Wednesday evening, 36-year-old British singer James Arthur was present at MTelus in front of a crowd full of energy which, according to the artist, was “the hottest in North America”. The singer gained popularity after winning the 9th edition of the show X Factor in 2012. In 1h30 of concert, James Arthur performs both his very first pieces and his most recent ones from the album Bitter Sweet Love.
James Arthur begins his concert with the song Bitter Sweet Love, from the homonymous album released in 2024 and for which the singer is currently on a world tour. Yet while the singer-songwriter will feature a few tracks from this new album, it’s the artist’s older tracks that will have the audience singing along the loudest.
Throughout the concert, the artist proves his talent to his fans. He sings, plays the guitar, he is also a pianist, and on certain songs, he even brilliantly manages a mixture of rap and spoken word on a remix of Ready or Not.
When he sings with the piano as his only accompaniment, he proves that he has mastered both instruments. James Arthur has a clear and soft voice which has a very soothing side.
A dynamic crowd
James Arthur makes his audience dance and sing without difficulty. The people present in the room are receptive to all the pieces that the artist offers and do not hesitate to clap their hands, sing the choruses with the singer or jump until the floor and walls of the MTelus shake.
At times, the singer moves away from the microphone, letting his voice mix with all those of the audience members. These moments give a soft and touching atmosphere to the concert.
It was on the last songs of the evening that the audience gave all their energy. The pieces most acclaimed and sung by the spectators are Say you won’t let go, Train Wreck or Thousand stars.
When the singer performs his song Impossiblecomposed for the show X Factor from 2012, he thanks the fans who have followed him since this first hit song: “Without you, I wouldn’t be here today”.
Some touches of humor
James Arthur participated in the creation of the film’s soundtrack The Greatest Showman (2017). He notably co-wrote, with the singer Anne-Marie, the duo Rewrite the Stars (performed by Zendaya and Zac Efron in the film). Before starting the song, he jokes that his keyboard player is not Zendaya and that he is far from Zac Efron. He still adds with a laugh that he has the same hairstyle as Troy Bolton, the character played by Zac Efron in the films High School Musical.
When fans in the front rows ask him to play certain pieces from his repertoire, the singer explains that he does not take special requests. ” I am not a jukebox », jokes the artist. He thinks he plans to perform all the songs the public wants to hear anyway.
At the end of the concert, the singer will say that the Montreal audience is one of his favorites in North America. He will also add: “you are at least the hottest”, complimenting their energy and investment while referring to the intense heat reigning in the MTelus. According to James Arthur and his opening act, Forest Blakk, the temperature has never been higher than in Montreal, even during their concerts down south.
Forest Blakk in the first part
Montreal-born singer Forest Blakk was more than happy to be back in his hometown to open for James Arthur’s concert. He admits to having thought about this date throughout the tour, and is touched by the love the Montreal public gives him. The singer will also be on the verge of tears following the wave of love sent to him by the spectators.
With his lyrics and his powerful voice, the singer has a style quite similar to that of James Arthur. This is a great first-party pick. A large part of the public already knows him, or has at least heard his A songother love song.
Forest Blakk is an interesting singer to see live, especially for the power of his voice and his energy. The artist also admits to preparing concerts and he plans to return to Montreal very soon. You’ll have to stay tuned for an official announcement.
