Tori Kelly + Samm Henshaw @ The Institute , 27th February 2016
After the release of her debut album “Unbreakable Smile” in 2015, Tori Kelly kicked off the 2nd night of her “Unbreakable Tour” at the o2 Institute, Birmingham. One of only four dates in Europe this year, the room was heaving with eager fans, excited in anticipation while waiting for YouTube cover star to emerge onto the stage.
The night began with support from up and coming artist Samm Henshaw. He wowed fans with his incredible vocals, giving us songs like “Autonomy” & “Better” which are taken of his debut EP “The Sound Experiment”. He also covered Backstreet Boys “Tell Me Why” which the fans couldn’t resist singing along too. He is definitely one to watch out for 2016.
Tori Kelly then took to the stage, to an audience full of chanting followers as the lights dimmed down to the American Idol contestant. Commencing with the intro of her album, a song called “Where I Belong” she totally captivated her fans.
Throughout the night Tori Kelly’s talents as an artist become apparent, performing from her heart and soul, cascading her emotions over her audience provoking high energy and empowered vibes to songs like “Anyway” and shared her insecurities and vulnerability with songs like “First Heart Break”.
Then to covers such as “Suit & Tie” and “Thinkin Bout You” which the crowd were waiting for with baited breath and anticipation, all of which were performed acoustically by herself. Thereafter, the Billboard Breakthrough Artist 2015 was re-joined with her band back on stage.
As she began to sing “City Dove” the lights were once again dimmed and without hesitation the crowd lit up the room up with a flourish and twinkling of bright phone lights.
The night ended with an encore as the fans chanted away for her return to the stage. Singing the songs “Hollow” and then saving the best for last, which eager fans were waiting for all night, “Should’ve Been Us”.
Tori Kelly set list:
Words and photographs: Chazino Suban