Beyonce, I Am...Tour, Metro Radio Arena

Many pop artists claim that if they're doing a heavy dance routine then miming is a must.
But as soon as Beyonce launched into Crazy in Love it was clear that she thrives from giving the audience their money's worth. An opera-standard rendition of Ava Maria - while wearing a theatrical wedding gown and veil - showcased her range to staggering effect.

Her recent chart smash If I Were a Boy was performed with bags of attitude, all-important NYPD-style aviators in place which she threw into the crowd for one lucky fan. With a rock-chick edge she then flung herself into an impressive cover of Alanis Morissette's You Oughta Know, kneeling at the front of the stage and thrashing her tresses over stage-side fans.

Those who aren't familiar with Beyonce's latest album I Am...Sasha Fierce may have struggled to recognise some of the tracks. But fantastic choreography, set and back-up made it impossible to 'switch off' as is sometimes the case.

Of course no pop-star tour would be complete without a little bit of high wire suspension and Beyonce is no exception. She was lifted onto a separate stage in the middle of the floor, much to the delight of the surrounding fans whose screaming reached fever pitch with a Destiny's Child medley.

In a history-making moment Beyonce sang Etta James' At Last to Barack Obama and his wife Michelle for their first dance after his inauguration in January. Of course she nailed it and had video footage of the historic event playing behind her while she gave the song another belting last night.

Perhaps the highlight of the night for many, however, was the star's breathtaking performance of her Dreamgirls song Listen which she clearly put her all into. And then, to the audience's delight, she stepped it up yet another notch to finish the show with her two most recent hits - Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) and Halo.

Kanye West has reportedly dubbed Beyonce as the greatest entertainer of our generation and, after a show like that, I'm sure many of those who came to watch her at the Metro Radio Arena last night agree she's most definitely up there. I know I do.

- Mieka Smiles