yanique Bourjolly
