I’ve always considered an artist to be the full package when they can sing live, produce amazing music, and give a show-stopping performance. Too often, we have mediocre artists with lazy stage presences and the good music does not make up for it! I admire the great artists who see their presence and time on stage as an art form. It’s always fascinating to watch the behind-the-scenes of how a performance is created, and I think we should continue to uplift and support the artists who bring their performances to the next level. Of course, we have the greats: Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, MJ, etc., but I want to take the time to appreciate the new-gen artists. The ones who we know of, but often fly under the radar when we think of performance geniuses.
Bree Runway
Bree Runway is known as a pop star. An artist that releases hit after hit while producing iconic music videos that give off cool Y2K/Missy Elliot vibes. I love the fact that we are starting to see a revival in Black pop stars, and I genuinely believe that Bree Runway is one of the leaders. Check out her latest performance here.
Normani
Let’s be honest. Ever since her Fifth Harmony days, we knew Normani was a force. Not only does she shine as a vocalist, but her choreo is insanely creative and difficult. When she performed her hit single “Motivation” at the 2019 MTV VMAs, everyone was obsessed with the direction of her stage as well as her ability to perform such difficult choreography. Normani is an artist who you can’t help but support despite the long waits for new music because of the fact that there is simply no one like her.
Chloe x Halle
Not only did Chloe x Halle give us the legendary album that is Ungodly Hour during 2020, but they also gave us beautiful and intricate at-home performances that have cemented them, in my opinion, as one of the top all-rounders of the entertainment industry. Their ability to reinvent their songs every performance shows that the sister duo is just as invested in their artistic direction in performances as they are in their music. One of my favorite performances of theirs has to be their rendition of their track “Everywhere.” Truly incredible.
Tinashe
An artist who, to this day, I believe does not get the appreciation she deserves. Tinashe not only gives us albums that never age, but she also kills it with choreo. Every. Single. Time. It’s bizarre to me how a talent like Tinashe isn’t recognized more on a global level. Why isn’t she invited to these big award shows to perform? Why isn’t she ever nominated for iconic awards? Why is she always left out of the conversation when we talk about genius performers? I think it’s fair to say that Tinashe is creating her own legacy as an amazing performer and artist. I mean, look at her material!
In my opinion, performance in itself is an art. To be able to give concept, vocals, choreography, and visuals is the pinnacle of what I define as a true artist. Nowadays, many singers can survive off of mediocre performances and a single here and there, but it’s no surprise that the people who are killing it right now are all women. It’s interesting to think about the very big differences in how male and female artists have different standards, which often means we overlook the female artists who give crazy-good performances because it quickly becomes expected of them to be able to give us everything when they step on stage.
Can’t get enough of HC UMass Amherst? Be sure to follow us on Instagram, listen to us on Spotify, like us on Facebook, and read our latest Tweets!