Ledisi Stuns During The Crown Tour: A Review
The Grammy Nominated Soulstress Brings Power, Range and Reflection to Denver’s Paramount Theatre
On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Ledisi transformed Denver’s Paramount Theatre into a sanctuary of storytelling and soul. She showcased strong vocal mastery, reminding the audience why she deserves a top spot on the music charts and a seat on the R&B throne.
Fresh off the announcement that her latest album, “The Crown,” was nominated for a Grammy, she delivered a sweeping, emotionally charged concert. The evening reaffirmed her musical brilliance and her long-time impact across the airwaves.
Kevin Ross Ignites the Night
Opening the show was singer-songwriter Kevin Ross, whose dynamic performance set the tone for the evening. With the polish of a seasoned performer and the charisma of classic R&B frontmen, he delivered a high-energy set that showcased both his original songwriting and stage presence.
During the opening set, he brought his background vocalists forward, allowing them moments to command the spotlight – an endearing gesture rarely seen but strongly appreciated. His mashup of familiar R&B hits triggered widespread nostalgia, prompting cheers and dancing in the aisles.
It was a complementary opening act that felt intentional and perfectly paced for the main event. By the time Ledisi took the stage, the crowd was ready to party.
A Setlist in Story Chapters
During the show, Ledisi spoke with humor and humility about navigating an extraordinarily productive year. She completed two projects in 2025, a feat unheard of in the music world. She shared that the while she’d considered bringing her R&B career to a close, the recognition from the Recording Academy “feels like a blessing,” and has prolonged tenure indefinitely.
In addition to “The Crown,” her lyrical tribute to singer and pianist Dinah Washington titled, “For Dinah,” is available for preorders.
The concert unfolded like a musical memoir, each song representing a different chapter of her evolution. She opened with upbeat, groove-rich tracks such as “Add to Me” and “Good Life,” pulling the audience into her orbit with commanding ease. From there, she slid effortlessly into the reflective tones of her popular motivational anthem “Alright,” and “Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.),” by the piano-playing producer extraordinaire, Robert Glasper. Each melody offered comfort and joy in equal measure.
Her ability to transition from sultry to spiritual, playful to profound, is part of what sets her apart. As music and emotion filled the Paramount, those shifts were seamless.
“High,” with its soaring range, displayed her crisp upper register, while “Love You Too” showcased her lower tones. She drifted into the soulful tenderness of “Daydreaming” before raising the emotional stakes with an aching performance of “Anything for You.” Jokingly, she provided explanations for songs with underlying R-rated intention to spark an even richer audience response.
Fans erupted when she delivered “7 Days of Weak,” a crowd favorite that reverberated with nostalgic power. But, it was “Pieces of Me” that truly brought the room together.
Throughout the evening, Ledisi peppered her set with new tracks from “The Crown,” occasionally teasing the audience for not being fully up to date.
“How y’all gonna show up and not know the album?” she joked, drawing laughter as she motioned toward the lobby where vinyl copies awaited. As she playfully scolded the audience, she encouraged everyone to purchase the new music so that generations of fandom would continue into the future.
“BLKWMN”
The night’s most arresting performance was “BLKWMN,” a powerful new song accompanied by a projected photo reel of Black women throughout history.
Icons, everyday heroes, educators, artists, innovators and mothers flashed behind Ledisi as she sang the tribute. It was a visual and musical homage that honored the breadth and beauty of Black womanhood.
The songstress delivered every note like a declaration. Audience members shouted affirmations, applauded mid-song and rose to their feet the moment she concluded. The performance elevated the evening from a concert to a cultural statement.
Loss and Legacy
Ledisi acknowledged the emotional weight of this year, particularly within the Black entertainment community. The passing of major figures – including Roberta Flack and R&B singers and co-parents, Angie Stone and D’Angelo – has left fans navigating grief while reflecting on each musical journey.
In subtle ways, the bearer of “The Crown” seemed to carry that weight. Ledisi’s gospel selections, performed with fiery conviction, felt like offerings. “Heaven” was a reminder of the roots that shaped her and the spiritual depth that continues to ground her work.
A Voice That Won’t Quit
As the concert progressed, Ledisi revealed just how expansive her artistry truly is. Her vocal runs were crisp and controlled, and she had fun on stage, dancing joyfully to the distinct sound she’s known for cultivating.
Even after more than 20 years in the industry, she performs with the ambition of someone still hungry for success. Her confident demeanor makes it clear that she knows exactly what she brings to the table. Even as she stopped mid-song to exchange in banter the large, historic theater, it felt like an intimate club show. She brought the house down, but also managed to stepped back from the mic several times, letting her band flex their talent.
By the time the concert came to an end, the audience reflected its love and appreciation back to the stage. Ledisi reminded concertgoers why her voice is one of the most revered and recognizable in R&B. As her artistry continues to grow, her performances create an experience that envelops listeners in beautiful, robust layers of soul-stirring sound.
Editor’s note: Ledisi’s new album, “The Crown” is available for purchase at www.hellomerch.com/collections/ledisi.
