All photos courtesy of Erica Banner
Patti LaBelle’s performance on Thursday night at The Theater at MGM National Harbor was an evening to remember. Part of her 80/65 Tour celebrating 80 incredible years of life and 65 years in music it was a beautiful reminder of why she remains one of the most beloved voices in the industry.
The moment Patti stepped onto the stage, the energy in the room was electric. Dressed in a stunning gown that sparkled under the lights, she looked like the queen we’ve adored for decades. She treated the crowd to some of her most iconic hits, from “Lady Marmalade” to “If Only You Knew”, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, and “On My Own”. Her voice is still so powerful and full of emotion making you feel every lyric deep in your soul.
That said, Patti’s not as young as she used to be, and it showed just a little. She didn’t sing as many songs or for as long as some fans might have expected. But honestly, no one seemed to mind. What she may have lacked in length, she more than made up for in heart and connection. Every song she sang was a gift, and her energy and presence were just as captivating as ever.
Of course, Patti did what Patti does best, she kicked off her shoes! True to tradition, somewhere in the middle of the show, off went the heels, to the delight of the crowd. It’s such a Patti moment down-to-earth, real, and just pure joy. She owned the stage with that signature mix of grace and sass that makes her so special.
Her incredible band and backup singers were also highlights of the night. Patti, ever the generous performer, made sure to give them their moments in the spotlight. The band’s solos were phenomenal, and her backup singers brought so much soul and talent to the stage. It felt less like a concert and more like a celebration a group of extraordinary artists coming together to make magic.
What made the night special, though, was Patti herself. Between songs, she spoke to the audience like we were old friends. She shared personal stories, cracked jokes, and expressed so much gratitude for her fans. It was warm, funny, and heartfelt exactly what you’d expect from someone as real as Patti.
The Theater at MGM National Harbor was the perfect backdrop for the night. The sound was incredible, and every detail of the venue added to the experience. By the end of the show, Patti had left her heart on that stage, and the audience gave it right back to her.
Yes, the show might have been shorter than some expected, but that didn’t matter. It wasn’t about how many songs she sang, it was about the connection she created and the joy she shared. Walking out of that theater, you couldn’t help but feel grateful to have been in the presence of such an icon. Patti LaBelle may not be as young as she used to be, but she’s still every bit the legend, and Thursday night proved why.
Final Grade: A
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