The “A Different Me Tour” – knocked off course by damaging winds and a power outage that left the DeSoto Civic Center without power on Friday (June 12) – finally arrived on Monday night.

It’s clear that Keyshia has grown since her debut five years ago and that she is a much-improved artist. It all fits with her third and most recent album entitled “A Different Me”. (Photos by Warren Roseborough)

That was a great relief to many concert-goers who were visibly irritated on Friday, fearing that Keyshia Cole and other chart-topping R& B acts would not return.

“I came to see Keyshia Cole and I am really sad right now,” said Gabrielle Amos, who was among a car load of fans who traveled from Grenada, MS, on Friday. “I really hope this concert is rescheduled.”

Not to worry.

Keyshia’s exceptional performance - accented by her voice – made the night delightfully steamy. The singer’s temperature gauge seemed to rise through out the night.

Keyshia warmed up the crowd with her first hit single, “I Changed My Mind.” Then she laced together a highly entertaining string of songs that mostly came from her sophomore album “Just Like Me.” The mix included the crowd pleasing “Let it Go” featuring Missy Elliott and Lil’ Kim, the optimistic “Shoulda Let you Go,” and “I Remember.”

It’s clear that Keyshia has grown since her debut five years ago and that she is a much improved artist. It all fits with her third and most recent album entitled “A Different Me”.

Monday’s performance included three costume changes and a brief intermission that featured solo performances by her two talented back-up singers.

The night continued with steamy love ballads full of pure woman empowerment as Keyshia sang the beautiful “Heaven Sent,” karaoke favorite “Love,” and her latest single, “You Complete Me.”

Bobby Valentino and Keri Hilson made the night fun with an array of antics. Bobby V’s shirtless tricks got the attention of the females in the audience, while the men looked on uninterested quite. Keri Hilson shared a fun, playful side of herself, telling life stories with songs from her newly-released album.

I had all but forgotten that Dream was missing from the rescheduled concert until Hilson made a mistake while leaving the stage and uttered Dream’s name as if he was coming up next.

Keyshia returned to pick up the slack and the show rolled on. The concert was absolutely well worth the wait and Memphis was truly lucky to have had her return.

(Check out Nyah Nile “All Over Town” and if you would like her at your next big event email nyah@tri-statedefender.com)