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Live Review

For those of us who grew up to classics like “So Sick” and “Locked Up,” seeing the two legends behind those songs on the stage together was like a fever dream. For one summer night, Charlotte’s Truliant Amphitheater was home to one of the best concerts that many can buy.

That dream turned out to be reality on the “Nights Like This” tour, featuring legendary singer-songwriters Ne-Yo and Akon, who are icons of 2000s R&B and hip-hop. It was impossible to listen to radio and not hear either one of their voices on a verse or chorus, and also just as hard to miss a song that was penned by them.

The show began with Ne-Yo and his classic single “Closer.” The artist came out in a Michael Jackson-inspired black outfit and his classic trademark fedora, and danced around the stage as a band played behind him. Soon after, dancers joined him while he performed hits like “Because of You.”

A few minutes later, Akon made a grand entrance. Dressed in an all white suit, he made his way to the front of the stage while hit tracks such as “Smack That” filled the amphitheater. To the surprise of many, the popular French dance duo Les Twins came on the stage and danced along with Akon.

Charlotte’s Truliant Amphitheater was packed and loud for the concert. Fans, mostly of millennial age and older, filled the venue and chanted along to every song. At one point, the crowd was treated to Akon being carried through the stands on a table while he performed “Lonely.” Another crowd favorite was when Ne-Yo’s aerial dancers performed while suspended in the air above the stage.

One interesting part that surprised many fans was the moment that Akon and Ne-Yo played some of the songs that they are credited writers on. Hearing Rihanna’s “Take A Bow” and Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” during the concert just shows another reason why Ne-Yo and Akon are some of the most versatile artists in the music industry.

As the two artists continue their careers, it was a blessing to see them both on stage together. Sharing the headline space was certainly needed, as both artists put on a high-quality show. For fans of Akon and Ne-Yo, it’s truly “nights like this” that make memories to last forever.