Mary J. Blige continues to prove that she’s a once-in-a-lifetime caliber of an artist. It’s been five years since the Grammy award-winning, Oscar-nominated vocalist has last headlined a tour, but based on Saturday’s turnout at the Greensboro Coliseum, she hasn’t missed a beat, or two-step. 

Auntie Mary and her signature thigh-high boots made their way to Greensboro, North Carolina for opening night of the Good Morning Gorgeous tour. With support from famed R&B singer/media personality Queen Naija and Grammy-winner Ella Mai, the sold-out show was filled with music that’s hard not to sing along to. 

From Naija’s opening set (which featured some of her biggest hits: “Butterflies, Pt.2,” “Pack Lite,” and “Karma”) to Ella Mai’s near-flawless and breathtaking falsetto, R&B is alive and well. However, as evidenced by the “turn down your bass” chants from the floor seat ticket-holders in row 1, concertgoers developed a love-hate relationship with Mai’s performance, mainly because they couldn’t hear her voice over the booming stage monitors.

Mai went on to perform a medley of fan-favorite songs (“Not Another Love Song,” “DFMU”) from her critically acclaimed sophomore album, Heart On My Sleeve – and of course her breakout hit, “Boo’d Up.”

The turning point in the night came moments before MJB graced the stage. Anticipation for Mary’s headlining set peaked as fans screamed in excitement once the lights started to dim low. Almost 30 years into her career and everyone is still psyched to see the “I’m Goin’ Down” composer. Fans braved long lines, standing shoulder to shoulder on the crowded arena floor just to witness history in action.

MJB started out with some of the newer tracks from her fourteenth studio album, Good Morning Gorgeous. As she slowly transitioned into more of her anthemic releases (“Not Gon’ Cry,” “Real Love,” and “Be Happy”), the rowdy but good-natured crowd became overwhelmed with emotion as they marveled at Mary’s showmanship. She understood the assignment and knew what the public wanted to see, delivering a performance that’s second to none. 

Presented by Hologic and powered by Black Promoters Collective, the Good Morning Gorgeous tour is on pace for a 23-city run with subsequent concerts across North America.

Check out photos from opening night of Mary J. Blige’s Good Morning Gorgeous tour below.