Cher Lloyd Closes out Her Latest Tour on a High Note
UK “X-Factor” Favorite Entertains The Paramount in Huntington, NY
By Seth M
Well, pop musicians in general and TV show-created pop artists in particular aren’t normally on my “must see” list, but with a friend on this particular tour, I set out to see Cher Lloyd. Cher was playing The Paramount in Huntington, NY to close out her current tour which included a combination of some radio station shows, opening slots for Demi Lovato, and some headlining shows like this one.
For those who aren’t familiar with Cher Lloyd: she came to fame when she finished fourth in the 2010 season of the U.K.s version of “The X-Factor.” In 2011, she released her debut single “Swagger Jagger” and has been on the rise ever since.
Cher came to The Paramount ready not only to entertain her admirers but to meet them as well. After a short sound check, she prepped herself for a meet and greet with close to 150 excited fans who got to meet the star, have their picture taken with her, and get early entry into the venue to set themselves up with prime spots for the show.
Opening for Cher was singer/songwriter Jackson Harris, who didn’t have to travel far for the gig since he calls NY home. With some catchy songs like “Come Back Down To Earth” and his latest single “Miss Me,” the crowd gave him a warm welcome and went crazy when he did a One Direction cover. Although Jackson was entertaining and a great choice of openers, the anxious crowd was clearly ready for Cher to take over.
Hitting the stage full of smiles and energy, Cher kicked it off with her previously mentioned break- through hit “Swagger Jagger” and the crowd, packed with about 800 screaming teenage girls, went nuts. She continued through her set, bouncing all over the stage as she played “Playa Boi,” “Superhero,” and “Oath.” With the crowd singing every word to every song, it was obvious Cher could command an audience not only with high energy portions of her show but even when she took the tempo way down, pulling out a stool and bringing her band downstage for a few acoustic songs. The mini acoustic set-within-the-bigger-set included some stellar covers including the Artic Monkey’s “Do I Wanna Know” and John Mayer’s “I Don’t Trust Myself (With Loving You).”
As Cher prepared to wind down the show with what are apparently her three biggest hits, she was in for a little surprise when her band decided to pull some end-of-tour antics. Lloyd’s three band members changed into Cher Lloyd swag (T-shirts and hats) so that when she turned around, they were all outfitted with her face and logo ~ and their prank had the desired effect, she broke out into hysterical laughter. Grinning and still laughing, she finished out the set with “I Wish,” “With Ur Love,” and “Want U Back,” which had the entire crowd singing along even louder than before.
Although Cher Lloyd wasn’t someone I’d had on my radar, nor does she play my preferred type of music, I can easily see her having a long career ahead of her. She has a strong voice, great stage presence, and seemingly boundless energy ~ and at only 20 years old, she already has a legion of fans.
The Paramount show closed out her latest tour but, after a short break at home followed by her upcoming coming album Sorry I’m Late (on the horizon for a May 27th release) she’ll be back on the road for another tour in late 2014.
Check out some more pictures from the show below and check out Cher’s website and Like/Follow her on Facebook.
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