Four of R&B’s most celebrated voices brought decades of musical excellence to a nearly sold-out crowd Friday night. The Queen’s tour made its highly anticipated stop at the United Center.
Gladys Knight, Stephanie Mills, Patti LaBelle, and Chaka Khan commanded the stage for nearly three hours, delivering a masterclass in soul music that left the audience on their feet throughout the evening. The tour, billed as Soul Royalty, showcased the enduring power of these veteran performers who collectively boast more than 200 years of combined experience.
Gladys Knight opens with timeless grace
The Empress of Soul opened the evening with a 45-minute set demonstrating why she remains one of music’s most revered performers. Knight, 81, moved effortlessly through her catalog of hits, beginning with “Midnight Train to Georgia” and continuing through “Neither One of Us” and “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me.”
Her voice showed remarkable strength and control, hitting every note with the precision that made her a seven-time Grammy winner. Knight’s stage presence remained magnetic as she worked the crowd with the same charisma that made her and the Pips household names in the 1970s. Sherri Shepherd brought balloons and flowers to celebrate Gladys turning 81 on May 28.
Stephanie Mills brings Broadway energy
Her 40-minute set included fan favorites “Two Hearts” and “I Have Learned to Respect the Power of Love,” with Mills hitting vocal runs that defied her years in the business. The New York native received one of the evening’s loudest ovations during her “I Feel Good All Over” performance.”
Mills ended her set with explosive energy, launching into “Home” from “The Wiz, ” showcasing her powerhouse vocals. The 68-year-old performer demonstrated the theatrical flair that made her a Broadway legend, incorporating dramatic gestures and emotional storytelling into every song.
Patti LaBelle delivers vocal fireworks
LaBelle, 81, proved why she’s known as the Godmother of Soul with a performance that was equal parts vocal acrobatics and pure entertainment. Her entrance alone drew a standing ovation as she appeared in a shimmering pink gown that caught every stage light.
The Philadelphia legend’s 50-minute set featured signature songs, including “Lady Marmalade,” “New Attitude,” and “On My Own.” LaBelle’s legendary vocal range remained intact as she effortlessly moved from tender ballads to high-energy dance numbers. Her interaction with the audience was playful and genuine, with several impromptu moments that felt spontaneous despite the choreographed production.
Chaka Khan closes with funk and fire
Khan brought the evening to a climactic finish with a 45-minute set emphasizing her status as the Queen of Funk. The 72-year-old performer opened with “I Feel For You” and maintained that confident energy throughout her performance.
Her voice, one of the most distinctive in popular music, showed no signs of wear as she performed “Ain’t Nobody,” “Through the Fire,” and “Sweet Thing.” Khan’s stage presence was commanding and fierce, with her signature wild curls adding visual drama to her powerful performance.
A night of musical legacy
The production featured bands, a DJ, Dancers, and backup singers who provided solid musical support throughout the evening. The stage design was elegant but understated, allowing the focus to remain on the four headliners and their voices.
The first leg of the tour ends June 1, and the second leg starts on September 19, with stops in Atlanta, Detroit, and Washington, D.C. Ticket sales have been strong across all markets, indicating continued demand for these legendary performers.
Friday’s Chicago performance served as a reminder of the lasting impact these four women have had on American popular music. Each brought their style and energy to the stage, representing more than five decades of musical evolution and excellence.
