’Empress’ deserves accolades

Gladys Knight

Friday, July 12

I HAD no idea what to expect when I watched Gladys Knight, knowing only a few of her well-known hits.

But the 80-year-old, seven-time Grammy winner really exceeded my expectations with her million-dollar smile and exceptional vocals.

Despite being Pip-less, Knight’s infectious stage presence shone through, backed by a crisp band and vocalists, hinting at the festival’s original classical concept.

The vocal powerhouse, who has excelled in all forms of music and media, channelled her inner diva, shimmying her shoulders as she walked around the stage.

She was dressed in a well-fitted black suit with silver glitter cuffs and chest collar. Knight looked even more glamorous than I ever could.

I had expected a relaxed evening while sitting down but by the end couldn’t help dancing and singing along with the rest of the jubilant crowd.

When she sang Luther Vandross’s Never Too Much, I quickly jumped up out of my seat and danced enthusiastically.

I knew more of her songs than I had imagined as the lyrics to her soulful If I Were Your Woman were similar to the Brookes Brothers’ less popular 2011 Tear You Down drum & bass version.

As a Bond fan, hearing the 007 theme from Timothy Dalton’s Licence To Kill brought me back to life from an otherwise more sedentary evening.

The “Empress of Soul” was seriously badass, putting her all into the performance.

Even as an amateur Knight listener, I felt the singer deserved her 2024 Grammy Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Alex Carter