Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, Royal Albert Hall, gig review: The odd couple were charming
Grandparents and grandchildren alike would have been at home at last night's performance
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Your support makes all the difference.With an age gap of 59 years they could be called the odd couple but the combination of Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett definitely worked.
Surprisingly enough there was chemistry between the two Italian Americans, but she was flirtatious and respectful to the man old enough to be her grandfather.
They seemed to bounce of each other and played to each other's strengths. The change of genre really showed off Lady Gaga’s amazing vocal range and her rendition of Edith Piaf's “La vie en Rose” was quite an eye-opener, revealing a versatility the “Born This Way” star often hides.
Bennett, aged 88, seems to be enjoying the twilight of his career making references to Sinatra and Charlie Chaplin. His songs were a trip down memory lane for many of us who sang along with many of the old favourites such as “Smile”.
His voice had a fragility at times but that made it all the more poignant. Although not able to shimmy across the stage like Lady Gaga he maintained a sense of fun and the duo grew more relaxed with each other as the concert progressed.
The audience, on our feet dancing with enthusiasm for most of the evening, reflected the age range of its performers: grandparents and their grandchildren would have felt equally at home.
Lady Gaga especially engaged well with the audience and her considerable number of outfit changes (8!) most of which considerably less outrageous than some of her previous sartorial choices. Meat dress anyone? Perhaps that was a concession to the blood pressure of her co-star?
The grand Royal Albert Hall venue was appropriate and added to the atmosphere and sense of occasion – as did the incredible orchestra. It was a polished and professional performance from two artists at opposite ends of the age range demonstrating their talents and respect for each other. They might be a little unusual in company, but they are a delightful odd couple.
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