Janet Jackson - Xcel Energy Center - St. Paul MN - June 18th 2024

On June 18th, 2024, the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, hosted a powerhouse double-bill with Janet Jackson headlining and Nelly opening the show as part of the Together Again tour. The combination of Janet’s iconic pop and R&B hits with Nelly’s hip-hop anthems made for an unforgettable night, with both artists bringing high-energy performances to the stage. Nelly’s opening set set the stage for the night with a thrilling blend of classic tracks and new material, showcasing why he remains a staple in the rap and hip-hop scene.

Venue: Xcel Energy Center

The Xcel Energy Center, a spacious arena in downtown St. Paul, provided the perfect environment for a show of this caliber. With its massive seating capacity and excellent acoustics, the venue was packed with fans eager to see two music legends in one night. Despite being an arena show, the energy was palpable from the moment the lights dimmed, as Nelly took the stage to warm up the crowd.

Nelly’s Performance: Setting the Tone

Nelly’s set was a true celebration of his career, spanning his early 2000s hits to his more recent music. As the crowd filled in and settled into their seats, there was an obvious buzz of excitement in the air, especially when the lights lowered and his signature track “Hot in Herre” blasted through the speakers.

The Setlist:

Nelly wasted no time getting the crowd involved with a setlist packed with his most popular songs, plus some of his latest material. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:

“Hot in Herre” – The iconic hit from Nelly’s 2002 album Nellyville was the perfect opener, instantly getting the crowd hyped. As the track’s unmistakable beat dropped, fans immediately began dancing, singing, and grooving to the infectious rhythm.
“Ride Wit Me” – A classic from his debut album Country Grammar, this track had the crowd chanting along to its familiar, laid-back hook. The nostalgia was in full force here, as fans reveled in the throwback to Nelly’s early days.
“Dilemma” (feat. Kelly Rowland) – One of Nelly’s biggest hits, this emotional ballad brought a slightly more mellow vibe to the show. With its smooth blend of rap and R&B, “Dilemma” had the audience singing along to the lyrics, recalling the hit’s success from the early 2000s.
“Just a Dream” – Another one of Nelly’s signature tracks, this song offered a more melodic, reflective moment in the set, allowing Nelly to showcase his versatility as an artist. Fans responded enthusiastically, still singing every word.
“Lil Bit” – Nelly kept the energy up with this newer track, giving the crowd a taste of his continued evolution as an artist. It’s a more contemporary sound but still retained that signature Nelly vibe.

Energy and Stage Presence:

Nelly has always been a dynamic performer, and his stage presence was undeniable throughout the entire set. Whether he was rapping or vibing to the beats, Nelly had an effortless charisma that made him instantly connect with the crowd. His confidence and crowd interaction were key to making the show feel intimate, despite the large venue. At one point, he even ventured into the audience, making the fans feel like they were part of the performance.

His band, which featured live instrumentation, brought extra life to his tracks, enhancing the energy and making the performance feel even more live and organic. The chemistry between Nelly and his crew was on full display, and it was clear that he was enjoying every minute of it.

Fan Interaction:

Nelly is known for his ability to engage the crowd, and he certainly did not disappoint. Throughout his set, he shouted out to fans, encouraged them to sing along, and made sure the energy stayed high. The crowd responded with enthusiasm, especially during the older hits, which were met with loud cheers and applause.

At one point, Nelly took a brief moment to thank the audience for their long-standing support, expressing his gratitude for being able to share his music with them. His charisma and genuine connection with the fans made his set not just a performance but an experience that felt personal to everyone in the room.

Visuals and Production:

While the Xcel Energy Center was packed, Nelly’s stage setup was simple yet effective. The stage design included large video screens that played visuals and effects, synchronized with his performance, adding another layer of excitement to the show. The lighting design was bold and dynamic, complementing Nelly’s performance style and elevating the overall experience.

The production was clean, with minimal distraction—allowing Nelly’s energy and performance to remain the focal point.

Highlights:

“Country Grammar” – A show highlight for fans of Nelly’s earlier work, this song’s nostalgic hook brought the crowd to life. The iconic intro had everyone clapping, rapping along, and celebrating the track that put Nelly on the map.
“Work It” – This song, which blends rap with an infectious beat, had the entire arena moving. The chemistry between Nelly and the crowd was electric, and it felt like everyone in the venue was part of the performance.
Audience Engagement – Nelly spent time throughout his set engaging with fans, making sure they were having as much fun as he was. His presence in the audience was a nice touch that made the show feel more intimate, despite the large venue.

Final Thoughts on Nelly’s Opening Set:

Nelly’s opening performance was a dynamic and engaging start to the evening, setting the bar high for Janet Jackson’s headlining set. His ability to blend hip-hop, R&B, and pop sensibilities made for a high-energy show that got the crowd pumped and ready for more. Nelly’s set was a reminder of how influential he remains in the music world, and it’s clear that his hits have only grown in their cultural significance over the years.

For fans of both hip-hop and pop, Nelly’s performance was a nostalgic, fun, and exciting ride. By the time Janet Jackson took the stage, the crowd was fully warmed up, eager for the next chapter of the night, which promised to be just as thrilling.

