Vonnie and Elsa Band Together for JADE in Brussels

What were you most looking forward to before the concert?

ELSA: I didn’t listen closely to That’s Showbiz Baby!, especially the songs included in the deluxe version, but I really did like the singles, especially “FUFN.” I was really curious to discover the songs I didn’t know. I also know Jade is very vocal and loud about her political views so she is the kind of pop star I want to support.

VONNIE: I was really excited to see the scenography because I’ve known JADE for a decade – and I knew she was part of Little Mix. Although this is her debut album, she’s far from being at the beginning of her career, so I was intrigued to see how she created her own show. The whole concept surrounding fame and the music industry was thought out. I had no doubt she’d do the same here.

Which part of the performance did you enjoy the most?

ELSA: I really loved how well curated the setlist was. That’s Showbiz Baby! is a pretty heavy criticism of the musical industry and how tough and dark it can get for artists. It’s also an album that feeds into many different musical influences (hyperpop, disco, R&B…) and it all came together during the concert and was very thought out storytelling-wise.

VONNIE: Her performance. JADE has a strong stage presence and she can get the crowd hyped—I was very impressed with it.

Which song made you dance?

ELSA: So many of them! “Before You Break My Heart” definitely made me groove the most, but I also loved Church. It was like a big finale.

VONNIE: Almost all of them but “Frozen” being my favorite, I was so excited for that beat drop. It was so satisfying to let go of everything and dance.

Which song made you cry?

ELSA: None. This concert was a big party and I didn’t really get emotional. That being said, Silent Disco was very beautiful, especially with the lights from the giant disco ball and Jade singing on the balcony.

VONNIE: None, but I did feel emotional before “Unconditional” as JADE talked of the inspiration being her mom’s battle with chronic illness. Since I’m also struggling with a life-long condition, it made me feel more understood.

What surprised you the most?

ELSA: The choreographies! I didn’t know what to expect and I really loved watching Jade and her dancers on stage. “Angel of My Dreams” was definitely one of the best performances I’ve seen lately.

VONNIE: The performance for “Lip Service.” It was just the right amount of camp and queer, showing JADE’s allyship at the same time as simply being hot.

What did you think of the opening act?

ELSA: It was a DJ playing mostly pop music and it was really fun! He made us dance from the start, playing huge hits and he knew his audience well so it was really good.

VONNIE: I’m not a party or nightclub person, so the DJ didn’t do anything for me—I’m all about live music so I would’ve much preferred discovering a small artist, unfortunately.

What was the vibe? How was the crowd?

ELSA: All the queers and the girlies were there. It was a fun crowd, people kept singing and dancing the whole concert. Too bad the floor of the venue is not great and you almost always get an obstructed view if you’re not at the barricade. But it didn’t keep us from enjoying ourselves!

VONNIE: The crowd was absolutely incredible. One of the liveliest atmosphere I’ve experienced. The people were singing loud along with JADE, and they would dance the whole time as well. I made my peace with the fact that I’ll never see well when I’m on the floor of this venue, so the obstructed view didn’t bother me too much.

Did you buy merch?

ELSA: Not this time but I loved the “Tina says you’re cunt” fan.

VONNIE: Nope! I wanted one but given how many concerts I attend, I have to prioritize ones that I know I’ll wear often.

What were your overall thoughts?

ELSA: Since the concert, I cannot stop listening to JADE’s album. I’m really glad I got to know her more through her performance. Her stage presence is impressive. Her vocals are flawless. She really is a powerhouse. I will follow closely what she does next.

VONNIE: I didn’t have a lot of energy but she brightened up my evening and I did feel better by the halfway point of the concert, which allowed me to enjoy the rest. I loved the atmosphere that was created through the lights, the performance, the dancers—and of course, the crowd.