This show was in support of her 13th studio album, Strength Of A Woman, which was released on April 28 via Capitol Records.
Radio personality Angie Martinez made the opening remarks and hosted the event, where she dubbed the acclaimed R&B songstress as “amazing.” She described this album as “super personal.” “There is a lot of light in all this darkness, and the beautiful thing is that I got to take something dark, and give the fans something they could appreciate,” she said. “Every day is a trial, and I will keep my head up and life up,” she added, prior to thanking her fans for their “prayers, love and support.”
“When people go through a divorce, it is a wounded time. It’s like somebody died, and you are so affected about what happened,” she said. “There is so much hurt and betrayal. It is a heavy time, but I’ve got to keep the light going.”
Martinez and Blige went over the stories behind such songs as “”Indestructible,” “Survivor,” “Glow Up,” “Set Me Free” and “Thank You.” They even played samples of these aforementioned songs. Martinez praised Blige for being supportive of new talent.
For aspiring singers, Blige said, “Once you get on, and everybody loves you, remember that your fans are important!” “I’m so glad that the fans are smiling. The album speaks for itself,” Blige said, graciously, for the fans that bought the album.
She shared that she titled her album, “Strength Of a Woman,” two years ago. “I just put it in the universe, and I confess it,” Blige admitted.
Blige went on to perform her sultry “Real Love,” as the audience was singing along with her. “Something old, something new,” she said, prior to breaking into the sassy tune “U + Me (Love Lesson),” which is off her new album. The control Blige maintained over her soulful voice was impeccable. The latter song garnered her a standing ovation from the iHeartRadio audience, and Blige was deeply moved in return. She closed her set with the album’s lead single, “Thick Of It,” where she displayed her impressive pipes.
The Verdict
Overall, Mary J. Blige’s show at the iHeartRadio Theater in New York was raw and authentic. She gave the audience intimate insights about each song on her new studio album, and she opened up how music helped her through the difficult times in life. She garnered an A rating.
Strength of a Woman is available on iTunes.
To learn more about Grammy-winning R&B sensation Mary J. Blige, check out her official Facebook page and website.