In short, Nelly’s opening set at the Xcel Energy Center on June 18th, 2024 was a perfect prelude to an unforgettable evening of music and celebration, showing that Nelly still has plenty of fire left in him after all these years.

Janet Jackson brought her Together Again tour to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 18th, 2024, delivering a night of iconic music, electrifying choreography, and an outpouring of energy that spanned her career. Known for being one of the most influential artists in pop, R&B, and dance music, Janet Jackson’s concert was an unforgettable celebration of her legacy.

Venue: Xcel Energy Center

The Xcel Energy Center, a multi-purpose arena in downtown St. Paul, was the perfect venue for Janet Jackson’s performance. The spacious yet intimate setting provided an ideal atmosphere for her grand production, balancing a large-scale show with moments of personal connection with the audience. With a seating capacity of around 18,000, the arena was packed with fans from all walks of life, excited to experience Janet’s timeless hits and contemporary sounds.

Janet Jackson’s Performance

As the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted into applause, the anticipation was palpable. The production value of the Together Again tour was spectacular from the outset. The stage featured sleek, modern design elements, with large video screens and dynamic lighting effects enhancing the visual experience. Janet herself emerged, looking stunning in a dazzling outfit, and launched into one of her many iconic hits.

Opening Moments:

The show began with the opening track “Together Again”—a hit from her 1997 album The Velvet Rope—and immediately set the tone for the night. The song’s upbeat, danceable rhythm got the crowd moving and singing along, providing a feeling of unity and nostalgia. The atmosphere was filled with joy as Janet’s voice echoed across the arena, signaling that this was going to be a celebration of love, joy, and resilience.

The Setlist:

Throughout the evening, Janet performed a carefully curated mix of songs from throughout her career, spanning her earliest hits in the ‘80s all the way through her most recent work. Here are some key moments from the setlist:

“What Have You Done for Me Lately” – The crowd went wild as Janet kicked off a high-energy section with one of her earliest hits. The choreography was as sharp as ever, with Janet and her backup dancers executing flawless routines, keeping the energy level sky-high.
“Nasty” – The crowd’s excitement peaked during this signature track. The bass-heavy beat had everyone dancing, and Janet’s commanding stage presence was undeniable.
“If” – Another standout moment, with Janet’s dancers in perfect sync to the song’s intricate choreography. The stage production reached its zenith here, with dazzling visuals and lighting effects enhancing the mood.
“All for You” – A fun, celebratory moment in the set that had everyone in the arena singing along, clapping, and feeling the infectious energy of the pop classic.
“Rhythm Nation” – A powerful anthem for social unity, Janet performed this iconic track with full choreography, empowering the crowd with its message of strength and solidarity.
“Together Again” (Reprise) – Near the end of the show, Janet took a moment to reconnect with the audience, performing the song again but with more intimate arrangements, creating an emotional and reflective atmosphere.

The Choreography and Visuals:

Janet Jackson has long been known for her impeccable dance moves, and the Together Again tour was no exception. The choreography was intricate, precise, and full of energy, with Janet leading the way as her dancers matched her every move. Every song felt like a visual spectacle, with stunning video projections and lighting effects that enhanced the experience. From elaborate stage setups to quick costume changes, the entire show felt like a cinematic event.

Fan Interaction:

Janet, always a consummate performer, took time throughout the night to interact with the audience, expressing her gratitude and acknowledging the fans who had supported her for decades. During “Again,” a more emotional moment in the show, she paused to thank the audience, reminding everyone of the healing power of music and connection. The crowd responded with cheers, and there was a palpable sense of mutual appreciation between Janet and the fans.

Highlights:

The Sound and Stage Production: The sound quality was exceptional, with Janet’s vocals crystal clear and every beat thumping through the arena. The stage visuals were sharp and modern, and the lighting design added to the dramatic impact of each song.
“Control”: This classic track had the entire arena on its feet. The bold, confident lyrics and Janet’s powerful stage presence made it one of the night’s standout moments.
“That’s the Way Love Goes” – A sensual, slow-burning performance that showed off Janet’s vocal range and her ability to convey emotion through music. The intimacy of this track stood in contrast to the high-energy hits but fit seamlessly into the set.

Closing Moments:

The concert ended with one of her most loved tracks, “Escapade,” and the audience was on fire. As Janet left the stage, the crowd continued to chant her name, unwilling to let go of the magic they had just experienced. Fans were rewarded with a final encore performance, capped off by “Together Again,” which brought the show full circle, leaving the crowd singing, dancing, and basking in the glow of the unforgettable evening.

Final Thoughts:

Janet Jackson’s Together Again tour stop at the Xcel Energy Center was an extraordinary night, showcasing her unmatched talent as a performer, dancer, and artist. The concert was a perfect blend of nostalgia, energy, and emotion, offering something for both long-time fans and newcomers. From her iconic hits to her flawless choreography, Janet proved once again why she remains one of the most beloved and influential figures in music history.

If you have the chance to see her on this tour, don’t miss it—she’s still got it, and she’s ready to show you how it’s done.