Title: Carter wows fans with strong vocals, upbeat personality
Date: Aug 04, 2001
Source: The Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA)
Source: Submitted By: Suz
Source: http://www3.backstreet.net/www.cgi?x=show&d=news&i=010804-0000-10&c=6
Author: Lisa Tramontana, Newsfeatures staff writer
Topic: Summer 2001 Concert Review
After two hours and four opening acts, it was long past bedtime for most of this crowd of 5- to 12-year-olds. But that didn't stop them from screaming, jumping and dancing nonstop when Aaron Carter finally bounded onto the stage Tuesday night at the Centroplex.
With his megawatt smile, floppy blonde hair and tireless energy, 13-year-old Aaron Carter played to a nearly sold-out crowd with his addictive blend of hip-hop, pop and rock. Tunes like "Bounce," "I Want Candy" and "That?s How I Beat Shaq" kept the kids (many dressed like mini-Britneys and little Backstreet Boys) wired for most of the night.
A few surprises heightened the magic of the show, titled Aaron's Party. Older brother, Nick, one of the super-hot Backstreet Boys, made an unscheduled appearance, singing two solos and two duets with his little brother. During their performance, a giant screen over the stage showed home movies of the brothers. It was a nice touch to a concert that parents seemed to enjoy as much as their children.
Making the night even more memorable for this crowd -- many of whom were attending their first music concert -- was the fact that the event was being filmed for later broadcast on Pay-Per-View.
Taking full advantage of the television opportunity, Carter made several costume changes -- from a shiny silver chain-mail shirt to an American flag jersey, to alien garb and finally, basketball uniform.
The filming led to at least one glitch, when the show came to a sudden halt about halfway through so cameramen could change the film.
Through it all, Carter's vocal performance was strong, whether he was rapping or serenading. He had the street-smart strut down to a science, and never seemed to tire of the highly-synchronized moves required during many of his songs.
Best of all, he was able to light up the stage with nothing more than his upbeat personality. His music ranges from salsa-flavored to reggae to rock 'n' roll, but the common denominator of his songs are their catchy hooks and danceable flavor.
Opening acts Nonny, Myra, The A-Teens and Carter's sister Leslie, got the audience pumped up, but like a cheerleader at a pep rally, Carter kept them that way throughout an unforgettable party.
As was expected, he saved his biggest hits for last, after introducing the audience to a few songs from his upcoming CD, "Oh, Aaron," which will be released Aug. 7.
Though he must have been exhausted, Carter proved to be a real trooper after the concert ended.
Most of the audience filed out at 11 p.m., but Carter, and a few hundred die-hard fans, remained until after midnight while the young singer re-performed three songs that needed improvement, due to lighting or camera angles, for the Pay-Per-View telecast.
